Looking for somewhere your dog can meet Santa this Christmas? Our Santa Paws Northern Ireland 2026 guide covers events happening across NI this November and December, with dates, locations and booking details to help you plan.
There are plenty of opportunities to get that Christmas photo, with Santa visits, festive markets, gifts for dogs and events raising money for local animal charities.
We’ve rounded up what’s happening across Northern Ireland, including events in Belfast, Bangor, Newtownards, Banbridge, Ballynahinch and beyond.
Santa Paws Northern Ireland 2026: Dates & Locations
Looking for a Santa Paws event near you? Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up, with more information on each event below.
Saturday 21 November
USPCA Santa Paws, Lurgan
Saturday 28 November
USPCA Santa Paws, Banbridge
Sunday 29 November
Santa Paws at The Dirty Onion, Belfast
Assisi Santa Paws, Bangor
Thursday 3 December
USPCA Santa Paws, Todds Leap, Ballygawley
Saturday 5 December
USPCA Santa Paws, Limavady
Paws & Claus Christmas Market, The Dog Barn NI, Newtownards
Sunday 6 December
Santa Paws at Hillmount, Ards, County Down
Santa Paws at The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick
Selected dates throughout December
Santa Paws at Dobbies, Lisburn
Saturday 12 December
USPCA Santa Paws, Newry
Santa Paws at Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch
Santa Paws at Portside Inn, Belfast
Sunday 13 December
Assisi Santa Paws, Newtownards
Thursday 17 December
Santa Paws & Twilight Market, The Bannville Hotel, Banbridge
Sunday 20 December
Assisi Santa Paws, Holywood
Santa Paws at Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch
Thursday 24 December
Santa Paws at Hillmount, Belfast
Dates, availability and booking arrangements may change, so always check with the organiser before travelling.
Santa Paws Lurgan, USPCA
📅 Saturday 21 November | 10am–4pm
📍 USPCA Charity Shop, 38 Church Place, Lurgan
The USPCA is kicking off its Santa Paws celebrations in Lurgan, giving local dogs the chance to meet Santa and have a professional Christmas photo taken.
Your dog will receive a digital photograph and a festive gift bag sponsored by Naturo Natural Pet Food.
There’s also a colouring competition for children, and every booking helps support the USPCA’s animal welfare work across Northern Ireland.
Booking: Advance booking recommended, with 10-minute appointment slots.
View Santa Paws Lurgan on Best Bark
Santa Paws Banbridge, USPCA
📅 Saturday 28 November | 10am–4pm
📍 USPCA Charity Shop, 30 Newry Street, Banbridge
Banbridge is getting its own USPCA Santa Paws event, with a few extra Christmas activities planned.
Dogs can meet Santa, have a festive photograph taken and receive a gift bag sponsored by Naturo.
There’ll also be a mini market featuring local makers, festive treats, a raffle and activities for children.
Every booking helps support the USPCA’s rescue and animal welfare services.
Booking: Paid event. Advance booking recommended.
Visit Santa Paws Banbridge on Best Bark
Santa Paws at The Dirty Onion, Belfast
📅 Sunday 29 November | Afternoon booking slots
📍 The Dirty Onion, 3 Hill Street, Belfast
Fancy a Christmas photo with your dog and Santa in the heart of Belfast?
The Dirty Onion is hosting Santa Paws in the Cathedral Quarter, with dogs invited along for a festive family photograph.
Up to five people can join their dog for the photo, making it a good option if you want everyone included.
Tickets cost £7.50 per family photo, with proceeds supporting Assisi Animal Sanctuary.
Booking: Required. Choose between the advertised 1pm–3pm and 3pm–5pm booking windows.
Visit Santa Paws at The Dirty Onion on Best Bark
Santa Paws at Assisi Animal Sanctuary, Bangor
📅 Sunday 29 November | 10am–4pm
📍 Assisi Charity Shop, 59 Main Street, Bangor
Assisi Animal Sanctuary is bringing Santa Paws to its Bangor charity shop this November, giving local dogs the chance to meet Santa and get a festive photo together.
Your photograph will be printed and mounted while you wait, so you’ll have something to take home on the day.
