When can you visit Santa in Down in 2026?

Ulster Folk Museum: 12, 13 and 19-23 December 2026, plus Christmas evenings on 11 and 18 December. Hillsborough Castle & Gardens: Meet Santa at weekends from 28 November, plus 18-23 December 2026. Streamvale Open Farm: 27 November to 24 December 2026. Downpatrick & County Down Railway: Weekends: 28-29 November and 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 December 2026. Hillmount Garden Centre, Pickie Funpark and Buttercrane have not published 2026 dates yet, so please check with the venue for available dates.

How much does it cost to see Santa in Down?

Ulster Folk Museum: Santa visit from £38 (one adult and one child) to £99 (two adults and three children). Hillsborough Castle & Gardens: £8 per family of up to four children, plus castle or gardens admission. Streamvale Open Farm: Child (3 to 17) £29.50, toddler £18, adult £21, under 1 £5.50. Downpatrick & County Down Railway: Children £27 with present, adults £22, infants free, plus booking fee.

Do you need to book Santa in Down in advance?

Yes, for almost every venue. Weekend slots in December go first, so book as soon as tickets are released. Each listing links to the venue's own booking page.

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Visit Santa in Down 2026

We list 7 Santa experiences in Co. Down. 4 have confirmed 2026 dates: Ulster Folk Museum, Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Streamvale Open Farm and Downpatrick & County Down Railway.

For more ideas, read Visit Santa in County Down.

Dates and prices checked against each venue's own website on 8 October 2026.

2026 dates confirmed

Ulster Folk Museum - Christmas Experience

Cultra (Holywood), Co. Down

Open-air museum Christmas experience with heritage buildings and seasonal activities.

12, 13 and 19-23 December 2026, plus Christmas evenings on 11 and 18 December

Dates, prices and booking

2026 dates confirmed

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens - Father Christmas

Hillsborough, Co. Down

Royal residence Christmas experience at historic Hillsborough Castle.

Meet Santa at weekends from 28 November, plus 18-23 December 2026

Dates, prices and booking

2026 dates confirmed

Streamvale Open Farm - Magical Christmas Experience

Dundonald, Co. Down

A guided farm tour with a tractor ride, animal feeding, a light trail, Mrs Claus' Kitchen and a visit to Santa's grotto. Children receive a present and a family photo with Santa is included.

27 November to 24 December 2026

Dates, prices and booking

2026 dates confirmed

Downpatrick & County Down Railway - Lapland Express

Downpatrick, Co. Down

A heritage train trip lasting about an hour and a half in total, with a visit to Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves. Each child gets a present.

Weekends: 28-29 November and 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 December 2026

Dates, prices and booking

Hillmount Garden Centre - Santa's Grotto

Gilnahirk, Co. Down

A walk-through grotto where each family has a private visit with Santa and every child receives a gift.

Returning for 2026. Please check with venue for available dates

Dates, prices and booking

Pickie Funpark - Santa by the Sea

Bangor, Co. Down

Seaside Santa experience at Pickie Funpark in coastal Bangor.

Please check with venue for available dates

Dates, prices and booking

Buttercrane - Santa

Newry, Co. Down

Santa grotto at Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry.

Please check with venue for available dates

Dates, prices and booking

Good to know

When can you visit Santa in Down in 2026?: Ulster Folk Museum: 12, 13 and 19-23 December 2026, plus Christmas evenings on 11 and 18 December. Hillsborough Castle & Gardens: Meet Santa at weekends from 28 November, plus 18-23 December 2026. Streamvale Open Farm: 27 November to 24 December 2026. Downpatrick & County Down Railway: Weekends: 28-29 November and 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 December 2026. Hillmount Garden Centre, Pickie Funpark and Buttercrane have not published 2026 dates yet, so please check with the venue for available dates.
How much does it cost to see Santa in Down?: Ulster Folk Museum: Santa visit from £38 (one adult and one child) to £99 (two adults and three children). Hillsborough Castle & Gardens: £8 per family of up to four children, plus castle or gardens admission. Streamvale Open Farm: Child (3 to 17) £29.50, toddler £18, adult £21, under 1 £5.50. Downpatrick & County Down Railway: Children £27 with present, adults £22, infants free, plus booking fee.
Do you need to book Santa in Down in advance?: Yes, for almost every venue. Weekend slots in December go first, so book as soon as tickets are released. Each listing links to the venue's own booking page.