It's the festive season again which means Belfast Christmas Market is in full swing.
The market opened on November 19 at Belfast City Hall and thousands have already passed through its iconic gates.
In total, more than a million people are expected to visit the Belfast Christmas Market this year.
Read more: Photos show friends enjoying the start of festivities at Belfast Christmas Market
Allan Hartwell, managing director of Market Place Europe Ltd, said: “We’re delighted that once again the sights and sounds of the Belfast Christmas Market will form a focal point for the city centre during the festive season, having just been awarded the contract for a further three years we have made a renewed investment in the market to make sure it feels as special as ever.”
Belfast Christmas Market is supporting one of the Lord Mayor’s charities, Pretty n Pink. The breast cancer charity works to support people affected by breast cancer across Northern Ireland, providing financial support and services to patients with breast cancer and their families.
Lord Mayor Tina Black said: “I’m very proud to announce Pretty n Pink as one of my charities for the year, and I’m so pleased that it will be supported by visitors to Santa’s Grotto at the Christmas Market, at City Hall.
"The charity does such amazing work, and over the years has supported so many families who are going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, so this is a great way for people to give something back and people can be assured their donations are going to a fantastic cause."
Below is everything you need to know about Belfast Christmas Market 2022
When does Belfast Christmas Market start?
The market started on November 19 and runs until December 22, 2022, at 6pm.
What time is Belfast Christmas Market open?
Monday – Wednesday, 10am – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 10pm
Sunday, 12noon – 6pm
What vendors are at Belfast Christmas Market?
As well as even more local flavour, the market still offers something a little bit different with 21 nationalities from all over the world bringing all sorts of unusual foods and gift ideas.
This includes crêpes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkgrill, Spanish paella and sweets from Italy.
Visitors can also treat themselves to the well known 'Hug in a Mug' of Gluhwein from the prize winning Kochem vineyard located in the Mosel Valley, Germany, or end the day in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks to get even more into the Christmas spirit.
This year the food court at the Market with bench style seating makes a return, as does the carousel and vintage Helter Skelter, offering views across the market.
Support for local food and craft has increased with a number of St George’s Market traders joining in. Some local favorites will also be returning including Pappas Minerals and Tapitas, Rossi’s Ice Cream and the Toasted Marshmallow stall.
This year the winners of the Jolly Big Business Boost competition (previously Pitch Perfect), judged by the Gourmet Boys, are The Little Salty Seahorse, offering hand crafted pictures and trinkets made from seaglass and pebbles.
Let us know your favourite things about the Christmas market or share some memories of festive years gone by in the city. Let us know in the comments.
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