Christmas in Belfast Twilight Tales and Tavern Stops

Belfast , United Kingdom

Christmas in Belfast Twilight Tales and Tavern Stops

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About this experience

Experience Belfast at Christmas as the city glows with festive lights and seasonal cheer. This seasonal special (with only 12 tours running in the 2025 season) is led by experienced Belfast guide Michael. Enjoy a relaxed walking tour filled with light-hearted stories, local legends, quirky characters, and Yuletide traditions that bring the city’s holiday season to life.

We’ll wander through the heart of Belfast, taking in highlights such as the Big Fish, Custom House, the historic Entries, the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast City Hall. Along the way, enjoy cosy tavern stops, hear the tales behind the streets, and discover how Belfast celebrates Christmas past and present.

Designed to be fun, friendly, and full of festive spirit, this tour is perfect for visitors and locals alike. Expect warmth, humour, and plenty of Christmas charm - a unique way to experience Belfast in December and soak up the atmosphere of the city at its most magical.

Available options

Christmas in Belfast Twilight Tales and Tavern Stops

What's included

Free entrance to all venues

Live Guide

Detailed itinerary

The Big Fish is a 10-metre ceramic mosaic celebrating Belfast’s history. Each tile features images and text from the city’s past, symbolising renewal by the River Lagan. Visitors can touch the tiles, explore local stories, and enjoy views of the waterfront where Belfast’s maritime heritage began.

Our next stop brings us to The Speaker, located beside the impressive Custom House. This striking sculpture celebrates Belfast’s tradition of public debate and civic life, capturing the spirit of a city that’s never been shy about sharing its voice.

After taking a moment here, we’ll continue on to our first watering hole in Belfast, an ideal spot to relax, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a taste of local hospitality.

We now make our way into the famous Belfast Entries, those narrow historic passageways that form some of the oldest surviving parts of the city. Once bustling shortcuts for merchants and sailors, the Entries are now filled with character, stories, and traditional pubs that capture Belfast’s authentic charm.

We’ll be stopping at Joy’s Entry, one of the most atmospheric lanes, especially festive at this time of year with its lights, music, and lively buzz. It’s the perfect place to experience the warm spirit of Belfast up close. We'll pay a visit to our second watering hole.

Stop 5

From here, we’ll dander through the Cathedral Quarter, a lively cultural hub known for its cobbled streets, art, and music. At Christmas, the whole area comes alive with a vibrant street scene and and that unmistakable Belfast buzz.

Stop 6

We’ll finish our journey at the magnificent Belfast City Hall, where the seasonal Belfast Christmas Market fills the grounds with lights, local crafts, global food stalls, and a wonderfully festive atmosphere, the perfect finale to our Belfast walk.

What's not included

No drink included, pay as you go

Food is not included, pay as you go if you wish (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

I will be in the compass rose directly in front of Belfast's Big Fish, just after the traffic lights. Look out for my bright blue backpack and festive Santa jumper!

About Belfast

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant city with a rich maritime, industrial, and political history. Known for its Titanic heritage, friendly locals, and dynamic cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of historical sites, modern attractions, and stunning natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Titanic Belfast

A world-class museum dedicated to the Titanic, offering interactive exhibits and a fascinating insight into Belfast's shipbuilding heritage.

Historical 2-3 hours £22-£26

Belfast Castle

A beautiful 19th-century castle set in the Cave Hill Country Park, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

St. George's Market

A historic market offering a variety of food, crafts, and entertainment. It's one of the few remaining Victorian markets in the UK.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free entry, food and crafts for purchase

Crumlin Road Gaol

A former Victorian prison that has been restored to its original condition, offering guided tours and insights into Belfast's criminal history.

Historical 1-2 hours £12-£15

Botanic Gardens

A beautiful public park featuring a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, as well as the Palm House and Tropical Ravine House.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ulster Fry

A hearty breakfast consisting of soda bread, potato bread, bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, eggs, and tomato.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Irish Stew

A traditional stew made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Chippey

A traditional fish and chip shop serving battered fish, chips, and various sides.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten

Belfast Bap

A soft, white bread roll filled with a sausage, bacon, or egg.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cave Hill Country Park Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Kayaking on Lough Neagh Strolling through Botanic Gardens Enjoying a spa day Sipping coffee in a trendy cafe Exploring the Ulster Museum Attending a performance at the Grand Opera House

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and sunniest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest tourist season.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Irish (Gaelic)
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) in winter, BST (UTC+1) in summer

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Belfast is generally safe, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis and check the fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Belfast International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) northwest of the city center
George Best Belfast City Airport • 3 km (2 miles) east of the city center

By train

Belfast Central Station, Belfast Lanyon Place Station

By bus

Belfast Europa Buscentre

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Belfast, with a comprehensive network covering the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Free Now, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cathedral Quarter Titanic Quarter Belfast City Centre Stranmillis The Ormeau Road

Day trips

Giant's Causeway

90 km (56 miles) • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a unique natural formation of interlocking basalt columns.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

70 km (43 miles) • Half day

A thrilling rope bridge spanning a 23-meter (75-foot) chasm, offering stunning views of the coastline.

Dunluce Castle

80 km (50 miles) • Half day

A dramatic medieval castle perched on a cliff, offering a glimpse into Northern Ireland's past.

Festivals

Belfast International Arts Festival • October Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival • May Belfast Mela • August

Pro tips

Take a black cab tour to learn about Belfast's history and political landscape from a local perspective.
Visit the Cathedral Quarter for a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and cultural venues.
Explore the Titanic Quarter, home to the Titanic Belfast museum and a variety of attractions.
Stroll through Botanic Gardens and visit the nearby Ulster Museum and Palm House.
Try local delicacies like the Ulster Fry and Belfast Bap at St. George's Market.