Inside Belfast Christmas Market

If you (like me a few years ago) are not familiar with the concept of a Christmas Market, let me explain it real quick. Some would say that a Christmas Market is a European tradition, originally from Germany, that gathers a group of out-door stalls in a public place and sells food, drinks and seasonal products. I’d say that a Christmas Market is the main reason I gained weight this winter season. It’s a matter of perspective.

We don’t really have Christmas Markets in Mexico. I mean, we do celebrate the season in other ways (an Irish guy just asked me if we celebrate Christmas at all, so I thought I’d better clarify it). But, although I love our Posadas (Christmas parties) and the street vendors selling lights and nativity figures, I wish we had something like this European gem.

I visited my first Christmas Market while I was living in London back in 2012. If the Winter Wonderland parade in Hyde Park doesn’t make you dance Jingle Bell Rock like a Mean Girl I don’t know what will.

Then I had the chance to visit another market in Edinburgh that same year and finally consolidated my love for this tradition. There are so many amazing Christmas Markets in Europe, that I knew I couldn’t miss the one in Belfast.

I know there have been some incidents surrounding Christmas Markets lately. I actually hesitated about publishing this post after the Germany attack and a stabbing that took place in Belfast itself. However, I’d hate to see such a beautiful tradition tarnished by fear. I really hope that I can stay true to the incredible experience that it is to visit one of these places.

The sweet side of Christmas

My boyfriend was the one who warned me about the market. He agreed to go with me during its first weekend (I actually think he was more excited than me, even though he is a local). Also, he offered to show me the best stalls and is the one to blame for the dentist bill I’ll receive after everything we ate that night (worth it, though).

It was a nightmare to get into the market. The place was so crowded that they closed the gates and made us wait until for ten minutes outside the City Hall. But hey, I got to take these during that time, so it wasn’t a total waste:

Once in there, our first stop was in the pastries stall. It was so difficult to decide. Just look at all of those baked goods! However, we ended up having the pistacchio cannoli and we didn’t regret it. I mean, you can’t eat them gracefully, but a powdered nose is a fair price to pay.

After that, Conor couldn’t believe I never had Turkish Delights before (I had read about them in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I thought that counted), so he leaded me towards the candy stand and pointed which sweets I couldn’t miss.

To be quite honest… Some of them tasted like perfume. Really, like drinking from a bottle. However I got one with almonds which was quite tasty, as well as the apple flavoured one. I felt like Edmund Pevensie with just one bite. Without the part where I betray my siblings and sell them to a witch, of course.

The main reason for any Christmas Market’s existence

Ok, Ok. I’ll admit it. As much as I like the twinkling lights and the candy and all the “Let it snow” covers, the main motivation behind my love for Christmas Markets has a lot to do with one thing: Mulled wine.

It’s safe to say that I had never tried anything like mulled wine back in Mexico. Realising of the existence of this drink was like finding a new meaning for Christmas (I know I must sound like an alcoholic, but I promise I just have a high appreciation for local drinks).

I try to replicate the recipe at home every December. And, although it’s still tasty, the feeling is just not the same. So after our sugar rush, we ran towards the stall and ordered two cups with an amaretto shot.

Small warning: that combo is dangerous. So make sure to drink only one (ok, two) cups. Otherwise you’ll end up wandering around the market in the search of Easter Eggs. But that’s a story for another day.

Dinner time

After our wine, we remembered we hadn’t had dinner (yeah, the sweets don’t count), so Conor decided to have another classic and got himself a bratwurst. Which, I’d say, is a must of any Christmas Market, if you eat meat.

However, since I don’t, I walked around the shops, trying to make up my mind, but there were so many choices around (paella, noodles, veggie burgers…). I ended up buying another pastry, because, why not? And, voilà. Dinner was served.

I’ll admit it. It wasn’t the healthiest evening ever. But it was almost Christmas and it had been four years since my last European market experience, so I think I had a good excuse…

We wandered around the place taking pictures.The City Hall was decorated beautifully. All those twinkling lights made the building look almost frozen.

Belfast Christmas Market is definitely not the largest one I’ve ever been too, but it is quite lovely. There is plenty to keep you entertained and the sights are gorgeous. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit a Christmas market in any European city, but if you happen to be in Belfast during the holidays, make sure to add this place to your list.