How old is Belfast Christmas Market?

The Belfast Christmas Market, located at the City Hall, was first established in 2004. As of the 2025/2026 festive season, it is in its 21st or 22nd year, having started as a pilot event with 28 stalls. It is now a major annual attraction, typically featuring over 100 international and local traders.

When did Belfast Christmas Market start?

One of Northern Ireland's most popular festive events, the Belfast Christmas Market was first operated by Market Place in 2004 when Belfast City Council asked Market Place to run a pilot event that hosted 28 stalls in the gardens of the Belfast City Hall.

Where is the oldest Christmas Market in the UK?

The oldest Christmas market is in Lincoln.

Set against the backdrop of Lincoln's stunning cathedral, it feels like stepping back in time. The market was inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and has grown to feature over 200 stalls.

Which is the oldest Christmas Market in the world?

The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the first genuine Christmas markets in the world. Founded as a one-day market in 1434, it celebrated its 590th anniversary in 2024. Its 240 stands attract about 3 million visitors from all over the world.

What is the oldest market in Belfast?

St George's Market is one of Belfast's oldest attractions and one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. Only open Fri, Sat & Sun. There has been a Friday market on the St George's site since 1604. The present award-winning St George's Market, built between 1890 and 1896, is one of Belfast's oldest attractions.

BELFAST Christmas Market - OUTRAGEOUS Prices? or Affordable?

What is the oldest thing in Belfast?

The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building – dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded spirit warehouse from 1921. It was then known as 'STACK N' – a reference to its position on the north side of Waring Street – and still bears a giant red painted 'N' on its brick façade.

What is the oldest market town in the UK?

Archaeological evidence suggests that Colchester is England's oldest recorded market town, dating to at least the time of the Roman occupation of Britain's southern regions. Another ancient market town is Cirencester, which held a market in late Roman Britain.

What is the most famous Christmas Market in the UK?

Bath Christmas Market is one of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe and the Best Christmas Market in the UK, set in the heart of Bath's UNESCO World Heritage city. Nestled among the cobbled streets and historic landmarks like Bath Abbey, it provides a magical, romantic atmosphere.

What is the original Christmas Market?

Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and one of the first true Christmas markets; earlier markets of the season were "December markets". Early mentions of these "December markets" can be found in Vienna (1298), Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384), and Frankfurt (1393).

Where is the prettiest Christmas Market?

There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
 

When was Christmas forbidden in the UK?

In 1647 Parliament passed an Ordinance which resulted in the complete abolition of Christmas celebrations. That the said Feast of the Nativity of Christ, Easter and Whitsuntide and all other Festival days, commonly called Holy-dayes, be no longer observed … within this Kingdom of England …

Where is Europe's oldest Christmas Market?

Since 1570, the Strasbourg Christmas Market has been turning the city into a winter wonderland. With its four centuries of tradition, it's the oldest Christmas market in France, and one of the oldest in Europe!

How good is Belfast Christmas Market?

One of the longest running Christmas markets in Ireland, they've been attracting locals and tourists alike since 2004! The Christmas markets in Belfast bring a festive buzz to the city with plenty to see and do during the 4.5 weeks that they run for.

How old is the city of Belfast?

Belfast dates back to the early 17th century and although it's a relatively young settlement, it's Northern Ireland's largest city and Ireland's second-largest city.

What is the oldest Christmas market in the UK?

Lincoln Christmas Market was the first Christmas market in the United Kingdom. It was first held in 1982, after Council Leader, Jim Sullivan, Bob Hodson and Charles Ireland visited Neustadt an der Weinstrasse (Lincoln's twin town) and were impressed by the Neustadt Christmas Market.

What is the number one Christmas market in Europe?

Salzburg, Austria

If you're looking for a traditional Christmas market, Salzburg should be top of your list.

What is the least Christmassy town in the UK?

Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

15 Most Enchanting Christmas Towns Around the World

• Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)
• Leavenworth, Washington, USA.
• Colmar, France.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
• Strasbourg, France.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• McAdenville, North Carolina, USA ("Christmas Town USA")
• Bruges, Belgium.

What is the prettiest small town in the UK?

Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England and one of the most beautiful towns in the Cotswolds. Walking through this village truly feels like stepping back in time; no new houses have been built here for over 400 years, so it has kept its authentic, old-world charm.

What is the oldest city still standing today?

Considered by many archaeologists to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Jericho boasts settlements dating back 11,000 years. Located in the Jordan Valley, it is a place of extraordinary historical and religious importance.

What is Britain's oldest town?

Colchester is said to be the oldest recorded town in Britain on the grounds that it was mentioned by Pliny the Elder, who died in AD 79, although the Celtic name of the town, Camulodunon appears on coins minted by tribal chieftain Tasciovanus in the period 20–10 BC.

What is the oldest bloodline in England?

The 4 Oldest Families in England

• Berkeley family. Time period/year founded: 12th century. Lineage: Anglo-Saxon. ...
• Arden Family. Time period/year founded: 11th century. Lineage: Anglo-Saxon. ...
• Clan Swinton. Time period/year founded: 11th century. Lineage: Anglo-Saxon. ...
• Grindlay Family. Time period/year founded: 850. Lineage: Anglo-Saxon.