Plans for a second Christmas market for Belfast are being discussed
A new Christmas market planned for Belfast must “feel like Belfast” and represent the city, it has been claimed.
For years, people have called for the Belfast Christmas Market to expand, move or even add an extra location.
Belfast Live understands a company separate from the current market operator wants to add a second Christmas market to the city, at Custom House Square.
While the news has largely been welcomed, there is a fear that this might push out local businesses in favour of international traders who will only be here throughout the festive season.
Michael Henderson, chief executive of the NI Food to Go Association, believes any expansion or addition of a new market is good for the city – but must have a local focus.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Mr Henderson said: “We absolutely recognise the importance of having a Christmas market in Belfast city centre. It attracts visitors, creates a sense of occasion and can deliver a valuable boost for the wider city-centre economy.”
On the topic of international traders, Mr Henderson added: “There is certainly room to welcome international traders who bring a continental element to the current city hall Christmas market, but that should complement rather than crowd out our own independent businesses.”
It’s understood talks between the Department for Communities and a private operator are ongoing. It’s believed any new market at Custom House Square would operate in addition to the existing market at City Hall, which is run by Market Place Europe.
Mr Henderson added: “If Custom House Square is to host a Christmas market, local businesses and producers must be at its heart.”
In addition, Mr Henderson believes the existing market could be transformed following the success of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉirean, with suggestions of pedestrianisation of streets to allow traders to expand beyond the confines of the gates of City Hall.
He said: “The Fleadh demonstrated the enormous public appetite for local food, local traders and an experience that genuinely reflects the character of Belfast and Northern Ireland.”
There is a hope that Northern Irish-based businesses will be given a preference when it comes to securing a spot in the market, with the Food to Go Association saying “local vendors should have a meaningful presence, with fair access to pitches and costs that make participation commercially viable”.
The group believes Belfast has a thriving and bustling food scene and “a Belfast Christmas market should ultimately feel like Belfast”.
The association added: “It should give visitors something distinctive, showcase the quality of our local food-to-go sector and ensure more of the economic benefit remains within our communities.”
Over 1 million people descended on Belfast City Hall in 2025 for the Christmas Market, with crowds enjoying the food, shopping and drinking on offer.
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