NI family Christmas events 2024 including visiting Santa and how you can book tickets

Families can visit Santa in many places across NI this festive season
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


For those looking ahead to Christmas, there's already many family events announced taking place across Northern Ireland.

Many places are taking bookings for visiting Santa and his reindeer, so it might be a good idea to secure your tickets now to avoid the last-minute panic.

We've listed the places in NI which have announced their plans for the Christmas season so far, helping children get into the festive spirit.

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If we have missed any, please drop us an email to let us know and we can add them to the list.

Santa's Cottage, Newry

Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself, take a family photo, and receive a gift.

As you journey through the grounds, you’ll also get to meet Santa’s hardworking elves, explore where Santa sleeps, and feed his reindeer.

It will be open from November 22 to December 24. You can find out more and book here.

Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens

Antrim Castle Gardens comes to life with a magical Christmas experience for all the family.

Visit the Wonderland Wood, enjoy the twinkling lights, visit Santa, and don’t forget the rides, attractions, and food in the Festive Food Fayre.

Taking place from November 29 to December 21. You can find out more and get tickets here.

Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience

This year’s event includes a nativity scene with real animals, Mrs Claus story-telling, gingerbread decorating, the popular Polar Express train adventure, and Father Christmas and his elves will also be there.

It will run from November 29 to December 15. To find out more and get tickets, see here.

Christmas at Mountpanther Farm Park, Co Down

Be greeted with a warm drink on arrival, explore Santa’s Workshop, meet Santa, his Reindeer and elves, post your letter to the North Pole, make Reindeer food for Christmas Eve and your own decoration to hang on your tree.

There's also Santa’s Toyshop for children to pick their own present.

Running from November 30 to December 23. To get tickets, click here.

Streamvale Magical Christmas Experience, Belfast

Meet Santa, feed his reindeer, do some gingerbread decorating with Mrs Claus, go on a sing-a-long tractor ride, and more.

The event is running from November 23 to December 24. For more information, see here.

The Ark Open Farm Christmas Experience, Newtownards

Be welcomed by the elves and reindeer, set off on a festive tractor ride, meet Santa, explore the Elf Village, help out in Santa's Workshop, and the last stop is Santa's Post Office.

Running from November 23 to December 24. See more here.

Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Discover 12 festive displays and see a few surprises along the way, including a polar bear swimming in the pond, a garden play trial, and a secret grotto.

On special days in December, little ones can also meet Santa himself.

Running from November 23 to January 5. For more information, see here.

A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast

Meet your elf guide and take a journey as a group through the Enchanted Forest. Visit the elf workshop and Mrs Claus, then post your Christmas letter and peek into the toy shop where the elves have been hard at work.

Children on the ‘Nice’ list will get the chance to meet Santa.

Running from November 27 to December 23.. For more information, see here.

Santa's Grotto at Hillmount Garden Centre, Belfast

Children can explore the Winter Wonderland, meet the elves, Santa, and Mrs Claus.

In the magical grotto, little ones will be given a quiz sheet by the elves to work on throughout their visit, get into Santa’s sleigh and meet him.

Open from November 29. For more information, click here.

Winter Wonderland at Todd's Leap, Ballygawley

Explore the Winter Wonderland and see Santa and his elves.

Featuring a Santa's Post Office, Off-Road Sleigh, family quizzes, and Mrs Claus' Cabin.

Taking place from For more information, see here.

The Jungle NI Christmas Wonderland, Moneymore

Pen a letter to Santa and meet him, go on the Jungle Express Haycart Ride, see the dancing stage show, toast marshmallows with the elves, and more.

Open from November 30 to December 23. See more and book here.

Santa's Magical Experience, Coalisland

On arrival, the magical train conductor will welcome you on a simulated ride on the train to the North Pole to meet Santa.

Go on an enchanting walk through a fantasy world with a North Pole Station and more. You will be greeted by Santa's elves before being treated to a theatrical performance with live actors, and more.

Beginning November 22 and running until December 22. See more here.

If we've missed your family Christmas event 2024, email be@belfastlive.co.uk and we'll add it to our list!

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