Free tickets for Belfast's annual Christmas lights switch-on will become available on Tuesday 3 November, with two releases scheduled at 10am and 7pm through visitbelfast.com. Each booking is limited to five tickets.

The event takes place at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 14 November, with gates opening at 6pm and entertainment starting at 6.30pm. The show will run for approximately one hour.

Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly and Cool FM presenters Stuart Robinson and Melissa Riddell will host the proceedings. A choir from Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh will open the show, followed by performances from The Shamrocks and Avenue Arts Academy. Tumble Circus, Belvoir Players, The MAC, Quire Community Choir and Doogan Dance will also appear.

The Belfast Christmas Market opens at 12 noon on 14 November at City Hall, and the city's Christmas tree will be in place. A six-week programme of music and street performances across the city centre will be announced as part of the Unwrap Belfast at Christmas campaign.

A wheelchair-accessible viewing platform will be available, with bookings limited to two tickets. These can be obtained in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or by calling 028 9024 6609 from 10am on 3 November.

A quieter sensory switch-on will be held at 2 Royal Avenue on 14 November from 6pm to 8.30pm, featuring snow-based sensory play, Christmas characters and an indoor tree lighting. No tickets are required for this alternative event.

Road closures will be in place around the city centre from early afternoon on 14 November. Attendees are advised to use public transport and allow extra travel time.