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Date: 12 November 2026
Belfast is inviting residents, businesses and communities to discover the people, places and experiences that make the city sparkle with a new city-wide campaign – Unwrap Belfast at Christmas.
Led by Belfast City Council and supported by partners across the city, the campaign showcases Belfast as a welcoming, vibrant and inclusive destination, while encouraging people to explore everything the city has to offer over the festive season.
From magical family experiences and live music to local independent businesses, hidden gems and community champions, the campaign will shine a spotlight on the many layers of Belfast just waiting to be discovered this Christmas.
Launching today, the campaign invites residents to discover a bumper programme of festive events across the city, starting with the city’s annual lights switch-on event this Saturday 14 November from 6.30pm (gates open at 6pm).
Saturday also sees the opening of the Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall from 12pm, along with Santa’s arrival parade, through the city centre to CastleCourt, also from 12pm. On Sunday morning, the sold-out Belfast City 5K Fun Run departs from City Hall at 9am, while Santa’s post office – operated by Belfast One BID – opens its doors at 2 Royal Avenue from 10am to 5pm.
The Unwrap Belfast at Christmas campaign builds on the strong partnership between organisations during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with partners coming together to promote the city at its busiest time of the year.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said: “With festive preparations now well underway across the city and the Christmas tree taking pride of place at City Hall, Belfast is inviting everyone to unwrap what makes the city so special at this time of year.
“Tríd an fheachtas seo, ba mhaith linn go mbainfidh an méid daoine agus is féidir sult as áilleacht, cairdiúlacht agus atmaisféar na cathrach ag am speisialta seo den bhliain, agus go gcruthóidh siad cuimhní cinn le chéile. Bí linn agus bí ag tacú lenár ngnólachtaí áitiúla, bain sult as an chlár imeachtaí iontach agus na heispéireas a mbeidh ar fáil, agus déan ceiliúradh ar mhuintir fháilteach Bhéal Feirste.
“Through this campaign, we want as many people as possible to enjoy the colour, warmth and atmosphere of our city and create memories together. Come in and support our local businesses, enjoy the fantastic programme of events and experiences on offer, and celebrate the people who help to make Belfast such a welcoming place.
“Whether you’ve lived here all your life, or you’re visiting Belfast city centre for the first time in a long time, there is always something new waiting to be discovered, or a story to celebrate which highlights the warmth and compassion our city is famous for.”
Following on from Saturday’s switch-on event, the Unwrap Belfast at Christmas campaign will feature stories from the city’s traders, artists, volunteers, hospitality, retail and transport workers, musicians, community groups and residents, while highlighting festive events, family activities, city experiences and recommendations from some of the people who know Belfast best.
Look out too for stories celebrating the individuals who help make Belfast shine throughout the festive season and get involved by sharing your own personal memories and favourite Christmas experiences from the city over the years.
The council will also share acts of generosity, volunteering and community spirit from across the city on its social media channels, while partners – including the three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Translink, Police Service of Northern Ireland and Belfast Chamber – will use #UnwrapBelfast to suggest hidden gems, independent businesses and new experiences to their audiences.
The campaign will also provide practical information to help plan a festive visit into the city, including shareable itineraries for days and nights out, transport info, late-night shopping hours and details of Christmas activities taking place right across the city.
Those living outside the city will also be invited to ‘Make It a Belfast Christmas’ with dedicated NI and ROI-wide marketing activity, led by Visit Belfast and part-funded by the council, highlighting everything the city has in store and showcasing Belfast’s wider retail, events and hospitality offering to potential overnight visitors and day trippers.
Residents and businesses can get involved in the Unwrap Belfast at Christmas campaign and discover what’s on at belfastcity.gov.uk/Christmas, follow the council on Facebook and Instagram (@belfastcitycouncil) and use #UnwrapBelfast