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Discover the people, places and experiences that make the city sparkle during the festive season with our city-wide campaign.
This campaign is supported by our council and partners including Translink, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Visit Belfast, Belfast Chamber and the city’s three Business Improvement Districts - Belfast One, Linen Quarter and Cathedral Quarter.
It will use our social media platforms, website and other communications channels to highlight the range of events on offer across the city this Christmas, including family experiences, hidden gems and independent businesses.
Look out too for stories celebrating all those who help Belfast shine during the festive season, personal recommendations from our residents and local businesses and practical information on planning a day or night out in the city.
Follow our social media channels - @belfastcitycouncil on both Facebook and Instagram – and use #UnwrapBelfast to keep updated.
| Event title | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Lights Switch-on | Saturday 14 November | Belfast City Hall |
| The Christmas Keepers: Belfast's Festive Mischief | Saturday 14 November to Sunday 20 December 2026 | 2 Royal Avenue and locations across Belfast city centre |
| Belfast Christmas Market | Saturday 14 November to Tuesday 22 December | Belfast City Hall |
| Belfast City 5K Festive Fun Run | Sunday 15 November 2026 | Starting at Belfast City Hall |
| Santa’s Post Office | Sunday 15 November to Sunday 20 December 2025 | 2 Royal Avenue |
| Belfast Music Christmas Programme | Friday 19 November to Saturday 19 December | Various locations across Belfast city centre |
| Christmas Twilight Market | Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November 2026, 4pm to 10pm | St George's Market |
Some of our services and venue opening hours may be affected during the Christmas and New Year period. Check when your bin will be collected or when our offices are open. This page will be updated as information becomes available.
We publish information on all of our car parks, including holiday arrangements, to help you plan your parking before you leave.
Find all our city centre car parks
We operate and maintain public toilets in Belfast city centre and disabled access is available at 13 of our 14 public toilets.
City Hall has a Changing Places facility. View opening hours and access arrangements.
Most of us produce extra waste over the festive period, so it is important to know what goes in your bin, when your bin will be collected and what you can recycle, including Christmas trees, wrapping paper, crackers and Christmas cards.
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