Santa is going to be busy visiting all corners of NI ahead of the big day!
Visiting Santa is one of the most exciting and magical times of the year for the little ones in your life.
If you need to check whether you’ve been naughty or nice this festive season, we have rounded up a number of spots across the country where you can visit Father Christmas.
With too many to name in every county, we have listed only a handful of the fantastic festive events where you can see Santa before he jets back to the North Pole in time for December 24.
READ MORE: The Snowman and Snowdogs take up Royal residence at Hillsborough Castle this ChristmasREAD MORE: Belfast Christmas Market set to attract one million visitors to the grounds of City Hall this festive season
Be sure to check availability, ticketing and dates before attending your Santa of choice!
Hillsborough Castle
On weekends and during the Christmas holidays, visitors can enjoy even more festive cheer with a magical meet-and-greet with Santa himself as part of the wider Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Christmas experience.
It runs as a separate event to The Snowman and Snogdog event taking place this year.
Find out more here
Castle Court Shopping Centre
Add a little magic to the festive season with a visit to see Santa Claus, at CastleCourt Shopping Centre. Located on our first floor (opposite the food court), you can find Santa and his busy elves in the Winter Wonderland grotto, ready to meet and greet the children with joy!
We are working around the clock to check who’s on the nice list, welcoming children from the 15th November to the 24th December.
Find out more here
Victoria Square Shopping Centre
Brand new for 2025, Victoria Square is proud to present The Victoria Square Express – a unique and immersive Christmas Grotto experience unlike any other.
Guests will be ‘transported’ to a snowy Christmas village aboard the magical train, where they can explore Santa’s Village Stores, meet some of his trusty reindeer – including one that sings – and step inside the Snow Globe Snug, before finally meeting the man himself.
The Victoria Square Express runs weekends throughout November, Friday to Sunday in December, plus daily from 22–24 December. Pre-booking is essential.
Find out more here
Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens
Visit Santa in his magical grotto from 28 November until 23 December!
Meet him, share your Christmas wishes and enjoy festive fun in a sparkling winter wonderland.
After Santa hangs up his hat, the Grinch takes over from 27–30 December, bringing green mischief and chaos for a hilarious post-Christmas treat for all ages.
Find out more here
Christmas at Foyleside Shopping Centre
Experience the Magic. Take the enchanted elevator to the North Pole and visit Santa in his Grotto.
Christmas Grotto at Foyleside – £6.50 per Child (+Booking Fee) Step into the magic with our special elevator ride to the North Pole! Each ticket includes the enchanted elevator, a visit with Santa, a selection box, and plenty of festive cheer.
You’re welcome to capture your own moments of magic or let the Magic Memories Photo Store create keepsakes you’ll treasure forever.
Find out more here
Dobbies Antrim
Back by popular demand, Santa’s Grotto – this time with a North Pole adventure theme.
Children at the Antrim store will journey through a magical, ice-inspired world, playing polar games and enjoying festive activities before meeting Santa and receiving a special, age-appropriate gift.
Running from 23 November to Christmas Eve, tickets start at £14 per child. Quiet Grotto sessions are available on Friday 5 December, offering a more relaxed, inclusive experience for children with additional needs.
Find out more here
Titanic Belfast
Make memories at A Magical Christmas Experience.
Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year on a guided tour of our Magical Christmas Experience from 28th November – 23rd December!
Meet your Elf guide and travel as a group on a new immersive journey to the North Pole. You’ll visit the Enchanted Forest, make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree and take some time to explore the Elves’ Workshop.
Find out more here
Santa Cottage Newry
Santa’s Cottage is the ultimate destination for families looking to experience the joy and wonder of Christmas. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself, take a family photo with him, and even receive a special gift.
But that’s not all – as you journey through the grounds, you’ll also get to meet Santa’s hardworking elves, explore where Santa sleeps, and even feed his trusty reindeer.
