We all fear wasting the weekend, often offering respite from our daily routine. However, many of us end up stumped about how to spend those treasured 48 hours. Which is why we have your guide to a fun-filled weekend whether you are going out or staying in.
FAMILY
Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast city centre, November 18 – December 22
The Belfast Christmas markets are back for their 18th year at City Hall. With over 100 international and local traders in the festive village, the markets offer an authentic feast of quality Christmas fayre.
Outdoor Cinema: The Polar Express, CS Lewis Square, Belfast, November 24 at 5pm
Grab a hat, gloves and your big coat and get ready for a magical journey under the starry sky as CS Lewis square is transformed into the ultimate outdoor cinema.
Candlelight Concerts: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works, Belfast Cathedral, November 24 at 6pm
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. In this tribute to the work of iconic composer Hans Zimmer audiences will hear a string quartet play the music he wrote for classics such as The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean Suite and Gladiator.
Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch, open all year round
@wildriverdogpark Wild River Dog Park - the place to be if you’re a dog owner in Northern Ireland ❤️ #wildriverdogpark #mustvisitplaces #dogparentsoftiktok #dogfriendlyspots #northernirishtiktok #fyp #viralvideo ♬ Cruel Summer - Taylor Swift
Why not treat your furry friends to an adventure the weekend? Described as Disneyland for dogs this three-acre park is the perfect place to exercise your dog off-lead, with plenty of agility and activities for them to enjoy.
Whether your four-legged friend is a social butterfly or a lone wolf there’s something for everyone. The fun park is bookable for play sessions of up to 10 dogs for £5 or you can reserve a private park for 1-1 with your dog for £10.
Their coffee shop ‘Number 42’ also offers luxury tray bakes and savoury snacks for owners as well as puppuccinos for pooches.
Read more:
Everything you need to know about the Belfast Christmas Market 2023
FRIENDS
Truth, Love or Promise, Lyric Theatre Belfast, November 24 at 8pm
How much do you really know about your friends and more importantly, how much do they really know about you? That is the question facing Brenda, Maureen and Joanna in Nuala McKeever’s smash hit, sell-out play which has been brough back by popular demand.
Belfast by the Glass, The Spirit Circle 62 High St Belfast, November 24 at 3pm
An alternative history of Belfast through booze. 6 drinks, 6 chapters, 6 stories to be told.
Swiftogeddon- The Taylor Swift Club Night, Empire Music Hall Belfast, November 24 at 9pm
A night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift will never go out of style…have you left a Blank Space in your diary? As this night has been Taylor-made for Swifties.
Read more:
Taylor Swift's 1989 album will never go out of style after releasing Taylor's Version
Belfast Giant 2023/24 Season, The SSE Arena Belfast, November 25 at 7pm
Whether you’re a diehard hockey fan or a total newbie, a Belfast Giants home gamer is not to be missed.
MOVIES/TV
Napoleon, cinema, available from November 22
A look at the military commander's origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine.
Read more:
Wish, cinema, available from November 22
Young Asha makes a wish so powerful that it's answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. With Star's help, Asha must save her kingdom from King Magnifico and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix, available from November 22
Immersed in the world of “Squid Game,” 456 real players put their skills and character to the ultimate test for a life-changing $4.56 million prize.
The Railway Men, Netflix, available from November 18
After a deadly gas leaks from a factory in Bhopal, brave railway workers risk their lives to save others in the face of an unspeakable disaster.
