Where to see Santa Paws in Northern Ireland 2023
Updated On: February 06, 2024 | Published On: November 14, 2023
Are you ready to ruffle some fur and jingle some collars in Northern Ireland this festive season? If you're looking to capture the holiday cheer with a family photo that includes ALL members of your clan – yes, even those mischievous pups – then you're in for a treat!
Imagine this: a merry backdrop, twinkling lights, and a dash of North Pole magic. It's the perfect setting for creating priceless memories. And guess what? Santa Paws is there, ready to greet your pup with a ho-ho-ho!
So, grab your keys because we’ve sniffed out the top spots for you and your pooch to take that tail-wagging holiday snapshot!
But hold up! Before you tug on that leash and dash out the door, remember the golden rule of holiday fun – book your time! With spots filling up faster than a greyhound race, make sure to snag your slot.
23 Places to meet Santa Paws in Northern Ireland
Here’s a quick rundown, organized by county, of all the events welcoming our furry friends this Christmas. Scroll down for dates, times, and direct links to book your tickets. We highly recommend booking as soon as possible, as these events tend to sell out.
Belfast
- Santa Paws at The Dirty Onion
- Santa Paws at Trademarket
- Santa Paws at Banana Block
County Down
- Santa Paws for a Cause with Jonathan Sterritt Pet Photography
- Christmas Market at Hop House Bangor
- Pawisitively Christmas at Ballynahinch Market House
- Santa Paws at Wild River Dog Park
- Santa Paws at the USPCA Banbridge
- Santa Paws at the USPCA Newry
- Santa Paws at Assisi Newtownards
- Santa Paws at Assisi Bangor
- Santa Paws at Assisi Holywood
- Christmas Paws Event at Fodder
- Santa Paws at Hillmount
Antrim County
- Santa Paws at Vets4Pets
- Christmas Fair at Dogs Trust Ballymena
- Santa Paws at Dobbies Antrim
- Santa Paws at Dobbies Lisburn
Armagh County
- Santa Paws and Mince Pies
Craigavon County
- Santa Paws at the USPCA Lurgan
Londonderry County
- Santa Paws at For's Christmas Fair
- Santa Paws at Da Vinci's Hotel
Tyrone County
- Santa at Glenpark Estate
Now, let's talk proper doggo etiquette. Always pick up after your pup, keep them leashed, and tune into their mood. Big events can be overwhelming for some dogs. So, ponder this – is your fur baby ready for this kind of fun? We want everyone, on two legs or four, to enjoy themselves and we certainly want to be welcome next year for more festive frolics!
Where to see Santa Paws in Belfast
Santa Paws at TradeMarket
- Location: TradeMarket Belfast - 14 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HN
- Date & Time: Sunday, 26th November and Sunday, 3rd of December from 1pm to 5pm
- Description: Dress your furry friends up in their best Christmas sweater and get their picture taken with the big man himself. All proceeds go to Almost Home Animal Rescue
- Price & Book: £6 per photo or 2 for £10, No need to book a time slot, walk-ins are welcome.
Santa Paws at The Dirty Onion
- Location: The Dirty Onion - 3 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA, United Kingdom.
- Date & Time: Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, with two time slots: 1pm - 3pm or 3pm - 5pm.
- Description: An afternoon of winter fun awaits at The Dirty Onion, where you can meet Santa Paws. Capture a personalised photo of your doggy with Santa—suitable for up to five family members per photo.
- Price & Book: £7.50 per family. All proceeds will benefit Assistance Dogs NI.
Santa Paws at Banana Block
- Location: Banana Block - Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Rd, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 9th & Sunday, December 10th from 12 noon - 5pm.
- Description: 'Santa Paws is coming to town' event, in aid of Guide Dogs NI, offers a chance for our furry family members to have their paw-traits taken with father christmas. The event includes raffles, sight loss awareness challenges, a merchandise stand, and lots of festive fun and games.
- Price & Book: £10.00 for your four-legged friend's pawtrait with Santa. No booking needed
Santa Paws at TradeMarket Belfast
- Location: TradeMarket Belfast - 14-16 Dublin Rd, Belfast BT2 7HB, United Kingdom
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 16th, from 12 PM to 5 PM.
