On Saturday, November 19th, the city of Belfast opened up the annual Christmas Market! It’s a big tradition that happens for about 6 weeks leading up to Christmas. It takes place right in the city, on the outside of City Hall. The display of decoration and lights were outstanding and I quickly saw why this was such a big thing. Thousands and thousands of people were outside in the freezing cold waiting for the lights to come on! Once I saw the number of people outside waiting in weather that cold, I knew this was going to be special. I had kept hearing this buzz about the market and how I must visit. The other scholars at UUJ and I headed down to view the turning on of the lights. I was overwhelmed with the number of people that came out to see the lights! The city of Belfast went above and beyond!
The market was filled with tons of shops of local vendors. They had everything you could imagine there from great food, great shops and food from vendors from all around the world. I didn’t really know what to expect but I had a great time. Being in the Christmas spirit this early in November is very different but I’m very accepting of it. I will be back to do some Christmas shopping for my loved ones and to try some new food. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and I’m excited to experience some of the holiday tradition here in Northern Ireland. I’m very blessed to be able to go back home for the Christmas break so I’m able to have two complete but exciting Christmas holiday celebrations. As they say in Belfast… Happy Christmas!
