A warm welcome to all the fine folks who spotted our events roundup on Reddit last week and decided to become insiders. We’re glad you’re here.

Our aim is simple: to make sure you never have a boring weekend in Belfast again.

We do the digging from the Mourne Mountains to the city centre so you don’t have to. Every Thursday, the best events and thoughtful local finds land straight in your inbox.

❌No crime. ❌No politics. ✅Just the good craic.

It’s our Christmas edition, and here’s what we’ve found this week:

Let’s get into it👇

You know the Errigle Inn on the Ormeau Road? Turns out it could be as old as your nan as the pub quietly celebrated its 90th birthday on Saturday, December 13th.

First opened in 1935, the Errigle has stayed in the same family for three generations, earning its status as a true grand pub. A recent Belfast Live feature charts its evolution from a local watering hole into the buzzing food, music, and events venue that it is today.

It goes to say Belfast pubs aren’t just bars, they’re living pieces of the city’s history.

According to the Financial Times, Belfast rents are rising faster than anywhere else in the UK — yes, even London.

In Ballyhackamore (likened to Brooklyn, New York in the article), one renter saw her one-bed flat increase from £550 in 2020 to £725 today, a 32% jump before the landlord decided to sell.

If you’re house-hunting right now, you’re not imagining it. It really is that tough out there.

Ulster University will host the British Isles Sumo Wrestling Championship this January and unlike the traditional Japanese version, women can compete here.

Local wrestler Toraigh Mallon is one to watch after months of intense training. The BBC has the full story.

Tracey and Joe Jeffrey, the duo behind Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen on Strangford Lough have launched Northern Ireland’s first artisan non-alcoholic gin, Strangford Zero.

Made using botanicals foraged from the shores of Strangford Lough, it captures the landscape in a classic liquor bottle. You can already find it at Horatio Todd’s, Indie Fude, and spots across Bangor and Newtownards plus online.

👉 Follow them on Instagram

Know an innovative female entrepreneur in Northern Ireland?

Techstart Ventures and Women In Business NI are offering £35,000 in grant funding to help women start new ventures or explore new markets. Successful applicants also receive mentorship.

📅 Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 27 January 2026
👉 Full details here

Want your business featured? [Get in touch →]

If you’re looking for a reason to leave the house this holiday season, we’ve got you covered. From live music and theatre to markets, sport, and candlelit concerts, there’s something happening almost every day.

🎵 Cosmic Jam | Accidental Theatre, Shaftesbury Square | 8 PM

🎭 The Adventures of Pinocchio | Grand Opera House | 7 PM
🎸 And So I Watch You From Afar | Waterfront Hall | 7 PM
🎵 Merry Riffmass: Raised on Rock | Belfast Empire, Botanic | 7:30 PM

🎄 Christmas Activities | Ulster Folk Museum | 11 AM
🎵 The Tumbling Paddies | Ulster Hall | 7 PM
🕺 Daytime Disco – Christmas Special | Botanic Inn | 3–8 PM
🕯️ Candlelight Christmas: Love Actually, Home Alone & More | Cathedral Quarter | 7 PM

📺 The Derry Girls Experience | Tower Museum, Derry | 9 AM–4 PM
🎨 Christmas Sunday Art Market | Cathedral Quarter | 10 AM–3 PM
👸 Sleeping Beauty | Belvoir Studio Theatre | 3 PM
🏒 Belfast Giants vs Dundee Stars | SSE Arena | 4 PM
💕 36–53 Speed Dating | House Belfast, Botanic Ave | 7 PM
🎁 Titanic Hotel December Market | 12–4 PM

🎄 Belfast Christmas Market – Last Day | City Hall Gardens | 10 AM–10 PM

😂 The Belfast Ma Sortin’ Christmas | The MAC | 2:30 PM
Sadie Devine returns with another sell-out Christmas comedy, perfect festive chaos, Bailey’s included.
⭐ Editor’s pick this week.

🎵 Inside Moves Xmas Party (Cromby + Matcha) | Belfast Empire | 9:30 PM

🎄 Christmas Eve Variety Show | Balmoral Hotel | 12–5 PM

SOS Bus NI provides night-time welfare support, first aid, mental health intervention, and safe transport for vulnerable people across Belfast.

With 200 volunteers and over 3,755 volunteer hours logged across 83 shifts, they’re easing pressure on overstretched public services by showing up when it matters most.

In a city under strain, SOS Bus NI fills a critical gap — offering warmth, care, and dignity on cold nights.

👉 Support them: Donate | Visit website | Follow on Instagram |

🏅Nominate next week’s hero! We love celebrating Belfast’s Good people →

This week’s pick comes via foodie vloggers Alana & Josh, who reckon Long Express is serving one of the best chicken curries in Belfast.

Must try: Chicken curry, honey chilli chicken, and the legendary sticky rice cake crackers (“like prawn crackers on steroids”).
Vibe: Proper portions, quality chicken, no nonsense.
Price: ££ — mains ~£9.50
Find it: 102 Stranmillis Road, BT9 5AE

🌐 Order from Long Express

What did you think of today’s newsletter?

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Vote here →

That’s it my friend. Whether you’re heading out, staying cosy, or doing somethin in between, we hope this helps you make the most of it in the run-up to Christmas.

If you enjoyed this edition, share it with a friend who loves Belfast as much as you do.

📩 Invite them here →

See you on Christmas day? Until then, let’s get the craic on!

— The Belfast Insider Team