This Christmas 2026, get ready for a truly enchanting festive adventure at the Ark Farm, Newtownards! Santa and his very cheerful elves invite you and your family to embark on a magical journey through a winter wonderland.
With a small group of fellow visitors, one of Santa’s friendly elves will help you to explore the festive sights and sounds that will make this an unforgettable experience. Santa’s elves are already hard at work, creating an adventure filled with twinkling lights, snow-covered trees, and all the Christmas magic you could imagine!
We are proud to present our Magical
Christmas Experience 2026
If you choose a time slot between 9.30am and 3.30pm, this is our ‘daylight’ experience. Our lights may not shine as brightly but you will be able to enjoy the rest of the farm that cannot be used at night time including our play areas, Fairytale Forest and Jurassic Ark.
Time slots between 3.30pm and 9.30pm, this is our ‘After Dark’ experience when our Christmas lights shine in their full glory. Please note that our play areas, Fairytale Forest and Jurassic Ark will be closed for our After Dark experiences.
Santa has arranged for a ‘quiet’ session suitable for those with sensory needs. This session is quieter than our main experience but including all the same lovely happenings as our main After Dark Christmas Experience.
Aged 17+ years old. Admission to the full Christmas Experience including hot chocolate, marshmallow toasting
Aged 3+ years old. Admission to the full Christmas Experience including the bear building experience, hot chocolate, marshmallow toasting, sweet shop visit, gingerbread decorating
Aged 1-2 years old. Admission to the full Christmas Experience including the bear building experience, hot chocolate, marshmallow toasting, sweet shop visit, gingerbread decorating
Under 1. Admission to the full Christmas Experience including the bear building experience.
Under 1. Admission to the full Christmas Experience including a small gift from Santa.
Registered carers enjoy discounted entry when accompanying a paying admission. Carer's ID must be shown.
Please read the Christmas event information on this page fully before booking.
Please select your date and time carefully when booking as we likely to not be able to change it due to the popularity of this event.
Each booking is limited to a maximum of 10 tickets.
A £1 booking fee per booking is applicable at the checkout.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate late arrivals or early arrivals. Each family has a designated time slot and will be assigned to a specific group to fully enjoy the experience. Please arrive at the time you have booked. Given the high volume of families and groups visiting Santa daily, we are unable to adjust your selected time if you miss the start of your experience – as much as we would like to!
Some areas of the farm will be closed during evening events, including play areas, Jurassic Ark & the Fairytale Forest. During the evening events you can enjoy the magical Christmas lights which are not available through the day.
Please note that the Jumping pillows will be closed throughout November & December for winter related safety reasons.
Our friendly team of elves will help you pick and make your very own cuddly toy to take home.
There’s lots of designs to choose from so you are sure to find one that’s just right!
Enjoy building together as a family. These 16″ (40cm) bears are a lovely personal keepsake that will be with them for years to come.
Bookings can be made for groups of 2 to 10 people. If your group exceeds 10, we may need to split you into smaller groups of 10 to see Santa. To accommodate larger groups, simply make multiple bookings and complete the checkout process together.
The children’s ticket includes a delightful teddy bear that they can build themselves with the help of our friendly elves. This experience includes stuffing the bear and adding a small heart before taking it home. There is a variety of bears to choose from, ensuring your child finds their perfect companion. Additionally, children will take home reindeer food for Christmas Eve, sweets, a gingerbread man, and a completed passport as a keepsake.
Yes! You are welcome to take your own photo or Santa will take one photo per family with his own camera during your visit. These photos are available for purchase at the Post Office at the end of your experience. Photos are priced at £8 each, or you can buy two for £12, and they come in a frame or card, making them a perfect gift.
We have a team of wonderful gentlemen who assist Santa during this busy time of year. While some have real beards and others do not, they all embody the true spirit of Santa Claus.
Yes, you can dress up your teddy! We offer a variety of charming outfits and accessories for purchase at the Post Office at the end of your experience, allowing you to make your new teddy truly unique.
We are delighted to welcome group visits this year. Please contact us directly via email to arrange group bookings. Kindly note that we have limited capacity for group visits. Email: info@thearkopenfarm.co.uk
The farm is closed for regular farm visits during the Christmas Experience (from 2nd November to 27th December). However we do open between Christmas and New Year if you would like to enjoy a festive visit to the farm with the fam.
Our lights may not shine as brightly in daylight but you will be able to enjoy the rest of the farm that cannot be used at night time including our play areas, Fairytale Forest and Jurassic Ark.
Please note: Jumping pillows will be closed throughout November & December for winter related safety reasons.
Children can pick and build their own teddy to take home
Feed Santa’s real Reindeer
Family visit to meet Santa
A festive tractor ride around the farm
Hot Chocolate and marshmallow toasting
Elf Village (Gingerbread decorating, sweet shop, write a letter to Santa)
Make reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve.
Beautiful Christmas lights and atmosphere
Please note: sections of the farm are closed during evening events including play areas, Fairytale forest and Jurassic Ark.
Jumping pillows will be closed throughout November & December for winter related safety reasons.
Children can pick and build their own teddy to take home
A quieter environment
Feed Santa’s real Reindeer
Family visit to meet Santa
A festive tractor ride around the farm
Hot Chocolate and marshmallow toasting
Elf Village (Gingerbread decorating, sweet shop, write a letter to Santa)
Make reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve.
Beautiful Christmas lights and atmosphere
Please note: sections of the farm are closed during evening events including play areas, Fairytale forest and Jurassic Ark.
Jumping pillows will be closed throughout November & December for winter related safety reasons.
Our mailing list is the place to be if you want to be one of the first to hear about our special events including Christmas
