Experiencing a Santa event this Christmas in Mourne Gullion Strangford is a truly enchanting way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and create treasured memories. Picture the sparkle in the children’s eyes as they step into a magical world to meet Santa, eagerly share their Christmas wishes, and receive a special gift. The joy and wonder of the moment will leave hearts aglow, capturing the essence of holiday magic.
Mourne Gullion Strangford has a wide selection of Santa Experiences this Christmas time. Here are some that might be perfect for you!
26 November - 20 December 2026
Santa Experience at Newry Christmas Markets
More than just a visit to Santa, this adventure invites children to become one of Santa’s special helpers as they journey through his magical workshop, complete interactive Christmas activities, discover enchanting surprises and enjoy a personal one-to-one visit with Santa himself.
Your adventure begins as you’re welcomed by Santa’s cheerful elves before entering Santa’s bustling workshop, where Christmas magic comes to life around every corner. From decorating their own festive Christmas tote bag, creating magical Christmas scratch art, writing a personal letter to Santa, making a Christmas wish on Santa’s Wishing Tree, creating magical reindeer food for Christmas Eve, toasting a delicious marshmallow with a special treat from Mrs Claus’ Kitchen and a magical one-to-one visit with Santa where they will receive a Christmas gift.
Every ticket includes all workshop activities, a personal visit with Santa, a Christmas gift, and one accompanying adult goes FREE
After your visit, why not continue the festive fun by exploring the Newry Christmas Market, where you’ll discover artisan traders, festive food, warming drinks, seasonal entertainment and plenty of Christmas cheer for the whole family.
New this year, The Christmas Skate Experience brings an ice-skating rink to The Quays Shopping Centre, opening on 20 November. Add a festive skate to your visit for even more Christmas fun.
28 & 29 Nov and 5 & 6 Dec | 12 & 13 Dec | 19 & 20 Dec
Lapland Express at Downpatrick and County Down Railway, Downpatrick
Climb aboard the Lapland Express for a fun Christmas experience with Santa, Mrs Claus and their Elves. Be entertained with an interactive magic display and other fun games. Christmas Drinks and treats served at Inch Abbey Station and a special visit from Santa at your seat with a gift.
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6 December | 9-13 December | 16 – 23 December
Santa at the Castle, Warrenpoint
A Magical Christmas Experience for the whole family!
Step into a world of festive wonder this Christmas as the historic castle is transformed into a magical winter experience for all the family. Each year, Santa at the Castle brings a brand-new themed story to life, making every visit a unique and memorable adventure. In 2026, join our elves as they guide your family through the castle’s hidden basements, where storytellers, the elegant Ice Queen, the kind-hearted Mrs. Claus, and playful elves weave magic and laughter into the Christmas tale.
Your journey continues into the grand halls of the castle, where you’ll take part in festive arts and crafts, before entering the magnificent library to meet Santa Claus himself.
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27 November | Saturday & Sundays 28 November – 20th December | 21-23 December
Santa’s Grotto at The Saint Patrick Centre - Downpatrick
Santa is coming to the Saint Patrick Centre!
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Get into the festive spirit and bring the little ones along to visit Santa in his grotto at the Saint Patrick Centre this Christmas! Enjoy a magical visit with Santa, including a special photo and a present.
5 December
The Saintfield Charity Santa Ride, Saintfield
This year brings a number of exciting changes that promise to make the event even more spectacular. The Christmas Charity Ride has become one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights of the festive season even more this year as it celebrates the 20th Anniversary. Riders from across the province, all dressed as Santa, will gather in the historic market town of Saintfield to take part. If you want to see hundreds of Santas, this is the place to be!
19 December
Cranfield Alpaca Christmasfest - Kilkeel
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with our Christmas Alpaca Experience, which is suitable for all ages. Enjoy meeting, walking and feeding our alpacas, followed by some Christmas crafts for both adults and children – something to take home and treasure for years to come. Everyone enjoys a visit from Father Christmas, who will have gifts for everyone, adults and children.
Enjoy our luxury hot chocolate with lashings of cream and marshmallows or spiced hot apple punch with mince pies and sweet treats
5 & 6 Dec | 11, 12 & 13 | 18 until 23 Dec
Christmas Experience at Mountpanther Farm Park, Clough
Discover the most magical family Christmas adventure in Northern Ireland. Every step of your visit is packed with activities, surprises, keepsakes, and unforgettable moments created to deliver exceptional value for every family.
4 - 6 | 10 - 12 | 18 - 23 December
Santa at Slieve - Newcastle
Hop aboard and bring the little ones to meet Santa at Marine & Lawn Slieve Donard. Enjoy a two-course lunch, storytelling, time with Santa, a train ride, a special gift to take home, and a festive film in the cinema to round off the day.
28 November
Santa Paws at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch
Treat your four legged friend to a festive day out at Montalto Estate's Santa Paws, a magical Christmas experience designed especially for dogs and their owners.
Bring your canine companion to meet Santa and capture a memorable festive photograph in the beautiful surroundings of Montalto Estate. Each dog will receive a special Christmas gift, including a toy and a delicious puppuccino, making this a tail-wagging treat for pets and their families alike.
Festive outfits are encouraged, adding to the seasonal atmosphere and creating the perfect opportunity for memorable Christmas photos. Families are welcome to accompany their dog, making Santa Paws a fun festive outing for all ages.
Each dog will receive a toy and a scrumptious puppuccino. Please ensure your dog is well looked after, and always kept on a lead. This event is exclusively for your dog; however, you can bring children/other adults along too.
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Keep the Christmas magic going with a festive stay in Mourne Gullion Strangford. After meeting Santa and making special memories, unwind in a cosy cottage, welcoming guesthouse or family-friendly hotel. Explore our accommodation and turn your Santa experience into a complete Christmas getaway.
For more Christmas events have a look at our Whats on section Christmas Events
Santa is coming to the Saint Patrick Centre! Santa in his grotto at the Saint Patrick Centre this Christmas! For just £10 per child, enjoy a magical visit with Santa, including a special photo and a present
Step into a world of festive wonder this Christmas as the historic castle is transformed into a magical winter experience for all the family. Each year, Santa at the Castle brings a brand-new themed story to life, making every visit a unique and memorable adventure.
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with our Christmas Alpaca Experience, which is suitable for all ages. Enjoy meeting, walking and feeding our alpacas, followed by some Christmas crafts for both adults and children – something to take home and treasure for years to come. Everyone enjoys a visit from Father Christmas, who will have gifts for everyone, adults and children. Enjoy our luxury hot chocolate with lashings of cream and marshmallows or spiced hot apple punch with mince pies and sweet treats. Lasts 1 hour. Please remember to wear warm, waterproof clothing and footwear. Pre-Booking Essential and please ensure you arrive 10 minutes before your Alpaca Christmasfest Experience starts. This experience is suitable for those in wheelch
Discover the magic of Newry Christmas Markets, with festive shopping, local traders, seasonal food and live entertainment in the heart of Newry City.
Travel back to the past with real vintage steam trains through St. Patrick's Country, over the River Quoile and under the graceful Down Cathedral to peaceful ruins of Inch Abbey.
A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.
We are a family run farm park based just outside Newcastle, County Down. Established in 2017, we have been providing families with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories since then.
This spectacular Christmas Extravaganza has become one of the most eagerly anticipated on the Christmas calendar. Riders from all over the province dressed up as Santa, will converge on the historical market town of Saintfield to take part.
