Our Favourite Festive Activities

The Christmas lights are twinkling, the shops are stocked with mince pies and pigs in blankets, and festive music is blasting everywhere we go. Belfast has fully embraced the upcoming festive season!

Luckily there’s lots of fun (and cost-effective) ways to get into the Christmas spirit, so here’s some of our favourite ones:

Belfast has quite a few markets during the festive period where you can find lots of local and international traders selling artisan and seasonal handcrafted wares. It’s the perfect space to do a bit of window shopping, treat yourself or purchase some presents!

If you need some inspiration, here’s a few of our favourites:

• Christmas Markets at Belfast City Hall: Sat 15 Nov to Mon 22 Dec. Admission Free. 
• Christmas Twilight Market at St. George’s Market: Tues 25 to Wed 26 Nov, 4-10pm. Admission Free.
• Festive Fayre at Titanic Belfast: Sat 29 – Sun 30 Nov, Sat 6 – Sun 7,Sat 13 – Sun 14, Sat 22 – Sun 23 Dec, 11am-3pm. Admission Free.

If you, or someone you know has a streaming service you could organise a Christmas movie night at home with your roommates or friends, but if you feel like heading out lots of businesses will be hosting screenings of your festive favourites!

• Queen’s Film Theatre Christmas Screenings
• Let’s Go Hydro Drive-in Christmas Screenings
• Treehouse Rooftop Movie Nights

Many of the main shopping centres as well as other retail outlets will start to stay open later in the run up to Christmas Day, giving you extra time to secure some presents.

You can check out their operational hours here and don’t forget as a student at Queen’s you can avail of many student discounts!

It wouldn’t be Christmas without carols – the traditional festive songs that, in some cases, can be traced back hundreds of years. 

The Waterfront Hall is hosting a festive celebration on December 6th. Featuring your favourite carols, accompanied by the Mulholland Organ, and with a variety of festive music and song to get your Christmas season off to the perfect start.

If you’d prefer a cozy evening, why not attend a Christmas by Candlelight Concert! Both St. Anne’s Cathedral and The Ulster Hall are hosting evenings filled with Christmas classics. 

The festive period is also a time to give back to the local community, help others and spread some joy. Giving to charity is one way of extending that warm feeling of doing something good for other people.

If you’d like some volunteering inspiration, this year students can volunteer at our Santa Run and Elf Walk! Whether you’d like to help participants register for the event, or act as a walking buddy for those partaking in the Elf Walk; there’s something for everyone!

From taking part in a festive 5k for Action Mental Health at Ormeau Park, or volunteer at the Ulster Folk Museum’s Christmas events, there are plenty of opportunities on offer!

But if they don’t sound like a bit of you, we have other volunteering taster sessions and info stalls that you can check out on our what’s on page. We also have a network of over 500 organisations that welcome student volunteers. Our friendly team at SU Volunteer can help match you to your perfect role, you can contact them at su.volunteer@qub.ac.uk, or check out Volunteer Now for more opportunities!

The holiday season can be costly, luckily at the Students’ Union we are hosting a lot of free events in the run-up to Christmas. 

From decorating a mini Christmas tree, festive mascot racing, or creating your very own Winter Warmer Box, the SU has plenty of cozy Christmas events for you to take part in, and embrace the festive spirit! (Who knows, we may even treat you to a hot chocolate while you’re at it). 

You can check out our what’s on page for our full listing of events in December.

We know the festive period isn’t always jolly, which is why it’s important to take care of your mental wellbeing throughout the Christmas celebrations.

Whether you’re unable to head home for the holidays (or maybe you’re nervous about doing so) or simply winding down from a stressful exam season, there are plenty of ways to reduce any anxieties you may have. We’d recommend letting off some steam by socialising, taking a winter walk, volunteering (and maybe even treating yourself to something on your Christmas wish list!). 

Remember, self-care can be small and basic. It can include making sure you’re eating and sleeping well, or a chat with a close friend. It comes in many shapes and sizes, and is unique to you. 

For further support, check out Mental Health UK, and Student Minds.

• Pace Yourself: Mulled wine, Baileys, Amaretto sours… the holiday season is known for it’s festive drinks. Make sure to sip your drinks slowly to enjoy them without overdoing it and drink some water between rounds to stay hydrated. Keep an eye on your drink, and never accept one from someone you don’t know.
• Eat Before and While Drinking: A good meal can slow alcohol absorption and help you feel better the next day- the perfect time to try out the Union Bar’s festive chip or pizza!
• Plan Your Transport: Arrange a safe way to get home, such as a taxi, rideshare, or designated driver- and don’t forget Translink will be running late night services
• Stick with Friends: Stay with a trusted group, and look out for one another throughout the night.
• Keep Your Phone Charged: Make sure your phone is fully charged before you go out so you can stay connected with your group.

Whatever you choose to do this festive season, we hope it’s safe, merry and bright!