This month, Belfast Princess Sarah Bailie takes us through the ways to stave off those dark, winter nights...

I always find this time of year a little difficult to adjust to. Suddenly summer holidays in the sun, short sleeved tops and long hours of daylight become a distant memory. As my mornings and evenings become capped with darkness, I end up feeling a little like bride of Dracula, seeing daylight only through the window in my office.

So, to banish the winter blues and onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is important to have as much fun as possible and embrace the winter months with affection! Here are a few suggestions…

Nothing helps me welcome in the festive season quite as much as the hugely popular Christmas Continental Market, which returns to the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall on 21st November and runs until 18th December. As soon as I take a walk around the market, sipping some delicious mulled wine and chomping on a Bratwurst hotdog the size of a submarine, I am cheered and in the mood for Santa! (Incidentally- you can post a letter to him at the market and are guaranteed a personal response…)

The market will cater to all tastes and ages, from the exotic and adventurous (why not try an alligator burger or kangaroo steak?) to the traditional (chocolate which looks like it came from Willy Wonka himself and yummy pancakes and coffees.) It’s also a great place to begin your Christmas shopping as dozens of stalls offer up a range of crafts, jewellery and decorations from across Europe. Try some of the handmade soaps on offer from France- the Jasmine in particular is fit for any princess!

This year will be extra exciting now that Belfast’s long awaited Big Wheel has finally opened. Yes, our answer to the London Eye is already up and running and attracting many visitors daily. Indeed, if you are a visitor to our lovely city, what better way to see it than from 200 feet high on a starry night? If it’s a special occasion, you can even get a private velvet furnished VIP ‘pod’ for around £60 with champagne thrown in.

Santa himself will also be showing up- hidden away in an enchanted forest where only the very, very good boys and girls of 2007 will be able to find him…

The market runs Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Saturdays 9am-10pm and Sundays 1pm-6pm and I really recommend a visit. It’s also a really sweet venue for a romantic date or catch up with someone you haven’t seen in a while. More info here

To hark back to my previous column, I have to say how fantastic the Belfast Ghost Tour was this Halloween and it is certainly not to be missed if you are in Belfast in October next year. At the end of the tour we were taken to the Capstan Bar in Ann Street Belfast, which has some of the friendliest staff I have ever met. It was here that I learned they are planning to begin hosting murder mystery tours in November. Our hostess ‘Grotbags’ (I never got her real name…) promised that it will be a hit, with every person involved playing a specific character. If it is as much fun as their night of ghost storytelling, I will definitely be giving it a go. No definite schedule has been put in place as yet, but I will keep you posted.

Finally, The Kings Hall on the Upper Lisburn Road will be hosting its annual Belfast Beer & Cider Festival from 22nd-24th November and it promises to be a fun and larger than ever event. Over 120 various cask and Real Ales will feature, along with Cider and Perries, presented to a backdrop of live music, pub games and general ‘craic.’ So get yourself along and book the next day off work, you might need it...

Got any other Winter blues remedies? Maybe know somewhere to keep those spirits up, or flowing, that’s perfect for a cold night? Just want to say hi to Sarah? Hit Post a Comment...

Missed last month’s column? Click here

Image courtesy of langga_kita

MyVillage, 07th November