Where can I see Santa in the Mid and East Antrim area? Here are 10 places you can still visit Santa in 2023

Check out our list for some of the top spots in Mid and East Antrim and the wider area where you can visit Father Christmas himself.

Many locations are booking up fast with some slots only available on selected dates; be sure to check each venue for details.

Whitehead Railway Museum – selected dates

The Museum’s Victorian Santa Steam event will run every Saturday and Sunday until December 23 and includes a short train ride hauled by steam engine and an interactive experience with Santa and Mrs Claus, as well as a host of other seasonal treats and activities – see the venue’s Facebook page for more.

Carnfunnock Country Park – December 16 & 17

Kids can visit Santa in his very special grotto at Carnfunnock Country Park between 11am and 4.30pm. Little ones will be able to write their letters to Santa for special delivery to the North Pole in time for Christmas.

They will also be treated to a meeting with the man himself and his friends, receive a small gift and have an opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa; click here for more details.

Larne Community Care Centre – December 16

LCCC’s Christmas Fair will run from 3pm - 6pm and will feature a host of fun festive activities – including the chance to visit Santa and his elves in his workshop! More details on the free event are on the LCCC Facebook page.

Larne Market Yard – December 22

There will be a children’s Christmas party at the venue from 6:30pm-8:30pm with a disco, balloon modelling and a magic show, as well as a visit from Santa. Admission is £1, with all children under 8 to be accompanied by an adult.

Tower Centre, Ballymena – selected dates

A popular festive fixture in the centre, Santa’s Grotto will be open this year until Saturday, December 23 with a number of slots available between 12-8pm; to book a slot, visit the Tower Centre's website.

Fairhill Shopping Centre, Ballymena – selected dates

Saturdays in December will be all the merrier with shoppers able to meet Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, and the elves at the centre. The sessions will run from 11am-3pm on December 2, 9, 16 and 23.

Hillside Nursery Centre, Newtownabbey – selected dates

Hillside has created a brand new Christmas Experience with a 4D virtual reality sleigh ride. The magical journey will be followed by a walk through the North Pole to visit Santa in his grotto, where every child will receive a gift. For more details, click here.

The Harbour Brewers Fayre, Carrickfergus – selected dates

Brewers Fayre’s famous breakfast with Santa is back, with all the usual fun and games and the gift of a selection box from Santa for each child. Soft play will also be open for kids to enjoy. For further details on availability and prices, call 02893356420 or message the restaurant on Facebook.

Christmas at the Wee Village, Ballyclare – selected dates

The Wee Village is offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy a magical, child-led Santa Experience with no queuing for photos – and Santa is supporting local with his gifts this year too! Numbers will be limited to 16 children per session; for more details, check The Wee Village website.

The Old Mill, Cloughmills – December 16

Check out Cloughmills Community Action Team on Facebook for details of Christmas at The Old Mill, where there will be a host of activities for kids to enjoy from a mobile farm to arts and crafts. Kids can visit Santa in the yurt, with quiet time slots available.