As the cooler months approach, Belfast is lighting up with a fantastic calendar of events throughout autumn and winter 2025, offering something for everyone in our North Belfast community to enjoy across the city. From festive family fun to enriching cultural experiences and opportunities for community connection, there's plenty to get involved with.
Festive Cheer Across Belfast
Get into the holiday spirit with these wonderful Christmas-themed events:
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Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall: A beloved annual tradition, the festive market returns to the beautiful grounds of City Hall. Explore stalls, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the atmosphere from Saturday 15 November to Monday 22 December 2025. This is a free event for all.
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Santa’s Post Office at 2 Royal Avenue: Bring the little ones to 2 Royal Avenue where they can design and send their special letters to Santa. This magical experience runs from Sunday 16 November to Sunday 21 December 2025 (closed on Monday 15 December) and is completely free.
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Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue: Also at 2 Royal Avenue, discover an enchanting winter wonderland on various dates throughout December 2025. It promises a captivating experience for all ages.
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Music Programme: Under a Christmas Sky: Enjoy a magical programme of live Christmas music every weekend from Thursday 4 December to Sunday 14 December. These festive performances will take place at various locations across the city centre, bringing cheer to your shopping trips.
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Big Bauble Showcase at Craft NI Gallery: Visit Craft NI Gallery from Thursday 6 November to Tuesday 30 December 2025 for an exhibition of festive, unique baubles, perfect for finding that special decoration or gift. This is a free exhibition.
Immerse Yourself in Arts & Culture
Belfast’s vibrant arts scene offers several captivating exhibitions:
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Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) Annual Exhibition: Explore over 300 stunning works of art at this free exhibition at the Ulster Museum. Running from Sunday 19 October 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, it also features a special showcase from Craft NI.
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Art Unwrapped 2025 at Ulster University Art Gallery: Discover a unique exhibition where a painting from the Ulster Museum's collection is specially highlighted. This free event runs from Thursday 27 November to Tuesday 23 December 2025.
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THE GIFT at Craft NI Gallery: From Thursday 6 November 2025 to Saturday 31 January 2026, the Craft NI Gallery presents an exhibition of handcrafted, unique works – ideal for finding distinctive gifts. Admission is free.
Community and Wellbeing Focus
Connect with your community and enjoy activities designed for all:
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Age Friendly Activities in Belfast: Belfast is proud to be an age-friendly city, and throughout the year, older adults can enjoy a variety of free activities at various locations across the city.
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Age Friendly Walks: Looking for a gentle way to stay active and connect with others? Join the Age Friendly walks, taking place on various dates and locations, offering a relaxed and social way to explore.
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Bring a Little Light Festival: Wandsworth Community Association invites you to their annual 'Bring a Little Light Festival', running from Wednesday 5 November to Saturday 6 December 2025 at Wandsworth Community Centre. This free community festival promises warmth and engagement for everyone.