Visit the Belfast Christmas Market in the City Hall grounds from 18 November to the 23 December for an award-winning taste of Christmas.

With a host of international traders offering incredible foods and delightful gift ideas, there's lots to choose from and enjoy. Plus, bring the children to visit Santa in his magical grotto, to start the festive period in the best possible way.

This year the food court at the Market with bench style seating makes a welcome return, as does the vintage Helter Skelter, offering stunning views right across the market, and the much-loved carousel.

Support for local food and craft has increased with a number of St George’s Market traders joining in the festive fun. Some local favourites will also be returning including Pappas Minerals, Tapitas and Rossi’s Ice Cream.

As well as even more local flavour, the Market still offers something a little bit different with 32 nationalities from all over the world bringing all sorts of unusual foods and gift ideas: crêpes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkegrill, Spanish paella and sweets from Italy. Visitors can also treat themselves to the well-known Hug in a Mug of Glühwein from the prize winning Kochem vineyard located in the Mosel Valley, Germany, or end the day in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks to get even more into the Christmas spirit.

There is so much on offer throughout the city this year and the Christmas Market is just one of several events launching as part of the Christmas festivities.