Ring in the New Year 23 floors above Belfast at the Grand Central

Let's be honest, most New Year's Eves involve either squeezing into a packed pub where you can't move or hosting at home where you spend half the night loading the dishwasher. But what if this year you could actually see in 2026 feeling like a proper grown-up, champagne in hand, watching the city lights twinkle below you from 23 floors up?

Belfast's Grand Central Hotel has just announced its New Year's Eve packages and they're giving serious "treat yourself" energy. Whether you're the type who wants a full four-course blow-out or you'd rather keep things relaxed with cocktails and tapas, they've got options that don't involve arguing over taxis at midnight.

Sky-High Celebrations at the Observatory

The Observatory cocktail bar sits on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central and honestly, the views alone are worth the trip. For New Year's Eve they're doing a black-tie celebration that's perfect if you want all the glamour without committing to hours at a formal dinner table.

Tapas-style small plates perfect for sharing with champagne.

You'll kick things off with a signature cocktail before settling in with a half bottle of Bollinger and a selection of tapas that showcase local ingredients with a bit of flair. Think glazed pearl onions and blistered peppers, the kind of sharing plates that let you graze rather than commit to a three-hour sit-down meal. There's live music throughout the night and the mixologists really put on a show with sculpted ice and all sorts of theatrical finishing touches.

The Observatory package starts from €641 for two people. If you want to make a proper night of it, you can upgrade to one of the hotel's premium suites from €1,087 for two. That includes Champagne on ice in your room, which is perfect for those "just one more glass before bed" moments, plus you get to experience their famous King Koil Cloud bed. Parents will understand the appeal of an actual uninterrupted sleep.

Come morning, there's a full Irish breakfast waiting for you in the Seahorse restaurant. No one's asking you to be up at 7am either, which feels like the real luxury after a night out.

The Full Seahorse Dining Experience

If you're more of a traditional New Year's Eve dinner person, the Seahorse package might be more your speed. This one's the full works: prosecco and canapés to start, followed by a four-course dinner created by Executive Head Chef Damian Tumilty.

Elegant dining space with dramatic ceiling height and statement mural.

The Seahorse restaurant itself is gorgeous, all Art Deco accents and soaring ceilings that make you feel like you've stepped into something special. After dinner there's live music in the Seahorse Lounge and when midnight rolls around, a bagpiper leads the ceremonial arrival of the New Year. It's traditional but done with proper style.

This package also starts from €641 for two, with the same suite upgrade options available. You'll get that full Irish breakfast the next morning and a leisurely noon checkout, which is perfect when you're not quite ready to face reality on New Year's Day.

Going All Out with the Suites

Now if you really want to push the boat out, the hotel's suites are something else. The showstopper is the Sir William Hastings Suite at €3,201 for New Year's Eve. Before you choke on your tea, hear me out: you're getting a bottle of Bollinger on arrival, panoramic skyline views from the 21st floor, a super-king Cloud Bed that you'll never want to leave, separate living and dining areas, and a kitchenette.

A festive welcome awaits guests in this beautifully decorated hotel lobby.

There's local artwork throughout celebrating Sir William Hastings' legacy (he's the hotel owner) and the bathroom amenities are properly luxurious. It's the kind of suite where you could happily spend New Year's Day in your dressing gown watching the world go by below.

Look, most of us will be doing the usual countdown with the kids tucked up in bed and a glass of something fizzy from Tesco. But if there's ever a year to treat yourself or surprise your other half with something memorable, this could be it. No cooking, no cleaning, no arguing over whose turn it is to stay sober for the drive home.

You can find more details about the Grand Central Hotel's New Year's Eve packages at grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/new-years-eve or give them a ring on 0044 28 9590 8908. Just maybe don't mention it to the school WhatsApp group or you'll have everyone asking how you managed to swing it.