Illustration of Santa and Mrs. Claus handing wrapped gifts to children in a cozy community hall (Weekends with Santa)
Other Christmas Activities

Weekends with Santa

Guests enjoy a three-course festive lunch served at Gillies Restaurant or Fratelli before hopping aboard the Galgorm Express. The ride takes families to visit Santa in his enchanting grotto, where children can hand-deliver their Christmas wish lists and receive a gift. The experience also includes hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and entertainment for children.

Dec 5 – Dec 20, 2026

Browse Christmas in Ballymena

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Adults: three courses, £48.95 per person. Children: £31.50 per person, including a gift from Santa. A £15.00 per person non-refundable deposit is required.

Hours

Lunch served in Gillies Restaurant 1.00 - 4.00pm; lunch served in Fratelli 12.00 - 4.00pm.

Food & Drink

A festive three-course lunch is served at Gillies Restaurant from 1–4pm or Fratelli from 12–4pm, with hot chocolate also included.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Enquire for your preferred session in advance, as the experience is offered on selected December weekends.
  • Choose Gillies Restaurant or Fratelli when arranging lunch, since the meal is served at one of those two restaurants.
  • Bring the children’s Christmas wish lists so they can hand them directly to Santa in the grotto.
  • Allow for both the restaurant lunch and the Galgorm Express ride to Santa’s grotto as part of the visit.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Runs on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December.
  • Santa is available to visit in his grotto on event dates.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the visit include?

It includes a festive lunch, a ride on the Galgorm Express to Santa’s grotto, time to hand Santa a Christmas wish list, a gift for each child, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows and children’s entertainment.

Where can guests have lunch?

Choose Gillies Restaurant or Fratelli; lunch is served at either restaurant as part of the experience.

Does each child receive a gift from Santa?

Yes. A gift from Santa is included for each child.

Do I need to book ahead?

Enquiries are taken for the listed sessions, and a non-refundable deposit is required per person.

Is this experience suitable for families with children?

Yes. It is designed around a Santa visit and includes children’s entertainment and a gift for each child.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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