- Description: BARK-elicious Bakes is hosting this festive event that is the perfect way to celebrate the season, offering an array of shopping options for your pet and a chance to capture the holiday spirit with a photo of your furry friend and Santa Claus.
- Price & Book: Photo prints available for £1.50 each. No booking requirement necessary.
Looking to head down south and wanting to visit Santa in the Republic of Ireland?
Check out all 42 places where he is popping by.
Where to see Santa Paws in County Down
Santa Paws with Jonathan Sterritt Pet Photography
- Location: Legananny Christmas Trees (Legananny Hall Road, Castlewellan, Co.Down, BT31 9TQ); indoor studio available for inclement weather.
- Date & Time: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday until December 16th. Note: November is nearly fully booked; some December slots available.
- Description: 'Santa Paws for a Cause' offers a festive photo session for dogs of all sizes, with family members welcome to join at no extra cost. Each session includes 8 high-resolution digital professional photos, supporting Assistance Dogs NI - ADNI, a charity receiving little government aid.
- Price & Book: £45 per session for one dog, £5 for each additional dog. £10 from each session donated to charity. Contact via Facebook or Instagram to book; £25 deposit required.
Santa Paws at the USPCA Banbridge
- Location: USPCA Banbridge - 30 Newry St, Banbridge BT32 3HE
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 25th, 2023, from 10am to 4pm
- Description: The USPCA's Santa Paws in Banbridge promises a day of festive joy. Get your pet's photo with Santa and a special gift, all while supporting a good cause.
- Price & Book: £9 per dog. Booking is necessary to secure a slot.
Santa Paws at Assisi Newtownards
- Location: 63 High Street, Newtownards
- Date & Time: Sunday, November 26th, from 10am to 4pm.
- Description: Visit Assisi's store in Newtownards to have your pet's (and family's) photo taken with Santa. Enjoy the in-shop specials and light refreshments on the day.
- Price & Book: Various photo sizes available, price includes a mount. Keyrings also available for purchase. No booking required, just show up.
Santa Paws at the USPCA Newry
- Location: USPCA Newry - Unit 5 & 6, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, BT35 6QH
- Date & Time: Saturdays, December 2nd and 9th, 2023, from 10am to 4pm
- Description: Santa Paws in Newry offers an unforgettable experience with Santa, including photo sessions and gifts for your pets.
- Price & Book: £9 per dog, with proceeds aiding the USPCA. Advance booking is required.
Santa Paws at the Assisi Bangor Banbridge
- Location: 59 Main Street, Bangor
- Date & Time: Sunday, December 3rd, from 10am to 4pm.
- Description: Come to Assisi's Bangor store for a cherished photo with Santa and your pets. The event offers framed photos and keyrings to take home.
- Price & Book: Selection of photo sizes offered, with prices including the mount. No booking necessary, walk-ins welcomed.
Pawisitively Christmas at Ballynahinch Market House
- Location: Ballynahinch Market House
- Date & Time: Friday, December 8th from 7pm to 10pm
- Description: Animal Connexions hosts a festive event where families, including dogs, can have photos taken with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Featuring stalls (with dog-friendly gifts), drinks, treats, and a variety of Christmas music to set the holiday mood. A perfect start to the season with handcrafted gifts and Christmas cards.
- Price & Book: Entry is £2 for adults, while kids and dogs go free. Photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus are £5. No need to pre-book.
Christmas Market at Hop House Bangor
- Location: Hop House Bangor - 44 High Street BT20 5AZ Bangor, UK
- Date & Time: Saturday, 9th December, from 12pm to 6pm.
- Description: The first Christmas market at Hop House Bangor, a dog-friendly pub, features an array of craft stalls and an afternoon of winter fun. Santa Paws will be available for festive photos with our four-legged friends.
