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!
20 November - 21 December
The Santa Experience at Newry Christmas Markets
Discover the Magic of Christmas at Newry’s Festive Market! 🎄✨
Step into Santa’s enchanting grotto and make unforgettable memories with the whole family. Join us at the Newry Christmas Market for a magical experience filled with joy, wonder, and holiday cheer!
What to Expect
• local and artisan stalls offering unique gifts, festive décor, handmade crafts, and gourmet food.
• Mouth-watering street food, festive drinks, and sweet treats, with local favourites including Just Good Grub, Boyd's Kitchen, VR Steakhouse and Bunreal.
• Live entertainment, music, and performances every weekend, bringing the hall to life with festive energy.
• A truly enchanting Santa Experience for children including marshmallow toasting, reindeer food making, a wish tree, Santa plate decorating, and of course, meeting Santa himself.
• A charity car raffle in partnership with R Kings Competitions, with all proceeds going to support a local cause.
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29 & 30 Nov and 6 & 7 Dec | 13 & 14 Dec | 20 & 21 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.
4 & 5 December | 6 & 7 | 11 & 12 | 13 & 14 | 17 & 18 | 19 & 20 | 21 & 22 | plus 23
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 2025, 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.
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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.
4 - 23 December
Santa In Oz at The Saint Patrick Centre - Downpatrick
Step off the yellow brick road and into a Christmas adventure unlike any other!
The Saint Patrick Centre brings the magic of The Wizard of Oz to life this holiday season, combining the wonder of Oz with the joy of meeting Santa. Children will wander through a sparkling winter wonderland, meet Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man, and finally arrive at Santa’s Emerald City workshop.
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6 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. 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!
6 & 7 December
Denvir's Welcomes Mourne Santa and Mrs Claus
Denvir's are delighted to welcome Mourne Santa and Mrs Claus on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December. Spend quality time with Santa and Mrs Claus as they tell the stories of Christmas from around the world and lead a seasonal sing-along. Join in the crafts, sip a hot chocolate and bring home an eco-friendly gift.
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6 | 13 | 20 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.
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6 & 7 Dec | 13 & 14 | 20 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.
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7 | 14 | 21 December
Santa Sundays at Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle
Capture the magic of the season for all the family with a three course carvery, live music and a visit from Santa himself. Plus every child will enjoy a special festive present on the day.
14 December
Santa Paws at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch
Bring your furry friend to meet Santa for a paw-sitively magical experience! It's the perfect opportunity for a festive photo with your beloved pet. Tickets cost £15 per dog (adults/children do not need a ticket)
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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15 - 22 December
Finding Santa Experience at Bluebell Lane, Newry
Join Santa’s Helper on a festive journey through an enchanted woodland, where you’ll stop by Mrs. Claus’s cosy cottage for a heartwarming Christmas story. But there’s a problem—Santa has mysteriously disappeared! Mrs. Claus has searched high and low, and now she needs your help to save Christmas.
20 December
Deck the Stalls at Kinedale Donkeys, Ballynahinch
Here's a glimpse of what's in store: - **Brush and Meet Our Festive Donkeys:** Our donkeys will be dressed up in their holiday best, complete with jingling bells. You'll have the chance to brush and get to know these merry companions. - **Traditional Christmas Crafting:** Unleash your creativity with our traditional Christmas crafting activities, where participants can make festive items to take home as keepsakes or decorations for the holiday season. - **Mix Your Own Reindeer Food:** Learn the secret recipe for reindeer food, ensuring Santa's reindeer have the energy they need for their Christmas journey. - **Nativity Scene Visit:** Experience the true spirit of Christmas by visiting our Nativity Scene, complete with farm animals to enhance the ambiance and make this cherished story come alive. - **Meet Mr. Claus:** Conclude your festive journey by meeting Mr. Claus himself. He'll enlist the help of his long-eared friends to ensure each of your little ones receives a special Christmas present. - **Treats for Everyone:** After the festivities, indulge in Mrs. Claus' glorious hot chocolate, warm mince pies, and other delectable treats for all to enjoy.
For more Christmas events have a look at our Whats on section Christmas Events
Santa in Oz is in residence at the Saint Patrick Centre
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
Bring your furry friend to meet Santa for a paw-sitively magical experience! It's the perfect opportunity for a festive photo with your beloved pet at Montalto this festive season.
The Newry Christmas Market is a brand-new festive experience taking place for the first time inside the historic Newry Variety Market. From 20 November to 21 December 2025, the venue on Hill Street, Newry will transform into a magical indoor market filled with artisan stalls, festive food, live entertainment, and Santa's enchanting grotto. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season, support local traders, and enjoy the spirit of Christmas in the heart of Newry City. Thursdays to Sundays, free entry for all!
Join Robert and his 25 therapy-trained donkeys for wellness and heritage experiences. You are welcomed to his family's farm in Ballynahinch, in the heart of County Down. Take a breather with Goat Meditation or explore the rolling "drumlins" with a Donkey Trek.
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.
Located in the beautiful Ring of Gullion area; Bluebell Lane offers “Creative Glamping” holiday accommodation Northern Ireland. Whether you are organising a holiday for yourself or a group; we have a range of pods, cottages to suit your needs.
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
The feel-good Christmas event of the year! Denvir's are delighted to welcome Mourne Santa and Mrs Clause on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December. Spend quality time with Santa and Mrs Claus as they tell the stories of Christmas from around the world and lead a seasonal sing-along. Join in the crafts, sip a hot chocolate and bring home an eco-friendly gift.
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.
