The city center shopping center’s glittering decorations were lit up at midday on Saturday by Santa Claus himself, joined by Cool FM morning presenters Pete, Paulo and Rebecca.

This is the first time Victoria Square has had its own official Christmas lights switch-on since 2019.

However, it seemed unclear whether or not the iconic tree would sparkle. After the countdown, the anticipation was even greater as the Christmas lights appeared to malfunction.

But right on cue, the Victoria Square Christmas Fairy came to the rescue.

As the crowd began to clap and sing a chorus of Jingle Bells, the festive fairy began to float upwards; and with a flash of his wand, the lights came on and a shower of snow began to descend upon the crowd.

Santa’s Grotto has also opened its doors, welcoming little ones to meet the big man of the moment in person.

Located on level 2, the Grotto is open every weekend until Christmas with midweek opening times planned for late November and December.

A special Christmas fair will also take place at the mall every weekend in November and daily from Friday, December 6 to Monday, December 23, offering a variety of local treats and treats, as well as artisan gifts.

The city’s official power-up will take place next weekend, Saturday November 16, with trio Cool FM joining Mayor Micky Murray on stage for the event at Belfast City Hall.

Tickets for the event are already sold out, having gone on sale on November 5.

Gates for the kick-off event, which will last approximately one hour, will open at 6 p.m. for a 6:30 p.m. start and road closures in the city center will be in place from the start of the afternoon. noon.

It also coincides with the opening of the Christmas market this weekend and the start of a six-week program of winter events at the council’s ‘Winter’s Den’, 2 Royal Avenue, hosting choral performances, workshops art and much more.

To find out more about Victoria Square’s festive events, opening hours and to purchase gift cards, visit www.victoriasquare.com/christmas

Opening hours of the Santa Claus Grotto at Place Victoria:

November

Saturday November 9 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday November 10 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday November 16 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday November 17 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday November 23 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday November 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday November 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday November 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday November 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday November 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

December

Sunday December 1st from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday December 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday December 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday December 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday December 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday December 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday December 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday December 12 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday December 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday December 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday December 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday December 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday December 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday December 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday December 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday December 20 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday December 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday December 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday December 23 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday December 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa’s Grotto Packages:

1 Child + 8×6 framed photo + treat £15

2 children + 8×6 framed photo + treat £25

3 children + treat + 8×6 photo £35

Additional photos £8

Additional family photo £10

*Group photo only maximum 8 people £15

Quieter visiting hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.