Free tickets for Belfast Christmas lights switch-on to be released next week
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, joins Santa’s elf Candy Plum and youngster Dessie to announces plans for Belfast’s Christmas lights switch-on for 2026.
Thursday 29 October 2026
Families planning a festive trip to Belfast can secure free tickets for the city's annual Christmas lights switch-on from next Tuesday, 3 November, with two separate ticket releases giving visitors a chance to attend.
The popular event returns to Belfast City Hall on Saturday 14 November, bringing an evening of live entertainment, music and Christmas celebrations as the city officially welcomes the festive season.
Belfast City Council has confirmed that tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with demand expected to be high.
When and how to book free tickets
Santa’s elves Bucky and Candy Plum join youngsters Dessie and Niyah to announce plans for Belfast’s Christmas lights switch-on.
Tickets will be released through visitbelfast.com at two times on Tuesday 3 November:
• First ticket release: 10am
• Second ticket release: 7pm
• Cost: Free
• Booking limit: Five tickets per booking
The two releases mean families who miss out in the morning will have another opportunity to secure tickets that evening.
Christmas lights switch-on times and entertainment
Santa’s elves Bucky and Candy Plum join youngster Niyah to announce plans for Belfast’s Christmas lights switch-on.
The main celebration takes place outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday 14 November, with Cool FM presenters Stuart Robinson and Melissa Riddell hosting alongside Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly.
• Date: Saturday 14 November 2026
• Venue: Belfast City Hall
• Gates open: 6pm
• Entertainment begins: 6.30pm
• Duration: Approximately one hour
The evening will feature a programme of performances from local choirs, dancers, theatre groups and entertainers.
A choir from Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, the Lord Mayor's former primary school, will open the show, while The Shamrocks and Avenue Arts Academy will perform a special version of 'Christmas in Belfast'.
Audiences can also look forward to appearances from Tumble Circus, Belvoir Players and The MAC, offering previews of their seasonal circus, pantomime and theatre productions.
The award-winning Quire Community Choir will perform a classic Christmas song from the movies, while Doogan Dance will present an extract from the festive ballet The Nutcracker.
Lord Mayor encourages families to book early
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, and Melissa Riddell from Cool FM join Santa’s elf Bucky and youngster Niyah to announce plans for Belfast’s Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday 14 November.
Councillor Donnelly said she was looking forward to bringing people together for the city's Christmas celebrations.
“I'm looking forward to marking the start of the festive season with a fantastic line-up of seasonal performances and family entertainment.
“A choir from my own former primary school, Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, will open the show, and The Shamrocks will be joined on stage by Avenue Arts Academy for a special performance of ‘Christmas in Belfast’ - a nod to how Belfast celebrated together this summer, and inviting everyone to come in and enjoy everything the city has to offer.”
She added:
“Tickets for our switch-on event are always super popular, so make sure to book early and come and watch the city light up for Christmas.”
Cool FM presenter Stuart Robinson, who will return to host the celebrations alongside Melissa Riddell, described the occasion as a highlight of the city's calendar.
“There is a truly unique atmosphere to Belfast at Christmas and, having been the first presenter to play and champion the Shamrock’s ‘Christmas in Belfast’ on the radio last year, it feels like a lovely full circle moment to share the stage again. I really can’t think of a better or more apt way to ring in the official start of Belfast’s festive season.”
Christmas Market opens on the same day
Visitors heading into Belfast for the switch-on will also be able to enjoy the opening day of the Belfast Christmas Market, which returns to City Hall at 12 noon on Saturday 14 November.
The market will retain the same layout as previous years, while the city's Christmas tree will once again form part of the festive experience at City Hall.
A further six-week programme of music and street performances is planned across Belfast city centre, offering additional entertainment for shoppers and visitors throughout the Christmas period.
More details will be announced as part of Belfast City Council's forthcoming Unwrap Belfast at Christmas campaign.
Accessible viewing and a quieter sensory celebration
Organisers have confirmed arrangements for visitors who require wheelchair-accessible viewing, alongside a separate sensory-friendly Christmas celebration.
A wheelchair-accessible viewing platform will be available at the main City Hall event, with bookings limited to two tickets.
These tickets can be arranged from 10am on Tuesday 3 November through either of the following options:
• In person: Visit Belfast Welcome Centre
• Telephone: 028 9024 6609
For families who would prefer a quieter setting, a sensory Christmas lights switch-on will take place at 2 Royal Avenue on Saturday 14 November, from 6pm until 8.30pm.
The free event will include snow-based sensory play, Christmas characters and the lighting of the Christmas tree inside the venue.
No tickets are required for the sensory celebration.
Travel advice for visitors
City centre road closures will be introduced from earlier in the afternoon on Saturday 14 November to accommodate the main event.
Anyone travelling into Belfast, including families visiting from Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim area, is encouraged to consider public transport and allow additional time for their journey.
With the Christmas Market opening at lunchtime and the lights switch-on taking place that evening, visitors can make a full day of the city's festive attractions.
Further event information is available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmaslights.
For those hoping to attend the main switch-on, the key date is Tuesday 3 November, when the two free ticket releases will provide the opportunity to secure a place at one of Belfast's biggest annual Christmas celebrations.
