Free Tickets Announced for Belfast Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026

Free tickets for the Belfast Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026 will be released on Tuesday 3 November. The event takes place at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 14 November, with gates opening at 6pm.

Belfast is getting ready to light up for Christmas, with free tickets for the Belfast Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026 set to be released next week.

The annual family event takes place at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 14 November 2026.

Gates will open at 6pm, with the entertainment starting at 6.30pm and continuing for around one hour.

When can you get Belfast Christmas lights switch-on tickets?

Tickets are completely free but must be booked in advance.

They will be released through Visit Belfast in two batches on Tuesday 3 November:

• First release: 10am
• Second release: 7pm
• Maximum: five tickets per booking

Tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Anyone hoping to attend is therefore advised to be ready when each batch becomes available.

Who is performing at the Belfast Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026?

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly will take to the stage alongside Cool FM presenters Stuart Robinson and Melissa Riddell.

The programme will include performances from a range of local choirs, theatre groups, dancers and entertainers.

A choir from Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, the Lord Mayor’s former primary school, will open the show.

The Shamrocks will also perform Christmas in Belfast alongside Avenue Arts Academy.

Other performers include:

• Tumble Circus
• Belvoir Players
• The MAC
• Quire Community Choir
• Doogan Dance

Doogan Dance will perform an extract from the festive ballet The Nutcracker.

Lord Mayor looking forward to festive celebrations

Councillor Donnelly said she was looking forward to marking the beginning of Belfast’s festive season with Christmas performances and entertainment for families.

She also encouraged anyone hoping to attend to book quickly due to the popularity of the annual event.

“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.”

Belfast Christmas Market opens on the same day

There will be plenty happening around City Hall throughout Saturday 14 November.

The Belfast Christmas Market will open at 12 noon, several hours before the Christmas lights event begins.

The market will once again transform the grounds of Belfast City Hall with festive stalls, food, gifts and attractions.

A six-week programme of music and street entertainment is also planned across Belfast city centre as part of the council’s Christmas programme.

Accessible viewing platform available

A wheelchair-accessible viewing platform will be available during the Belfast Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Tickets for the platform will be limited to two per booking.

They can be arranged from 10am on Tuesday 3 November by:

• Visiting the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre in person
• Calling 028 9024 6609

Sensory Christmas lights event at 2 Royal Avenue

A quieter sensory Christmas experience will also take place at 2 Royal Avenue on Saturday 14 November.

It will run from 6pm until 8.30pm and does not require tickets.

Activities will include:

• Snow-themed sensory play
• Christmas characters
• Lighting of the Christmas tree inside the venue

This provides an alternative for families and visitors who may find the main City Hall event too busy or noisy.

Road closures expected in Belfast city centre

Road closures will be introduced in Belfast city centre from earlier in the afternoon.

Anyone travelling to the Belfast Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026 is encouraged to use public transport where possible and allow additional time for their journey.

Before setting off, you can also check the latest Belfast road closures and traffic conditions on NI Road Watch.

Belfast Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026: key details

Date: Saturday 14 November 2026
Location: Belfast City Hall
Gates open: 6pm
Show starts: 6.30pm
Expected finish: Around 7.30pm
Tickets: Free
Ticket release: Tuesday 3 November at 10am and 7pm
Maximum booking: Five tickets

Tickets will be available through Visit Belfast.

Full official event information is available from Belfast City Council.

With free tickets traditionally in high demand, anyone planning to attend should make a note of both release times.

You can find more Christmas events and family days out across Northern Ireland on Northern Ireland Online.