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

Festive magic with 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

The Snowman™ and the Snowdog
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free, no pre-booking required).

Santa Meet and Greet
Spaces are limited, pre-booking required.

Non-members can add Santa tickets when purchasing Hillsborough Castle and Gardens or Gardens-only tickets.

Members and existing ticket holders can purchase Santa tickets separately using the link below.

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 at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens – the perfect Christmas day out for families of all ages.

Discover 100 acres of wintry wonder as you follow a charming daytime, outdoor trail around the stunning gardens with The Snowman™ and the Snowdog. Inspired by the beloved animated film, seek out larger-than-life Snowdogs Discover sculptures - as well as one iconic Snowman™. Along the way, delight in reliving iconic moments from the story brought to life.

On select days, enjoy more festive cheer with a magical Meet and Greet with Santa himself (additional ticket required) and keep warm watching the beloved Snowdog film. Don't miss also 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!

Snowdog Trail Map

Download Map (PDF)

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 (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.

A mossy walk in a garden, showing the back view of a life-size snowman

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 13, 14, 19, 21, 22 and 23 December. Tickets £5 per family (up to 5 children), or £4.50 for members.

Please note pre-booking is required, including for Members. Non-members will also need to purchase a castle or gardens ticket.

Buy Santa Meet and Greet tickets

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.