Belfast Buzz at Christmas!

Christmas is a time when memories are made for life, so as soon as December kicked in, I couldn’t wait to pack the kids into the car and head to Belfast for a family day trip to remember and the opportunity to check what was going down in the City for a future night out over the festive season.

For families…

At aged eleven and twelve, the children are just on the cusp of the traditional beliefs of Christmas so a visit to Santa was top of the list and this year we did it with a difference – Titanic style!

Tourists just love Titanic, there is no doubt about it! People of all nationalities posed for photos outside, most of them imitating the famous ‘I’m the King of the world’ pose from the James Cameron movie and this brought a smile to our faces as we drove into the parking lot.

We were greeted by Rory, a member of the Front of House team who took great time in explaining to us the story behind the story i.e. why the building was made in the way it was and we were blown away by the attention to detail of the grounds (even the small lawn areas have a meaning, representing the numbers of first, second and third class casualties) and the outdoor seating which you can view from the higher floors is laid out just as it was on the ship itself.

Titanic at Christmas really does have a personal touch and there were lots of photo opportunities on the way to see Santa which got us into the festive spirit. Tea and coffee is served for mums and dads and the children took great delight in sampling the gingerbread men and shortbread. There are arts and crafts tables and beautiful mock shop fronts of a post office and a toy shop, plus the opportunity to write and post a letter to Santa for those who are running a bit behind on the letter writing front! 

A burst of snow met us at the door of Santa’s house which really added to the atmosphere and Chris the photographer/elf (elves are so multi-talented these days) introduced us to the big man whose conversational skills were second to none. He knew each of the three children by name and we had a great chat about what Rudolph likes to find as snacks on Christmas Eve (red apples are top of the list this year, just so you know…).

The gifts from Santa, who has a real white beard by the way, were more than substantial and full of Titanic goodies and we set off to take the Titanic tour which left us very moved and touched by the tales of the men who made the ship as well as those who made their final journey onboard.

After a quick bite of lunch in the town centre, it was time to separate the men from the boys so to speak, with a visit to the new Winter Wonderland at Custom House Square and a spot of outdoor ice skating!

As a veteran Dundonald Ice Bowl visitor (ok, I’ve been no more than ten times but still), I was quietly confident with my skating skills. We laughed until our sides were sore as some of our party fancied themselves as Torville and Dean despite having never donned a pair of skates before and the results were, well, let’s just say there was more time spent sitting on the ice than skating on it! It was great fun!

The atmosphere at Winter Wonderland will make even the most sceptic of us ‘wow’ and indulge in the magic of Christmas. We were blessed with a mild, dry evening under a beautiful night sky and the watchful eye of the Albert Clock. The children tried out almost all of the amusement rides and even won a few prizes on the hoopla which added to the excitement and upped the competition almost as much as the ice skating antics!

Do not miss this fantastic experience – lots more family members have visited on our recommendation since and they each have had an absolute ball.

After Dark…

Christmas in Belfast is a busy time for bars and restaurants and there are so many to choose from but the Cathedral Quarter is a favourite haunt of mine with its cobbled streets and Mediterranean atmosphere.

We look forward to returning to Belfast (no children this time!) on New Year’s Eve when we will ring in 2014 to the sounds of Van Morrison at the Harp Bar on Hill Street.

The Harp Bar (formerly Nick’s Warehouse) is a music lovers paradise with live music seven nights a week – there is no disco or karaoke here, that’s for sure! On my first visit here just a few weeks ago, I was given the distinct impression that this place is special. It truly is the ‘read deal.’

The interior seeps of authentic Belfast with its museum like décor and ornamental memorabilia, paying homage to the bygone days of ‘good vibrations’ and sticking to the origins of the building which was once the headquarters of the Bushmills Distillery.

If you fancy a live sing-a-long to your favourite anthems this is the place to be on any night of the week, you’ll love the Harp Bar on Hill Street.

Something for Everyone…

We were genuinely impressed by the buzz of Belfast this festive season. 

For a family day trip or a couple’s night out, it really is the place to be. Now, is that Dancing on Ice on the phone….? Somehow I’d doubt it very much! Happy Christmas everyone!

Emma’s family day trip was organised courtesy of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.  For more information on Northern Ireland visit discovernorthernireland.com

Belfast Winter Wonderland

Custom House Square is hosting an extra special Christmas this year with the arrival of Belfast’s Winter Wonderland.  Lose yourself in the magic of Christmas with an open-air skating rink, rides, mulled wine, hot cider and hot chocolate, opened until January 5.  

W: www.belfastswinterwonderland.com

Titanic Belfast

Visit Santa Claus in his old curiosity shop, play traditional games and enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional street scene at Titanic Belfast until December 23.  Children can enjoy arts and crafts as well as story-telling and if they haven’t yet sent their much anticipated letter to Santa they can do so in the magical post box.

W: www.titanicbelfast.com T: +44 28 9076 6399