Christmas markets · Northern Ireland
Christmas Markets in Northern Ireland 2026
5 Christmas markets in Northern Ireland, in 5 towns and cities: 4 of them have 2026 dates announced; for the rest we show last season's dates, marked as such. Best known: the markets of Belfast, Lisburn and Hillsborough.
5 markets · checked October 2026
5
Christmas markets in Northern Ireland
5
towns where we list markets
5
towns with a full guide
4 / 5
markets with 2026 dates announced
Belfast's Continental Christmas Market in the grounds of City Hall is Northern Ireland's biggest. Lisburn and Castlereagh Borough Council also runs short markets around Lisburn: Lisburn city centre in Bow Street and Market Square, the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market on the Dark Walk, and Carryduff. All are free to enter and held on one or two days in December 2026. In Derry~Londonderry the Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair, in its 20th year, takes place on 13 November 2026.
The best-known and prettiest Christmas markets in Northern Ireland
Picked by search interest, visitor reviews and our own verdict, the strongest market in each town. 2026 dates only where the organiser has confirmed them; otherwise last season's dates, marked as such.
Belfast
Belfast Continental Christmas Market
Christmas market
Last season: 15 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
A lively evening out in the centre of Belfast — also popular with day-trippers from Dublin.
🎉 With friends✨ Date nightLisburn
Lisburn Christmas Market
Weekend Christmas market
2026: Fri 4 Dec 2026, 2pm–8pm
A one-day council market — a short stop near Belfast.
🎉 With friends🧒 With kidsHillsborough
Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
Weekend Christmas market
2026: Fri 11 Dec 2026, 3pm–9pm and Sat 12 Dec 2026 (Saturday times to be confirmed)
A two-day market in a Georgian village — Friday opens until 9pm.
✨ Date night🎉 With friendsCarryduff
Carryduff Christmas Market
Weekend Christmas market
2026: Wed 16 Dec 2026, 4pm–8pm
A small one-evening neighbourhood market.
🎉 With friendsDerry~Londonderry
Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair
Weekend Christmas market
2026: Fri 13 Nov 2026, 10am–6pm
A one-day craft fair for Christmas gifts, in its 20th year.
🧒 With kids🎉 With friends
🧒 With kids
- Lisburn Christmas Market · Lisburn
- Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair · Derry~Londonderry
✨ Date night
- Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market · Hillsborough
- Belfast Continental Christmas Market · Belfast
🎉 With friends
- Lisburn Christmas Market · Lisburn
- Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market · Hillsborough
- Carryduff Christmas Market · Carryduff
- Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair · Derry~Londonderry
- Belfast Continental Christmas Market · Belfast
Christmas markets in Northern Ireland by town
All 5 Christmas markets in Northern Ireland: dates at a glance
Sorted by town, checked in October 2026. Each market links to its guide with opening times, how to get there and our verdict.
- BelfastBelfast Continental Christmas MarketLast season: 15 Nov – 22 Dec 2025Free entry.
- CarryduffCarryduff Christmas Market2026: Wed 16 Dec 2026, 4pm–8pmFree entry.
- Derry~LondonderryGuildhall Christmas Craft Fair2026: Fri 13 Nov 2026, 10am–6pmFree entry.
- HillsboroughRoyal Hillsborough Christmas Market2026: Fri 11 Dec 2026, 3pm–9pm and Sat 12 Dec 2026 (Saturday times to be confirmed)Free entry.
- LisburnLisburn Christmas Market2026: Fri 4 Dec 2026, 2pm–8pmFree entry.
Tips for your trip in Northern Ireland
- Lisburn is a short train ride from Belfast; Hillsborough and Carryduff are best reached by car or bus from Lisburn or Belfast.
- The council markets run only a day or two each, mostly in the evening: check the dates on each guide.
- Belfast's market is busiest on weekends and in the evenings: a weekday afternoon is calmer.
How we check the dates
Dates, prices and travel details come from the organisers and councils; ratings are from Google, as a guide only. Where the 2026 date is missing we show last season's, marked as such. Last checked in October 2026: opening times can change, so check the organiser's website before you travel.
Questions about Christmas markets in Northern Ireland
- When do the Christmas markets in Northern Ireland open in 2026?
- Only 4 of the 5 markets in Northern Ireland have announced 2026 dates. Until they do, each guide shows last year's dates, marked as last season's. Most Christmas markets open in mid to late November, and we add new dates as soon as an organiser confirms them. Announced so far: Lisburn Christmas Market: Fri 4 Dec 2026, 2pm–8pm; Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market: Fri 11 Dec 2026, 3pm–9pm and Sat 12 Dec 2026 (Saturday times to be confirmed); Carryduff Christmas Market: Wed 16 Dec 2026, 4pm–8pm.
- What is the best Christmas market in Northern Ireland?
- It depends what you like. Going by search interest, visitor reviews and our own verdict, the standouts in Northern Ireland are: Belfast Continental Christmas Market – In the grounds of Belfast City Hall; Lisburn Christmas Market – Artisan food producers and local makers; Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market – The Dark Walk setting. For a quieter visit pick a smaller town; the «with kids, for two, with friends» tags on each market say who it suits.
- How many Christmas markets are there in Northern Ireland?
- Our list currently has 5 Christmas markets and festive events in 5 towns and cities in Northern Ireland, 5 of them with a full city guide. We list markets announced by the council, the organiser or the tourist board, not one-day school or church stalls, so the real number is higher.
- Do you have to pay to enter the Christmas markets in Northern Ireland?
- Mostly no: the markets in Northern Ireland are free to walk around, and each guide says whether rides, ice rinks, grottos, parking or park and ride cost extra.
- How do I get to the Christmas markets in Northern Ireland?
- Belfast and Lisburn have railway stations. Hillsborough and Carryduff have no station, so they are a car or bus trip, and the council notes off-site parking for its markets; check its page before you go.
- Which Christmas markets in Northern Ireland are best for children?
- According to our guides: Lisburn Christmas Market (artisan food producers and local makers); Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair (Derry~Londonderry) (handmade Irish crafts). Some rides and grottos are paid; the guide for each market says which.
- Which Christmas markets in Northern Ireland are the most romantic?
- For an evening for two our guides point to Belfast Continental Christmas Market and Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market. Go around dusk or on a weekday, when it is less crowded.