- Price & Book: £5 donation per dog, in aid of Husky Rescue Ireland
Santa Paws at Wild River Dog Park
- Location: Wild River Dog Park - 42 Riverside Road BT24 8TY Ballynahinch, UK
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 9th, 16th and 23rd, and Sunday, December 10th, 17th and 24th. Puppies session at 10am on both Saturday and Sunday; Adult sessions on Saturday at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm, and Sunday at 11am and 1pm.
- Description: The Santa Paws Party offers a one-hour festive experience including a play session in a 3-acre park, a photo with Santa, a special gift from Santa Paws, festive games, and homemade doggie mince pies. Enjoy seasonal drinks and treats at the onsite Coffee Shop by a roaring fire.
- Price & Book: £15.00 for 1 hour
Santa Paws at Hillmount
- Location: 80 Ballyreagh Road, Newtownards, BT23 8RP
- Date & Time: Saturday,December 9th & 16th from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, December 10th & 17th from 12pm to 4pm
- Description: Bring your furry friend to meet Santa Claus in his grotto and double check that they made his nice list. This event is exclusively for dogs, however small hoomans can come with their furry friend too.
- Price & Book: £10 per a dog. A donation will be made to the Barn Animal Rescue Charity
Santa Paws at Assisi Holywood
- Location: 60 High Street, Holywood
- Date & Time: Sunday, December 10th, from 10am to 4pm.
- Description: Join the festive fun at Assisi's Holywood store with Santa Paws. Photos are ready while you wait, and you can also leave a Christmas gift for the Assisi animals under the tree.
- Price & Book: Choose from different photo sizes, mounts included in the price. Keyrings can also be purchased. Feel free to visit without booking.
Christmas Paws Event at Fodder
- Location: Fodder in the Woods - 26 Killyleagh Rd, Downpatrick BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
- Date & Time: 16th & 17th December, from 11:30am to 3:30pm.
- Description: Enjoy the holiday season and spread that festive cheer with a visit to Santa Paws at Fodder. Your pooch will get a one-on-one with Santa in a festive tipi, loads of photo opportunities opportunity, a present, and a delicious puppuccino to top off the experience.
- Price & Book: £10 per dog.
Heading over the sea this holiday season? Check out where to see Santa Paws in over 70 places in Great Britain.
Where to see Santa Paws in Antrim County
Santa Paws at Dobbies Antrim
- Location: Dobbies Antrim - The Junction, 111 Ballymena Road, Antrim, BT41 4LL
- Date & Time: Multiple dates available with slots starting from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd, and from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd of December.
- Description: Treat your canine companion to a festive visit at Santa's Grotto in Dobbies Antrim.Your furry best friend can meet Santa and receive a special treat, with the option to include their sidekick in the experience. Make sure to pre-book photo options at a saving.
- Price & Book: £6.99 per visit, with additional charges for photos and children’s tickets. You are able to pre-select a gift suitable for your dog's size.
Santa Paws at Dobbies Lisburn
- Location: Dobbies Garden Centre Lisburn - 56 Saintfield Rd, Lisburn BT27 5BE
- Date & Time: Multiple dates available with slots starting from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd, and from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd of December.
- Description: Treat your canine companion to a festive visit at Santa's Grotto in Dobbies Lisburn.Your furry best friend can meet Santa and receive a special toy, suitable for all different dog sizes. Make sure to pre-book photo options at a saving.
- Price & Book: £6.99 per visit, with additional charges for photos and children’s tickets.
Santa Paws at Vets4Pets
- Location: Lisburn Longstone Vets4Pets
- Date & Time: Saturday, 25th November, from 1-3pm.
- Description: A community event with free entry, featuring homemade crafts, a visit to Santa's Grotto, and various local vendors. It's a fun gathering aimed at raising funds for Lucy's Trust and Christopher The Kitten Crusader.
- Price & Book: Entry is free, donations are welcome to support the charities involved.
Santa Paws at Dogs Trust Ballymena
- Location: Dogs Trust Ballymena - 60 Teeshan Rd, Ballymena BT43 5PN, United Kingdom.
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 2nd, from 10am to 3pm.
- Description: This holiday event features a variety of activities, including a tombola, festive food and drink, and a meet and greet with Santa Paws. Additionally, there will be a ‘Hound Me Downs’ preloved stall and local Christmas crafts.
