Name: Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Start: 2025-11-29T00:00
End: 2026-01-04T17:00
Location: Hillsborough Castle

The Snowman™ and the Snowdog

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When

29 November 2025 - 04 January 2026 (excluding 24-26 December)

In line with gardens opening hours.

Ticketing information

Pre-booking is required for the Meet and Greet and you will also need to purchase a Castle or Gardens ticket.

Included in all admission tickets (Members go free, no pre-booking required)

Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets Buy Santa meet and greet tickets

Step into a world of festive magic, as The Snowman™ and The Snowdog are brought to life at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this festive season. Enjoy this perfect Christmas treat for families and fans of all ages.

Discover 100 acres of wintry wonder as you follow a charming outdoor trail featuring larger than life Snowdogs Discover sculptures, as well as one iconic Snowman™. These are beautifully hand-painted by independent artists and inspired by the much-loved animated film.

Along the way, spot iconic moments from the story brought to life throughout the famous gardens. Then on select days, enjoy more festive cheer with a magical meet-and-greet with Santa himself (additional ticket required). Don't miss stepping inside the famous castle, filled with twinkling Christmas decorations.

Experience festive fun at Hillsborough

On weekends and during the Christmas holidays, cosy up and watch The Snowman™ and The Snowdog film.

Warm up with a hot chocolate or tasty treat from the café after exploring the hidden glens, woodland paths and the snowy play trail - there's even space to build your very own snowman if the weather allows!

Santa posing with child in wheelchair next to a Christmas Tree in the HCG Cafe Dec 2023.

Meet Santa in his Hillsborough hideaway

Make your day even more special and take the little ones to meet Santa himself. Watch them share their Christmas wishes, capture the perfect family photo for the occasion and receive a gift of reindeer food to save for feeding Santa's special reindeer.

Meet Santa in the Garden Shop on 29 and 30 November, and 06, 07, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December. Tickets £5 per family (up to 5 children), or £4.50 for members.

Please note, the meet and greet requires pre-booking and will be separately ticketed, which means you will also need to purchase a castle or gardens ticket.

Upgrade your visit

Want to make your day extra special? Add on a visit to the beautifully decorated castle, glowing with seasonal sparkle. Discover the famous Throne Room and discover fascinating stories that will delight all the family.

Upgrade your ticket to membership and discover a full year of adventures, including Easter hunts, spooktacular Halloween activities and summer family fun.

Two visitors in a stately room with two Christmas trees

A snowy garden with a temple in the center

Family walking through red baubles hanging from trees in the woodlands in a lush garden

Father Christmas sitting inside a Christmas themed decorated sleigh with a temple in the background.

Snowdog screenings

Cosy up inside the Clore Learning Centre in the Stable Yard to watch the much-loved Snowdog film, included in your admission ticket.

Join us during weekends (29 - 30 November, 06 - 07 and 13 - 14 December) and every day during the school holidays (20 December - 04 January, excluding 24-26 December) at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00. First come, first served.

The film lasts approximately 25 minutes.