Crowds gathered in the heart of the city, enjoying the first taste of the Christmas atmosphere, while shoppers earlier in the afternoon were greeted by the annual Santa’s Arrival Parade, which made its way down Donegall Place before concluding at CastleCourt on Royal Avenue.
Santa Claus and Mrs Claus
The eagerly anticipated Belfast Christmas Market also officially opened at noon in the grounds of Belfast City Hall and will run through to 22 December. It features more than 100 local and international traders and offers a wide selection of seasonal food, handcrafted goods and artisan products, including work from some of Belfast’s own artists and makers.
For the official light switch-on, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, was joined on stage by Cool FM breakfast presenters Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross as the city officially lit up for Christmas.
Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly with her family and special guest Lewis Crocker turning on the Christmas lights
Families enjoyed a packed programme of entertainment throughout the evening, with a line-up of performances that drew large crowds to the grounds of City Hall. Performances included the Donegall Road Primary School Choir and festive pieces from Avenue Arts Academy, while IBF world welterweight champion Lewis Crocker also took to the stage and was the person who actually turned on the lights.
Crowds were treated to routines from BA Collective Dance and an appearance by the Sandy Row Falcons, along with music from sisters Philippa and Jolene O’Hara. One of the highlights of the night was a performance by Belfast’s own West End star Rachel Tucker, who sang Defying Gravity from the show and now blockbuster film Wicked, the sequel of which is released in cinemas next week. The event closed with a finale from St Agnes’ Choral Society.
Anna Fyfe with her sister Katie and cousin Sinead McKeown
As the Christmas Market opened for its first weekend, crowds made their way through the stalls to sample food, browse gifts and soak up the atmosphere. Among them were Anna Fyfe, visiting with her sister Katie Fyfe and cousin Sinead McKeown from Ballymena and Cushendall, who travelled down to visit the market’s beer tents.
“We didn’t come from far, but we just decided to get the train down for a visit. We’re actually having a family night out so loads of us are joining us here for a few drinks,” said Anna.
Ciara McCormack, Ellen Dunleavy, Anne McCormack, Emma Daly and Anna Nolan from Dublin
“We wanted to come down for the first day just to see it all. I just had a Christmas fry which was lovely, but we’re having a great time,” said Sinead.
A group of friends from Dublin’s Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA, Camogie and Ladies Football Club also decided to make the trip to check out the first day of trading at the market, with teammates Ciara McCormack, Ellen Dunleavy, Anne McCormack, Emma Daly and Anna Nolan all soaking up the atmosphere.
Danielle Moore, Eirinn McCool and Lynn Hunter
“I’m the manager, and we decided to make the most of it and come up to Belfast for the weekend to check out the market,” said Anne, who is originally from Co Mayo.
“We’re hoping we’ll all be well behaved. But we’ve got the mulled wine going, so we’re leading by example. But it’s beautiful up here, it’s lovely, this is my third time here.”
“We’re really excited to be here. We’re hoping it’s a great night, but it’s a great atmosphere here,” said Ciara.
Rachel Tucker during the Christmas lights switch-on
Stallholders were also feeling the impact of the opening weekend, with Emma Goodman, owner of Haus of Hank, a Northern Ireland-based brand specialising in fashion-forward pet accessories, saying she had been overwhelmed by the footfall despite only opening hours previously.
“It’s been unreal, I have a great spot,” said Emma, who is returning to the market as a trader for the second year.
A performer during the Santa parade
“I would say it’s been about 70% tourists, a lot from the south, and then 30% local people coming to my stall. But if it keeps going the way it’s been here tonight and this afternoon, then it’ll be another successful year here.
“I was actually going to open a shop last year, but the buzz of being here last year to trade actually changed my mind. It gave me the buzz of market trading, so I’m sticking with it instead.”
Becky Gibson, owner of Mini Stitcher, a baby apparel stall, also said the response from shoppers had been strong from early morning. Her stall was awarded to her after she was named Young Trader of the Year for Northern Ireland as part of the NMTF Federation.
The Santa parade
“They run it every year, and it’s a competition across NI, England, Scotland and Wales, so I’m here because of that.
“I make the baby clothes, and all the patterns are also from small businesses, so it’s a joint effort from all small businesses in one. But it’s been so busy. I’m really enjoying myself, people are still getting their footing, looking around and gauging what they want to buy, but I’m in a great spot.”
An elf on stilts
Across the grounds, couple Laura Conneally from Co Meath and John Queally from Co Limerick said they had decided to combine a short trip to Belfast with a visit to the market.
“We specifically came up for the markets, because we were in Belfast last weekend, so we wanted to come back up and we’re going to a Belfast Giants game later on, so it’s been great,” said Laura.
The Christmas lights switch-on
Watch: Meet the traders at this year’s Belfast Christmas market
“I’ve had a gourmet burger already and it was unreal, so we’re having a great time. It also feels so big, like it’s a great space for all the stalls.
“We’ve also stocked up on chocolates and fudges as well, so we’re sorted,” she added.
Santa and Mrs Claus arriving at CastleCourt Shopping Centre
Derry girls Danielle Moore, Eirinn McCool and Lynn Hunter also stopped to chat as they browsed the stalls before heading to the beer tents.
“We are literally just off the bus from Derry, but we can’t wait to enjoy the markets and the beer tents. We just decided to come for the first day and make a good night out of it,” said Lynn.
Christmas lights switch on in Ballymena. Image: Pacemaker
Meanwhile, residents of Ballymena were also treated to a festive light-switch on by Mayor Jackson Minford and deputy Mayor Tyler Hoey.