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Christmas at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Find 12 Days of Christmas magic in Hillsborough Castle’s 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.
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.
For those looking for an extra special Christmas treat, join a stunning one-off performance on Sunday 15 December by one of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive choirs.
Enjoy festive food in the café
After all that exploring, take a break in the 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.
