This Christmas, 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!
Three Ways to Enjoy The Experience
Daytime
Experience
9:30am – 3:30pm
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.
After Dark Experience
3:30pm – 9:30pm
If you book a time slot 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.
Quiet (SEN) Night Experience
3:30pm – 9:30pm
Santa has arranged for several ‘quiet’ sessions suitable for those with sensory needs. These sessions are quieter than our main experience but including all the same lovely happenings as our main After Dark Christmas Experience.
The Experience
A timeline of the magic you can expect
1. Elf & Reindeer Welcome
As you arrive at the Christmas Experience, a cheerful elf will greet you, marking the start of your magical journey. In a small, cosy group, you will have the delightful opportunity to meet and feed Santa’s very own Christmas reindeer! The experience starts promptly at your chosen time and will last about two hours. Santa is very excited to welcome you and kindly asks that you arrive on time so you don’t miss a single moment of the magic!
2. Set off on a festive Tractor Ride
Next, your elf guide will take you and your group on a festive tractor ride through the farm, where you’ll spot some of the other charming animals who live there. As we journey through, we’ll get in the Christmas spirit by listening to a Christmas story and singing some festive songs.
3. Next stop – Santa Claus
The most anticipated part of the Magical Christmas Experience is finally here – it’s time to visit Santa Claus! Each family or group will enjoy a special, private moment with Santa. While you wait for your turn, the elves will keep you warm and toasty with hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting by the fire.
You’ll have plenty of time to snap your own photos with Santa, and if you’d like, Santa will take a picture on his camera, available for purchase at the end of your visit.
4. Explore the Elf Village
After your visit with Santa, your group will have the opportunity to explore the Elf Village! Get creative by decorating yummy gingerbread, making magical reindeer food for Christmas Eve, and even stopping by Santa’s sweet shop for a special treat.
5. Help in Santa’s Workshop
Santa’s a little behind schedule and could really use some help! Your little ones will be invited to assist the elves in Santa’s workshop, where they can create their very own gift—a cuddly teddy bear to take home and treasure. With a variety of special designs to choose from, your child is sure to find their favourite!
6. Last stop: Santa’s Post Office
The last stop on your Magical Christmas experience is a visit to Santa’s post office to write him a letter or thank-you note. You will also have the chance to enjoy looking at the photo Santa took of you when you popped in for a visit (and you can choose whether you would like to buy one, or just enjoy your own)!
Prices
Adult
Age 18+
Includes everything in your chosen experience
plus hot chocolate
& marshmallow toasting.
Child
Age 3-17
Includes everything in your chosen experience plus a teddy workshop where your little one will pick and build their own bear!
Toddler
Age 1-2
Includes everything in your chosen experience plus a teddy workshop where your little one will pick and build their own bear!
Baby with Gift
UNDER 1
Includes everything in your chosen experience plus you can choose a teddy to build for your baby!
Baby no Gift
UNDER 1
Includes everything in your chosen experience and a visit to Santa. No bear is included in this experience.
Carer
Proof of eligibility must be provided
Discounted entry when accompanying the cared-for adult or child.
Includes hot chocolate & marshmallow toasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we arrive? Is it OK if we are late?
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!
What’s the difference between the daytime events and the evening events?
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.
What makes this experience extra special?
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.
What are the limits on group sizes?
Bookings can be made for groups of 2 to 8 people. If your group exceeds 8, we may need to split you into smaller groups of 8 to see Santa. To accommodate larger groups, simply make multiple bookings and complete the checkout process together.
What is the included gift?
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.
Can we get a family photo with Santa?
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.
Does Santa have a real beard?
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.
Can I dress up my teddy?
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 want to bring a school, nursery or other organised group, how do we do this?
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
Can we visit the farm without taking part in the Christmas Experience?
The farm is closed for regular farm visits during the Christmas Experience (from 4th 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.
What’s Included…
Daytime
Experience
- 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.
- All the usual farm fun including play areas, fairy-tale forest and Jurassic Ark.
- 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.
After Dark
Experience
- 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.
Quiet (SEN) Nights Experience
- 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.