Find 12 Days of Christmas magic in our 100-acre gardens
Make this festive season memorable for all the family, with a day out to Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. During the day, explore gardens transformed with beautiful decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
Wander at your own pace and discover all 12 festive displays. Keep your eyes peeled for a few surprises along the way, including a polar bear swimming in our pond and a giant Advent calendar! You may also discover a special garden play trail, a walled garden and a secret grotto – all with plenty of space to explore and play.
On special days in December, little ones can also meet Santa himself – the perfect end to an unforgettable family day out. Share your Christmas wishes and be gifted a bag of special reindeer food to make sure Santa pays your house a Christmas visit.
Meet Santa 11:00 - 14:30 on 07, 08, 14, 15, December and Friday 20 December through to Monday 23 December 2024.
Kids can also get stuck into a fun hands-on workshop on 24 and 30 November and 14 December. Find out more below.
When
Until 05 January 2025
In line with gardens opening hours.Ticketing information
Check Christmas opening times before booking.
Meet Santa 11:00 - 14:30 on 07, 08, 14, 15, December and Friday 20 December through to Monday 23 December 2024.
Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)
Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens tickets
Christmas Trail Map
Step into Christmas in the Castle
Continue your festive journey inside the famous castle, with the grand State Rooms dressed to impress. Discover the beauty of Christmas at this royal residence and see sparkling Christmas trees, twinkling lights and elegant garlands.
Enjoy festive food in the café
After all that exploring, take a break in our café with a warming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. Pair it with a mince pie or filling lunch, before enjoying more winter adventures with your family.
Christmas family-friendly workshops
Get stuck into a fun, creative workshop this festive season! Create your own stunning tree decoration, get creative with air dry clay, or make your own delicious chocolate treat to take home.
All activities will take place in the Clore Learning Centre, Stable Yard.
Wood Christmas decoration decoupage
Sunday 24 November
Four sessions: 11:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:30
Create Christmas tree decorations using wood slices and 'decoupage.' Create a unique set of festive ornaments, choosing from a range of patterns/designs.
Suitable for families with children aged four plus.
Air dry clay Christmas ornament crafting
Saturday 30 November
Four sessions: 11:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:30.
Get creative with air dry clay and create your own hanging Christmas ornament. Enjoy cutting your shape and adding decorative touches to hang up at home.
Suitable for families with children aged four plus.
Christmas chocolate making workshop
Saturday 14 December
Four sessions: 10:30, 11:45, 13:30 and 14:45.
Find out all about Georgian chocolate and make your own festive chocolate treat to take home, with Hillsborough Castle’s very own chocolatier, Jamie Penny!
Suitable for families with children aged five plus.
Only children may make the chocolate treat.
Find 12 Days of Christmas magic in our 100-acre gardens, from 23 November 2024 - 05 January 2025. Members go free.
Upgrade to membership today
Upgrade your ticket to membership for a whole year of family adventures. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for yourself, your family, or your friends! Discover exciting events across the year – including Easter hunts, stunning spring blooms, haunting Halloween fun and more.
Explore what's on
- Exhibition
- Things to see
Royal Style in the Making
Discover the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers in a captivating new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle.
- 15 March 2025 - 04 January 2026
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in combined castle tour and gardens tickets (Members go free)
- Events
- For members
Members-Only Carols by the Christmas Tree
Wrap up warm and join us for a selection of traditional Christmas carols and a warm drink under the stars. Celebrate Christmas and spread the festive cheer. Invitation warmly extended to volunteers and staff.
- 05 December 2024
- 15:00 - 16:30
- Hillsborough Castle
- Free
- Christmas
- Events
A Choral Christmas at Hillsborough Castle
Join the extraordinary Cappella Caeciliana for a memorable Christmas concert evening filled with festive performances.
- 15 December 2024 (sold out)
- 19:45 - 21:45 (doors open at 19:15) 30 minute interval at 20:30.
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket
Browse more history and stories
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’
Art at Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art