Belfast’s favourite alternative Christmas show, Winter Circus by Tumble Circus, today announced its triumphant return for a ninth year, pitching its fully heated Big Top tent in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter for 31 performances from 12th December until 4th January. 

“Winter Circus has become a proper festive institution in Belfast,” said Tina Segner, co-founder of Tumble Circus. “We love seeing familiar faces back every year, now bringing their friends and their grannies and we’re chuffed that the Big Top is part of so many families’ Christmas plans.”

The 2025 edition is an all-new, fast, funny, Belfast-brewed hour of aerial artistry, precision juggling and acrobatic mischief, performed in the round with unreserved seating and no interval (approx. 70 minutes).

“We’ve run the numbers,” added Tumble’s other co-founder Ken Fanning. “And we’ve scientifically calculated the laughs from last year and built a brand-new show to guarantee a 106.5% increase in belly laughs, and at least a 34% rise in the likelihood of rib-splitting.”

“Results may vary,” he added in a much quieter voice. “Estimates are indicative only.”

And this year for the first time, Tumble Circus has introduced a special early-bird offer. Visitors can get a 10% discount on the first seven standard performances when they use code CRAIC25 before Saturday 4 October. 

With the Big Top once again at the heart of the city, partners highlighted the show’s role in Belfast’s winter offer.

Gavin O’Connor, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to see Tumble Circus return this December for a captivating 9th Winter Circus season right in the heart of Belfast’s city centre. Thanks to game-changing funding from The National Lottery players, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support Tumble Circus and I would encourage all to go along and enjoy everything this award-winning company has to offer.”

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: “Belfast City Council is delighted to support Winter Circus this festive season. It’s great to see the return of this spectacular city centre family show as part of Belfast’s seasonal programme of events.”

A specially adapted relaxed performance will welcome people of all ages with additional sensory or communication needs. This very special show operates a relaxed attitude to movement and noise in the tent, with softened sound and lighting, additional space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and an on-site accessible toilet and changing facilities.
All tickets for this show are priced at £10. 

Winter Circus is made possible thanks to the support of National Lottery players through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Cathedral Quarter BID. 

Tickets

●      Where: Tumble Circus Big Top, Writers’ Square, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast

●      When: 12th December 2025 – 4th January 2026 (full schedule online)

●      Run time: 70 minutes, no interval • Unreserved seating in the round

●      Box office: www.tumblecircus.com
●      Groups & carers: Group discounts and complimentary carer tickets available bookings@tumblecircus.com