Victoria Square Officially Welcomes Christmas as The Victoria Square Express Returns by Popular Demand
The festive season kicked off in Belfast at the weekend as Victoria Square switched on its sparkling Christmas lights earlier today (Saturday 7 November) and welcomed back The Victoria Square Express, returning by popular demand for a second year.
The city welcomed thousands of shoppers to Victoria Square as Santa was joined by Peter Corry and friends, and Cool FM’s Pete, Paulo and Rebecca for the official countdown, transforming the centre into a twinkling winter wonderland under the iconic VSQ tree.
Acting as the conductor of the VS Express bound for the North Pole, Peter Corry led Santa, his elves, and his train staff including ballerinas Sugar, Plum, Nuts and Crackers to ‘The Christmas Destination.’ Children from the Belfast School of Performing Arts also joined in song, leading up to the highly anticipated countdown, which illuminated Victoria Square under its iconic glass dome, and signalling the start of Christmas in the city.
At the heart of this year’s festive offering is the return of the centre’s popular Santa’s Grotto experience, The Victoria Square Express. Following a hugely successful debut in 2025, the immersive Christmas experience is back for another season, inviting families to embark on a magical train journey to the North Pole.
Promising a Christmas adventure like no other, the journey begins as visitors board The Victoria Square Express, a beautiful festive train that transports passengers through the winter skies.
As they travel, they can watch through the windows as snow falls, reindeer take flight and Christmas magic unfolds on the way to Santa’s Village.
On arrival, visitors can step inside Santa’s Village Stores and explore an enchanting festive world, complete with four magical themed spaces:
- Reindeer Stables: Discover where Santa’s faithful reindeer team rest before their big Christmas Eve journey.
- The Wrapping Room: Get a glimpse of where Santa’s busy elves have been preparing and wrapping presents for children around the world.
- Snowglobe Snug: Step into a sparkling wonderland filled with twinkling lights and festive magic.
- Santa’s Grotto: The highlight of the journey, where little visitors can meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes and capture a special festive photograph.
Throughout the experience, a cheerful train conductor and Santa’s very own elves will be on hand to guide visitors, ensuring a heartwarming adventure filled with smiles, festive spirit and plenty of Christmas magic.
The Victoria Square Express runs from 7 November until 23 December. Tickets for the train experience and Santa’s Grotto are available to book online via the Victoria Square website.
Commenting on the switch-on, Michelle Greeves, Centre Manager at Victoria Square, said: “The response to The Victoria Square Express last Christmas was incredible, so we’re thrilled to bring it back by popular demand for a second year. It was wonderful to see so many families join us under the dome to switch on the lights, and we can’t wait to welcome even more families in the weeks ahead.”
The festive celebrations don’t stop at the train station, with Victoria Square offering plenty more opportunities to soak up the seasonal atmosphere throughout the Christmas period. Visitors can enjoy the sparkling Christmas lights, seasonal entertainment and a host of festive surprises throughout November and December, making it the perfect destination for a family day out in the run-up to Christmas.
With over 70 top international and local brands, cafes, restaurants and the Odeon Cinema, Victoria Square has everything you’ll need this Christmas under its twinkling dome. The popular Christmas Fayre also returns to the mall, running on weekends for the next three weeks; Fridays to Sundays from Friday 27th November, and daily from 14 December through to Christmas Eve, offering a variety of handcrafted gifts and local sweet treats.
Late-night opening is back too, starting from Monday 7 December, with stores open until 9pm on weekdays through to 23 December, giving shoppers extra time to find those perfect gifts.
For those with a friend or family member that’s tricky to buy for, you can fir-get any stress this Christmas and give them the gift of choice with a Victoria Square Gift Card.
Accepted in Victoria Square stores, restaurants and the Odeon Cinema, the possibilities are endless. Plus, you can ‘gift as a group’, pooling your money with friends and family to gift a VSQ Gift Card to a loved one. Gift Cards are available to purchase in-centre at Customer Services on the lower ground floor.
To find out more about Victoria Square’s festive entertainment, opening hours or to purchase Gift Cards, visit www.victoriasquare.com/christmas