With so much to see and do, a visit to our cottage is the perfect way to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Find out more here
Todd’s Leap Ballygawley
This Christmas, Santa & Mrs Claus return and those Elves will be taking over Todds Leap again! Come along and Explore the Magical Winter Wonderland, a Christmas Experience like no other.
There will also be lots of little surprises along the way. Enjoy some arts & crafts before your tour begins.
Find out more here
Glenarm Castle
After 20 magical years of the Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience we are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter –Christmas Glenarm Castle.
Step back in time to a Victorian winter and journey into The Kingdom of Dalriada… Beyond its secret gates, elves will welcome you into their enchanting world. Follow the whispers of a mysterious Seed as it guides you toward the true heart of Christmas.
Meet Father Christmas himself, who will awaken the magic within you.
Find out more here
Santa on Tour Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
This Christmas, Santa is hitting the road for a special visit to Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough for an unforgettable adventure. Join us for Santa on Tour as we light up the borough with festive sparkle to celebrate Christmas in style!
Experience the enchantment of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their playful elves as they cruise through the borough in their sparkling red bus.
They will make stops in the city and towns across the borough, bringing joy to everyone who gathers to enjoy the festive atmosphere filled with music, fun and spectacular entertainment. Full details of the tour on council website.
Find out more here
Santa’s Grotto Magherafelt
Santa returns to the Bridewell this festive season, each Saturday from 22 November to 21 December.
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Bridewell Grotto. Post your letter to the North Pole and make your very own Christmas decoration.
Santa’s Grotto will be open on Saturday 22 November 2025 from 2pm to 5.30pm and every Saturday after, up to 13 December from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Find out more here
Visit Santa at Ulster Folk Museum
Come and meet Santa at the most magical time of year before he packs up his sleigh and returns to the North Pole.
Wander around the cobbled streets of the Ulster Folk Museum before and after your visit with Santa, taking in the magic with festive music, scents of cinnamon, seasonal food to taste and exhibit buildings decorated for the season, just as they would have been years ago.
Meet talented craft demonstrators, listen to festive storytelling and make your own Christmas decorations to take home. Don’t forget to say hello to the donkeys as well!
Find out more here
Visit Santa and his Elves at Ulster American Folk Park
The North Pole elves are busy getting things ready and spreading festive cheer wherever they go. Did you know that only children who truly believe in Christmas magic can see the elves? They aren’t so fond of grown-ups!
Take in the magic of Christmas with a stroll through the snowy streets of Ulster and America. Let one of our elves guide you to the magical home of Father Christmas and Mrs Claus to say hello, and if you’re on the good list this year, you might even receive a special, traditional gift to bring home!
While you’re here, meet the Chief Story Elf for Christmas storytelling, get hands-on with Christmas crafts, try tasty samples in Mrs Claus’ Bakery and take a Horse & Carriage ride.
Find out more here
Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle
This December, The Jungle becomes a twinkling world of festive wonder, where every path sparkles and every corner hides a little Christmas cheer.
Families can wander through our enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, and soak up the glow of dazzling lights and joyful laughter.
Now in our 13th year of spreading seasonal magic, Christmas Wonderland is more than just a visit, it’s a memory your family will treasure forever.
Find out more here
Santa’s Grotto in Dungannon
Santa’s Christmas Grotto returns to Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House this December for another fun family experience! Santa’s Grotto will be open from Tuesday 16th– Sunday 21st December 2025. An ASD-Friendly session is available to book on Thursday 18 December.
Watch their delight as Santa’s elves and Mrs Claus welcome children to the enchanting Christmas grotto. Here you will get the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs Claus and experience the magic of Christmas!
There will be lots of opportunities to take your own family photos and make some magical memories. Each child will get a small gift to take home.
Find out more here
Santa’s Corner at Share Discovery Village
Join us for an enchanting Christmas grotto in County Fermanagh!
Located at Share Discovery Village, just outside Lisnaskea, Northern Ireland, Santa’s Corner promises an unforgettable festive experience for families this Christmas season.
Find out more here
If you have a grotto you would like us to add to our list, email news@belfastlive.co.uk
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