Whether you’re going home for the holidays or staying here, there are plenty of things to do to get you in the Christmas spirit in and around Belfast.
1. Visit the Christmas Market
The City Hall Christmas Market is a staple of Belfast’s culture. Head down with friends, family or by yourself to try delicious food, and enjoy the beer tents and pretty lights.
2. Make a Festive Dinner
Sit down with your housemates and friends to collab on a festive dinner. Have each person be responsible for a food item and bring it together to create a big dinner you can enjoy together.
3. Catch a Show
Around the holidays there are lots of pantomimes and theatre productions. From amateur to professional level, nothing says winter holidays like watching a show.
4. Take photos in Joy’s Entry
A free festive activity for you and your friends is to head down to Joy Entry and take some photos in their gorgeous holiday scene. This alleyway is hidden near Victoria Square and around the holidays it is always beautifully decorated so make sure you take a trip down and take some cute pictures with your friends.
5. Do a Christmas Light Walk
The whole city lights up from the end of November. This is another excellent free holiday activity, grab some friends and a hot chocolate and walk through the city following the lights, taking in the gorgeous displays.
6. Find the Best Hot Chocolate in Belfast
Winter is the perfect time for hot chocolate and around the holidays there are even more options than usual, including flavoured ones at the Christmas Markets. Why not spend the run-up to the holidays trying to find your favourite hot chocolate of the year?
7.Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is definitely a Christmas-time tradition, head down to the SSE arena in Titanic quarter and try out skating to really get in the holiday spirit. Book your tickets here.
8. Volunteer
Winter can be a really hard time for many people, and there are lots of ways we can give back. You can get involved with the local community with SU Volunteer, or join RAG and help them with their chosen charities HomePlusNI and Pure Mental NI.
9. Clubs & Society Events
Lots of Clubs & Societies will be wrapping up the first semester with a society social. Whether that’s a night out, karaoke or even a Christmas dinner, there are many ways to round out the semester with friends so make sure you keep an eye on their social media to see what’s coming up and how to get involved!
10. Get involved in Events
There are plenty of festive events going on, especially in the accommodation blocks. Make sure you keep an eye on your emails and social media so you’re up to date with all the best events you can take part in.
We know the holidays can be hard so please be sure to look after your mental and physical health. Reach out if you need support by contacting QUB Wellbeing or Nightline.
