Clandeblog Belfast Christmas Shopping Guide 2023
Planning a Christmas shopping trip to Belfast? We've created the ultimate Belfast Christmas Shopping Guide for 2023.
Belfast is great for Christmas shopping - with it’s expansive shopping centres, high street stores, and the unmissable Belfast Christmas Market! Plus, there's even more reason to be merry: earlier plans to scale down the Christmas lights in Belfast have been scrapped! Belfast will be as festive as ever with it’s traditional Christmas lights!
Shopping areas
Victoria Square
Located in the heart of the city, Victoria Square boasts 70+ shops and restaurants. With its iconic glass dome, Christmas tree and lights, you’ll feel the festive spirit as soon as you arrive. There's lots to be excited about with new shop openings to include Sculpted by Aimee, Sweaty Betty and The White Company. Don’t miss the annual Christmas lights switch on 12th November 2023! See the full list of shops.
CastleCourt
Located in Belfast city centre, CastleCourt offers a mix of high street brands and is home to the new luxury cinema, The Avenue.
Queen’s Arcade
Located in the heart of Belfast city centre's main shopping street, Queen's Arcade is a unique and luxury shopping experience. Discover world-renowned designer jewellery brands such as Rolex, Gucci and TAG Heuer - the perfect Christmas gift for that someone special. See the full list of shops.
Christmas markets
Belfast Christmas Market
Located in the grounds of the Belfast City Hall, the Belfast Christmas Market offers a variety of local and international products, food stalls, and even a Santa’s Grotto for the little ones. The Belfast Christmas Market is on from 18th November 2023 to 22nd December 2023.
St George’s Market
Open on weekends, this local Belfast market is a great place to find unique gifts. With stalls offering everything from local crafts, antiques, and gourmet food, it’s one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and one of the best markets in UK and Ireland. St George’s Market extends their opening hours during the Christmas season.
Local & unique shops
Born & Bred
Located on Ann Street, Born & Bred is a unique treasure trove of local handmade products. With three floors of the best in creative Irish talent, you can browse arts, crafts, gifts and homeware. If you're hunting for an authentic Northern Irish keepsake this Christmas, look no further!
Avoca
This iconic Irish brand, located on Arthur Street, is perfect for special Christmas gifts, from handwoven throws to artisan foods. It also boasts a delicious café to fuel up for more Christmas shopping!
Sawers
Sawers, located on College Street, is renowned for its gourmet foods and treats. Described as an Aladdin's Cave of culinary delights, you’ll find classics from around the world to local artisan producers right here in Northern Ireland. Their beloved Christmas hampers make for a great foodie gift!
Where to stay for Christmas shopping in Belfast
After your Christmas shopping in Belfast, unwind with us here at Clandeboye Lodge. We're just 15 minutes from the city, but it feels a world away in the peaceful County Down countryside.
As you come in from the cold, you’ll be welcomed with a heartwarming embrace of twinkling decorations and a crackling log fire. Our on-site Coq & Bull brasserie offers a local and seasonal Christmas menu, and the stylish and cosy bedrooms and suites provide the perfect place to relax.
Why not treat yourself to our Christmas stay package, Luxe Festive Retreat, available from 1st November 2023 to 31st January 2024? It includes 1 night B&B, 3-course dinner, glass of prosecco and a gift box of luxe treats.
Getting around Belfast
Belfast city centre offers plenty of parking spots, including multi-storey car parks and convenient on-street parking. Both Victoria Square and CastleCourt offer their own parking facilities, including EVC facilities. Additionally, there are multiple other city centre car parks, including Saint Anne's Square, Donegall Quay and NCP, to name a few. You can view a list of all car parks here.
There's also great public transport links to get around the city centre. This includes Translink's train and metro services. For easy planning and ticket purchase, we recommend using Translink’s journey planner or their user-friendly app.
Top tip: If you own an electric vehicle, why not charge it at Clandeboye Lodge and hop on the train for an easy and stress free journey into Belfast city centre?
Belfast Christmas shopping FAQs
What is the main shopping street in Belfast?
The main shopping street in Belfast is Royal Avenue. It is home to various high street brands such as Primark and H&M. A short walk from Royal Avenue will also bring you to Donegall Place, another main shopping street with shops such as Zara, Stradivarius and Boots.
What are Belfast shops opening hours on a Sunday?
On Sundays, shops in Belfast typically open from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Where can I do late night shopping in Belfast?
Belfast offers late-night shopping mainly on Thursdays. On this day, many shops in the city centre, especially within major shopping centres like Victoria Square and CastleCourt, remain open until 9:00 pm. During the festive season, some shops might have extended late-night hours on additional days.
