Belfast set for a ‘Wicked’ Christmas lights switch-on at City Hall

(L-R) Lara Harding (aged 9), Mrs Claus, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly, Santa Claus and Rosa Harding (aged 7) got together to promote the annual lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall.

Belfast is gearing up for a “Wicked” start to the festive season with the city’s annual Christmas lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 15 November.

The much-anticipated event will be hosted by Cool FM presenters Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross, alongside Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly, who will lead the celebrations and officially light up the city for Christmas.

Free tickets for the event will be available from 10am on Tuesday 4 November via visitbelfast.com on a first-come, first-served basis, with a second release at 7pm that evening. Each booking will be limited to five tickets.

Star Performances and Festive Fun

(L-R) Lara Harding (aged 9), Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly and Rosa Harding (aged 7) got together to promote the annual lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall

Councillor Kelly expressed her excitement for the event, saying:

“I can’t wait to switch on the lights and help get everyone into the Christmas spirit. These free tickets will be in high demand, so get ready to snap them up straight away!

“We’ve got a fabulous programme with a captivating performance from the incredibly talented Rachel Tucker. And Belfast’s own world-welterweight boxing champ Lewis Crocker will be joining the Cool FM team on stage.”

The entertainment line-up promises an evening of family fun, featuring the Avenue Arts Academy, the Donegall Road Primary School Choir, Sandy Row Falcons, BA Collective Dance Duo, the O’Hara Sisters, and St Agnes Choral Society, who will bring the event to a rousing close.

“Heartwarming performances from the amazing Avenue Arts Academy are sure to get you in the mood for Christmas,” added Councillor Kelly.

“Breathtaking high energy performances from cheerleaders the Sandy Row Falcons and BA Collective Dance Duo will get you in the festive spirit, while the dazzling O’Hara Sisters are sure to keep the party going. Closing the show, St Agnes Choral Society will have us all singing our hearts out too.”

Christmas Market and Winter’s Den Return

Lara Harding and Dara Campbell (both aged 9) are getting excited ahead of the annual lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall

The Belfast Christmas Market will also open at 12 noon on the same day, while the city’s Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue will host six weeks of free festive entertainment.

Councillor Kelly added that this year’s celebrations would include new decorations and improved late-night transport options:

“Plans are also taking shape for more late-night transport and the city will be lit up with new decorations too, so this year is the perfect opportunity to come into city centre and make festive memories with family and friends.”

Community Celebration with Cool FM

(L-R) Pete Snodden Cool FM, Lara Harding (aged 9), Rebecca McKinney Cool FM, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly, Paulo Ross Cool FM and Rosa Harding (aged 7) got together to promote the annual lights switch-on, with a sleigh load of family fun at Belfast City Hall

Stuart Robinson, Content Director at Bauer Media Audio NI, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted that Cool FM is once again part of Belfast City Council’s Christmas Lights Switch On — one of the city’s most magical family traditions. It’s always a fantastic night that brings the whole community together to celebrate the start of the festive season.

“We can’t wait to help light up Belfast and spread some Christmas cheer with amazing local talent and plenty of festive fun!”

Event Details

The Christmas lights switch-on event will last around an hour, with gates opening at 6pm and the show beginning at 6.30pm. City centre road closures will be in place from earlier in the afternoon, and those attending are encouraged to use public transport and allow extra time for travel.

Tickets for the wheelchair-accessible viewing platform can be booked in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or by calling 028 9024 6609 from 10am on Tuesday 4 November. Each accessible booking will be limited to two tickets.

For full details on the switch-on and other festive events across the city, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas.