Whether you're planning a quiet catch up with family and friends, hoping to dance the night away or heading out on a 12 pubs of Christmas night out, it's always good to have a selection of decent bars and pubs up your sleeve for the festive season.
When the excitement of December 25 is over and we've eaten as much turkey and sprouts as we can manage, many of us often find ourselves left at a loose end in that Christmas limbo week before New Year. If you live in or around Belfast, however, there's plenty of quaint and charming spots where you can spend the afternoon keeping warm.
We've put together a list of the best spots for you to visit this Christmas and New Year, so you'll never be stuck for somewhere to enjoy a pint or mulled wine.
Over the holiday period, the times during which alcohol can be sold on licensed premis varies slightly to the rest of the year, so we've been sure to include the most recent NI Christmas Licensing Hours for your convenience.

The Points
If you're looking for a city centre spot steeped in Irish culture and history, The Points should be top of your list. This Dublin Road pub prides itself on having one of the best Irish music scenes in the area with artists playing every night of the week.
Being a whiskey and alehouse, the shelves are filled with over 80 different bottles as well a good selection of stouts, beers and ales to satisfy everyone's needs.
This cozy pub is arranged so that you can take a seat by the fire with a Guinness and stew. And if the Irish weather takes a turn for the worse, get a table with a group of friends in the snug or chat to locals at the bar.
You'll find The Points on 44 Dublin Road.

The Duke of York
Situated along a cobbled alleyway in the popular Cathedral Quarter, The Duke of York offers a traditional Belfast welcome, craic and music.
Crammed with original mirrors and memorabilia, this pub can offer you ice cold beer, great Guinness and the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland.
The Duke is tucked away in one of Belfast's most beautiful side streets. Search 7-11 Commercial Court to find your way there.

The Spaniard
Established in 2006, The Spaniard has grown to be a much-loved pub in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Its cosy interior is often packed to capacity with regulars and visitors alike who come for the rum and stay for the atmosphere.
This quaint pub gets rave reviews for its excellent live music and intimate atmosphere and offers an extensive gin range, the perfect cure for your Christmas hangover.
To visit the Spaniard, make your way to 3 Skipper Street, Belfast

Muriel's Café Bar
This quirky café bar is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and watch the world go by from outdoor seating, located just off the city centre's main shopping area. Muriel's offers extensive food and drinks menus, with a wide selection of gin and a friendly atmosphere- an excellent place to pass a festive Winter afternoon.
Find Muriel's on 12-14 Church Lane, Belfast

Kelly's Cellar
One of Belfast oldest pubs, Kelly's Cellar is famous for a pint of Guinness and homemade Irish beef stew.
Often described as a "hidden gem that oozes traditional values", this bar is what you would have imagined finding a few hundred years ago. Low arches and an original open fire make it feel like a home from home, and people singing a song or two is a familiar part of a vibrant pub.
Although Kelly's is in the city centre, it boasts a local clientele from all over Belfast, and you're always guaranteed some banter and a true Irish welcome.
Kelly's has a rich musical heritage, and Irish musicians from all over often call in for a few tunes in a relaxed atmosphere.
You'll also find a spot of history on your visit, as the place when the United Irish Men held a meeting to plot the 1798 rebellion against the English rule.
You can find Kelly's Cellars on 30-32 Bank Street.

The John Hewitt
Names after the late poet, socialist and Freeman of Belfast, you're guaranteed a warm welcome at The John Hewitt. Uniquely owned by The Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre, this venue has a close relationship with the arts, hence its popularity for live music.
Here you can enjoy a great choice of local and world beers and food served from 12pm-3pm daily. A Christmas Lunch menu is also on offer throughout the festive period, with booking essential for parties.
The John Hewitt is located on 51 Donegall Street.

Granny Annie's
Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and a wide selection of drinks, Granny Annie's is a popular spot at any time of the day. Its distinct interior is full of nostalgia and will take you right back to your granny's, with antique-style clocks and furniture. Try 'Granny's Boozy Tea'; a cocktail served in a teapot and enjoy a lively atmosphere with regular live music.
Make your way to 81-85 Chichester Street to visit your granny this Christmas.

NI Christmas Licensing Hours 2019

Licensed premises include businesses such as bars, restaurants, hotels and theatres who hold a licence to sell alcohol or 'liquor licence'. Some licensed premises have a 'late licence' that normally allows them to sell alcohol as late as 01:00, instead of the usual limit of 23:00.
The permitted hours that licensed premises can sell alcohol during the Christmas period are:
• Christmas Eve, 24 December 2019 - Licensed premises may sell alcohol 11:30 - 23:00, those with a 'late licence' may sell alcohol until midnight. Off-licences may sell alcohol 08:00-23:00.
• Christmas day, 25 December 2019 - Licensed premises may sell alcohol 12:30 – 22:00, even if they hold a late licence. Off-licences are not allowed to sell alcohol at all.
• Boxing Day, 26 December 2019 – business as usual. Licensed premises may sell alcohol 11:30 - 23:00, and those with a late licence may sell alcohol until 01:00. Off-licences may sell alcohol 08:00-23:00.
• New Year's Eve, 31 December 2019 - business as usual. Licensed premises may sell alcohol 11:30 - 23:00, and those with a late licence may sell alcohol until 01:00. Off-licences may sell alcohol 08:00 - 23:00.