Explore a magical festive trail
Experience the magic of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman™, as Walking With The Snowman™ comes to Hillsborough Castle this festive season. The beloved Snowman™ is brought to life in a trail around the stunning gardens – a perfect Christmas treat for families and fans of all ages.
Wrap up warm, bring your family and friends, and get ready for a heart-warming festive adventure. There are 12 giant Snowman™ sculptures to discover, each beautifully hand painted by a different artist and inspired by the timeless Christmas classic '12 Days of Christmas'. Can you find them all?
When
18 November 2023 - 07 January 2024
In line with gardens opening hoursTicket Information
Included in a standard Gardens ticket during daytime opening hours.
Members and under 5s go free.
Included in gardens admission (members go free)
Buy Hillsborough Castle and Gardens ticketsAlong your way, you may also discover a special garden play trail, a royal walled garden and meandering waterways, along with plenty of space to explore and play. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a snowy day, have a go at making your own snowman! Finish off all that the exploring with a warming hot chocolate and festive treat from the café.
On select days, you can also see the Snowman™ in special screenings of the iconic animated film. Or on Saturday mornings in December, come and have breakfast with Father Christmas in our cosy café!
This is the first time the Snowman™ Wild in Art trail has come to the island of Ireland, so don’t miss out on this special adventure. Pre-book your tickets now, or become a member and visit time and again for free.
© Snowman Enterprises Limited 2023. THE SNOWMAN™ Snowman Enterprises Limited
Walking With The Snowman™ Trail Map
The Snowman™ Screenings
Cosy up with your family and watch the original animation of the beloved Snowman™ as part of your visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Screenings take place during weekends in December and every day 27-31 December. Admission is included as part of a Gardens visit but space is limited; please register your interest at the admissions desk on arrival to guarantee a space.
Visit Clore 2 in the Stableyard at 12:00 and 15:00. The film lasts approximately 30 minutes.
02, 03, 09, 10, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 December
Have brunch with Santa!
Every Saturday in December, Father Christmas will be paying a special visit to the café at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens! Come and meet our illustrious guest as you enjoy a drink or delicious meal with your family. Children are invited to share their letters and drawings with Santa, and take home some magic reindeer food.
Saturday 02, 09, 16 and 23 December, 10.00-13.00
Find out moreLove The Snowman™?
Learn more about The World of the Snowman™ here, including delicious recipes and fun family crafting activities.
EXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- Events
- Christmas
Christmas wreath making workshop
Create a seasonal Christmas wreath using foliage from the castle grounds.
- 08, 09 and 13 December 2023
- 10:00 and 13:30
- Hillsborough Castle
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- Families
- Christmas
Christmas Family Activities
Celebrate Christmas with a range of festive family-friendly activities and workshops.
- 11 November - 16 December 2023
- 10:30 - 15:30
- Hillsborough Castle
- Included in gardens admission (members go free)
- Families
- Christmas
- Events
- Things to see
Brunch with Santa
Indulge in a magical brunch with Santa at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens!
- 02, 09, 16, and 23 December
- 10:00-13:00
- Hillsborough Castle
- Free
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’
Art at Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art