- Price & Book: Entry fee is £2 (children under 12 free). Meeting Santa Paws costs £5. Please note that it's a cash-only event and all dogs are welcome.
Where to see Santa Paws in Armagh County
Santa Paws and Mince Pies
- Location: Loughgall Country Park - 14 Main Street BT61 8 Armagh, UK
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
- Description: A dog-friendly charity event featuring a meet-and-greet with Santa Paws and a professional photo session by Carroll Creative Photography. The event supports Cavaliers In Need N.I and Loughgall Hedgehog Rescue, offering coffee, mince pies, doggy parkour demonstrations by Pawsercise Fitness, doggy selection boxes, and healthy treats.
- Price & Book: A minimum of a £10 donation. Contact My Aunt Jane Grooming Salon to make an appointment for the photo session.
Where to see Santa Paws in Craigavon County
Santa Paws at the USPCA Lurgan
- Location: USPCA Lurgan - 38 Church Place, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 6EU
- Date & Time: Saturday, November18th from 10am - 4pm
- Description: Join the festive fun at the USPCA's Santa Paws in Lurgan. Meet the main man, snap a fabulous photo, and receive a pawfect gift for your fluffy family members.
- Price & Book: £9 per dog, with proceeds supporting the USPCA's services. Booking is essential.
Where to see Santa Paws in Londonderry
Santa Paws at For's Christmas Fair
- Location: The YMCA Derry/Londonderry - 51 Glenshane Rd, Drumahoe, Londonderry BT47 3SF, UK
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 18th, from 12-4pm
- Description: A festive shopping spree with over 20 local crafters. Meet Santa Claus and Santa Paws for memorable photos, and find the perfect stocking fillers with their new calendars, cards, and FOR merchandise.
- Price & Book: No extra cost or booking required.
Santa Paws at Da Vinci's Hotel
- Location: Da Vinci's Hotel - 15 Culmore Road BT48 8JB Derry, UK
- Date & Time: Sunday, December 3rd from 11 am - 4 pm
- Description: 'Santa Paws is coming to town' event, in aid of Guide Dogs NI, offers a chance for our furry family members to have their paw-traits taken with father christmas. The event includes raffles, sight loss awareness challenges, a merchandise stand, and lots of festive fun and games.
- Price & Book: £10.00 for your four-legged friend's pawtrait with Santa. No pre-booking necessary.
Get ready to journey south and experience the magic of Christmas in the Republic of Ireland!
Don't miss your chance to meet Santa – explore all 42 enchanting locations where he's making a stop.
Where to see Santa Paws in Tyrone County
Visit Santa at Glenpark Estate
- Location: Glenpark Estate - 150 Glenpark Rd, Omagh BT79 7UG, UK.
- Date & Time: December 19th, 2023 from 4:30pm to 8:30pm.
- Description: Enjoy seeing the reindeer, visit to Santa's grotto, enjoy a festive drink and tasty treat. All puppers on Santa's nice list will also get a toy.
- Price & Book: Dog tickets are £12.00, adults (16+) are £10.00, and children (1-15) are £12.00.
Wrapping up, a visit to see Santa Paws is more than just a cute photo opportunity; it's a cherished memory for your family album. Regardless of whether your dog has been naughty or nice, Santa's lap is open to all furry friends this season in Northern Ireland. Just remember to book in advance, keep those tails under control, and be ready for a bit of chaos – because what's a family photo without a little fun mischief?
So, dress your pups in their Christmas best, brush up on those sits and stays, and gear up for a holiday adventure that's bound to be the highlight of your season. After all, Christmas is about love, laughter, and, of course, a little puppy mayhem.
As you plan your next outing with your furry friend, don't forget to check out www.pawsfriendly.com for the best dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and services, whether you're staying local or traveling for the holidays.
And we'd love to see your adventures! Share your joyful experiences and adorable photos with your four-legged pal on Instagram by tagging us at @pawsfriendly. Let’s make every journey pawsitively unforgettable!
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