We’re BACK — and this year we’re a perfect TEN!
18 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027
Join us in our heated Big Top on Writer’s Square, Belfast
Belfast’s favourite alternative Christmas show returns to Writers’ Square, Cathedral Quarter for its tenth incredible year and we’re gearing up to make this a show you won’t forget!
Winter Circus 2026 is an all-new show with new acts and new performers alongside the returning favourites like founders Ken and Tina, Grant Goldie, Mish Masherz and of course, Stunt Grandad! Look out for sky-high aerialists, razor-sharp juggling, acrobatic mischief and Belfast-brewed, hammer-smashing circus craic for all ages, all of it performed in the round in our fully heated Big Top.
This year’s run is shorter than usual, with 26 shows across the festive period rather than the thirty-one we ran last year. Winter Circus sells out every year, and with fewer dates and a tenth anniversary attached to it, this one is going to move quickly!
Bigger, louder and cheekier than ever, Winter Circus 2026 lands with 26 shows in our fully heated Big Top.
“The best thing I have seen since Metallica“
TICKET PRICES:
- Full Price: £16*
- Children (12 and under): £12*
- Family of four (2 adults and 2 children): £49*
- Relaxed show** Tues 22nd Dec 5pm: £10*
*excluding booking fee
Children 2 and under go free. Group bookings 10+ and complimentary tickets for carers available, please contact us.
VENUE:
Heated Big Top, Writers Square, Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2HB.
Show Times
(Run Time approx 70 mins, no interval)
| Day | Date | Show 1 | Show 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 18-Dec | – | 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 19-Dec | 2:00PM | 5:00PM |
| Sunday | 20-Dec | 2:00PM | – |
| Monday | 21-Dec | OFF | OFF |
| Tuesday | 22-Dec | 2:00PM | 5:00PM (Relaxed) |
| Wednesday | 23-Dec | 2:00PM | 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 24-Dec | 2:00PM | – |
| Friday | 25-Dec | OFF | OFF |
| Saturday | 26-Dec | 3:00PM | – |
| Sunday | 27-Dec | 2:00PM | 5:00PM |
| Monday | 28-Dec | 2:00PM | 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 29-Dec | 2:00PM | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 30-Dec | 2:00PM | 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 31-Dec | 2:00PM | 5:00PM |
| Friday | 01-Jan | 2:00PM | – |
| Saturday | 02-Jan | 2:00PM | 5:00PM |
| Sunday | 03-Jan | 2:00PM | – |
What audiences have said:
“The best fun EVER! With remarkable circus skills and hilarious comedy. The big top is WARM inside and there’s popcorn! Just go!!”
“Wonderful family day out. Perfect kickstart to Christmas. Part of what we do at Christmas the last 3 years.”
“This was our second year at the Relaxed Performance. Having kids who have severe anxiety and issues with crowds this show never disappoints them.”
Accessibility
The Big Top is an inclusive and welcoming space for all. It is fully accessible with a drop off point just outside the main entrance (Donegall Street, opposite St Anne’s Cathedral) with dropped kerb. There are accessible toilets.
We offer complimentary carer tickets to any audience member who needs essential assistance to attend Winter Circus.
We have unlimited space for wheelchairs in the big top as chairs can be moved, please contact us in advance to let us know. Please give us advance notice of specific needs when booking.
Our relaxed performance is specifically designed to welcome people with a learning disability, Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition or additional sensory and communication needs. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and some small changes made to the light and sound effects. There will be additional space for seating and an AccessoLoo onsite for this performance.
Parking
There is no designated event parking. There are plenty of city centre car parks and on street parking in the immediate vicinity.
Please also read our conditions of sale ➚ for full details on refunds, ticketing and admission terms.
Things to do and places to stay and eat
For further information on accommodation or things to do visit discovernorthernireland.com.
Winter Circus is kindly supported by Arts Council of N Ireland, Belfast City Council, and Cathedral Quarter BID
