Every year the ice rink comes to Belfast, and Elsa, Moana, Mickey and a whole cast of Disney friends skate right in front of you — a full arena spectacular of skating, acrobatics and sing-along songs at the SSE Arena, usually around early December.
What it is — Disney On Ice, a touring arena show where professional skaters bring Disney stories to life on a full sheet of ice, with big costumes, lighting, projection and live-feel music. It plays the SSE Arena in Belfast most years for a run of a few days.
Who's in it — the line-up changes with each tour, but recent Belfast runs have featured Frozen, Moana, Encanto, Toy Story, Coco and Mickey Mouse and friends. Expect the songs your children already know, sung out loud by the whole arena.
The show — it changes name year to year (recent titles include Discover the Magic and 100 Years of Wonder), but the shape stays the same: a roughly two-hour show with an interval, packed with skating routines, high-flying acrobatics and a few surprises.
For families — it's made for all ages. Under-2s usually go free on a lap; little ones from about three up get their own seat. Toddlers may not sit for every minute, but the colour, music and characters hold them for a long stretch.
The best show times sell out. There are usually several performances across the run — a mix of morning, afternoon and evening — and the weekend matinees go first. Book as soon as tickets land rather than leaving it to the last week.
When to plan — the Belfast run is typically early December, with tickets going on sale months ahead (often in spring). Watch ssearenabelfast.com and Ticketmaster, and pencil in the date once it's confirmed.
What's on
From Frozen to Moana, all on the ice
Each tour is its own show, but here's the kind of thing a family can look forward to when Disney On Ice skates into Belfast.
❄️Frozen & the big namesElsa, Anna and Olaf, plus Moana, Encanto and other favourites your children will spot the second they glide out.
⛸️World-class skatingProfessional skaters and dancers performing full routines on a proper sheet of ice — graceful, fast and right in front of you.
🤸Acrobatics & stuntsHigh-flying aerial moments and surprises woven through the story — recent runs have had performers on sway poles above the crowd.
🎤Sing-along songsThe soundtrack is the songs everyone knows, and the whole arena is invited to sing along — a genuine goosebumps moment.
✨Lights & projectionIce palaces conjured with video projection, sparkling effects and a chandelier coming to life — real theatre-scale spectacle.
🍿Treats & souvenirsSnacks, drinks and light-up toys are on sale at the arena — an easy bit of extra magic (they add up, so plan ahead).
Plan your visit
How to do Disney On Ice with kids
Pick your show time to suit your children: morning or afternoon matinees are easiest for younger ones, keeping them well clear of bedtime, while older kids are happy at an evening show. The run usually has several performances, so there's flexibility — but the weekend slots go fastest, so book early. Arrive with time to spare: the SSE Arena sits in the Titanic Quarter with paid car parks nearby, and there's a walk in and a queue at the door. Bring a little cash or card for snacks and a light-up souvenir, which most children will ask for — deciding your limit before you go saves a wobble at the stall. Seats give a good view all round; if your child is small, an aisle or slightly higher seat can help them see over the crowd. Above all, it's warm and indoors — a lovely fixed plan for a dark December day.
Dates and tickets are confirmed months ahead.
The Belfast run is usually early December, with tickets on sale from spring. Check ssearenabelfast.com and Ticketmaster for the exact dates and show times, and book the popular matinees early — they sell out well before the show.
Good to know
Everything before you go
When
The Belfast run is usually around early December, over several days, with a mix of morning, afternoon and evening performances. Exact dates are confirmed months ahead — watch ssearenabelfast.com.
Where
The SSE Arena, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ — in the Titanic Quarter, right beside the river.
How long
Around two hours including a short interval. Doors usually open an hour or so before the show starts.
Cost
Ticket prices vary by seat and show time, sold through Ticketmaster and the arena box office. Under-2s usually go free if they sit on a lap; from about age three children need their own ticket.
Best for families
All ages, from toddlers to grandparents. The songs and characters carry younger children; the skating and stunts wow the older ones.
Booking
Book early through Ticketmaster or the arena — the weekend matinees sell out first once tickets go on sale.
Getting there
Paid car parks in the Titanic Quarter; the arena is well served by bus and Glider, and Titanic Halt train station is a short walk away.
Indoors
Fully indoor and warm — an ideal plan for a cold or wet December day.
Questions
Disney On Ice in Belfast, answered
When is Disney On Ice in Belfast?
It usually skates into the SSE Arena Belfast around early December, for a run of a few days with several shows a day. The exact dates change year to year and are confirmed months ahead — check ssearenabelfast.com and Ticketmaster.
How long is the show?
Around two hours including a short interval. Doors typically open about an hour before the performance, so there's time to find your seats and grab a snack.
Is it good for young children?
Yes — it's built for all ages. The songs and characters hold toddlers for a long stretch, though very small ones may not sit still for every minute. A matinee is the easiest choice for little ones.
Do under-2s need a ticket?
Usually children under two go free if they sit on an adult's lap; from about age three they need their own seat. Check the exact policy on your booking, as it can vary by tour.
Which Disney characters are in it?
It depends on the tour, but recent Belfast runs have featured Frozen, Moana, Encanto, Toy Story, Coco and Mickey Mouse and friends. The line-up is announced with each show.
Where do I get tickets?
Through Ticketmaster and the SSE Arena Belfast box office. Book early — the weekend matinees sell out first once tickets go on sale, often in spring.
Getting there
The SSE Arena is at 2 Queens Quay in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, right beside the river. There are paid car parks around the arena, and it's well served by bus and the Glider, with Titanic Halt train station a short walk away. Arrive in good time to park, queue and settle in before the show.
Disney On Ice has been touring the world for decades, produced by Feld Entertainment under agreement with Disney, and it lands in Belfast most years as one of the highlights of the run-up to Christmas. The formula is simple and it works: take the films children watch on loop, hand them to some of the best figure skaters on the planet, and let them glide, leap and spin the stories to life on a full sheet of ice. The show changes name and line-up each tour, but the magic is the same — the moment Elsa lets go, the whole arena of small voices singing along, the gasp when a skater takes flight.
For a family, it's an easy win in the darkest, coldest week of the year — warm, indoors, and full of the kind of wide-eyed wonder that stays with a child. Watch for the dates, book your matinee early, and go and be dazzled together.