Photo packages range from £6 to £25, with different sizes available. You can also purchase a set of two photo keyrings for £5, which could make a lovely little Christmas gift.
Assisi will also have its Gift Tree, where visitors can leave a present for one of the animals currently in the sanctuary’s care.
Every photograph helps raise money for Assisi’s rescue and animal welfare work.
Booking: No booking required. Simply pop along between 10am and 4pm.
Visit Santa Paws at Assisi Animal Sanctuary Bangor on Best Bark
Santa Paws at Todds Leap, Ballygawley
📅 Thursday 3 December | 4pm–6pm
📍 Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley
The USPCA is bringing Santa Paws to Todds Leap for an evening of Christmas photographs and festive gifts.
Your dog can meet Santa, have a professional digital photograph taken and receive a special Christmas gift.
It’s a handy option for dog owners around Ballygawley, Dungannon and the surrounding areas who would prefer an evening appointment.
Every booking helps fund the USPCA’s animal welfare work.
Booking: Advance booking recommended, with 10-minute appointment slots.
View Santa Paws at Todds Leap on Best Bark or book through the USPCA.
Santa Paws Limavady, USPCA
📅 Saturday 5 December | 11am–4pm
📍 John & Sally’s, 43–45 Market Street, Limavady
Santa is heading to Limavady, and the USPCA is inviting local dogs along for a festive visit.
The experience includes meeting Santa, a professional digital Christmas photo and a special gift for your dog.
It’s another opportunity to support the USPCA while getting a Christmas photograph, particularly for dog owners in the north-west.
Booking: Advance booking recommended, with 20-minute appointment slots.
View Santa Paws Limavady on Best Bark
Paws & Claus Christmas Market, The Dog Barn NI
📅 Saturday 5 December | 11am–4pm
📍 The Dog Barn NI, Newtownards
If you’re looking for more than a quick Santa photograph, the Paws & Claus Christmas Market at The Dog Barn NI has plenty happening.
Organised in support of Husky Rescue Ireland, the event will feature Christmas stalls, a dog show, a raffle, dog park activities and a visit from Santa Paws.
Dewberry Portraits will also be attending to take festive photographs of dogs.
It’s a chance to browse local businesses, enjoy some dog-focused Christmas activities and support rescue dogs.
Booking: Paid event. Check directly with the organisers for ticket prices and dog park arrangements.
View Paws & Claus Christmas Market on Best Bark
Santa Paws at Hillmount Ards
📅 Sunday 6 December | 12pm–4pm
📍 Hillmount Nursery Centre, Ards, County Down
Hillmount is giving dogs the chance to meet Santa in his cosy wooden cabin, with two dates available this December.
Your dog can enjoy a festive visit and receive a special Christmas gift.
You’re welcome to take your own photographs, or purchase a professional photo personalised with your dog’s name and the year.
Children can join the visit too, with up to three guests permitted per dog according to the event information.
The Christmas Eve session is an option for anyone hoping to get a festive photo just before the big day.
Booking: Paid event. Check availability and appointment arrangements with Hillmount before travelling.
View Santa Paws at Hillmount Ards on Best Bark
Santa Paws at The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick
📅 Sunday 6 December | 5.30pm–7.30pm
📍 The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Templepatrick
We’re particularly excited about this one because Best Bark will be there too! 🐾
The Rabbit Hotel is hosting a Santa Paws evening, with dogs invited along to meet Santa, enjoy a pup cup, receive a festive gift and get a Christmas photo.
Doggy Doodles will also be attending, creating personalised dog caricatures for £10 each.
Keep an eye out for the Best Bark team while you’re there. We’d love to meet some of the dogs behind our community!
Price: £10 per dog, payable on arrival.
View Santa Paws at The Rabbit Hotel on Best Bark
Santa Paws at Dobbies, Lisburn
📅 Selected dates throughout December
📍 Dobbies Garden Centre, 56 Saintfield Road, Lisburn
Dobbies is getting dogs involved in its Christmas celebrations with a Santa Paws experience designed especially for them.
Your dog can meet Santa and his elves, enjoy some festive activities and receive a Christmas gift.
There’ll also be opportunities for photographs, including the option to purchase a professional picture.
Children can join the experience with an additional ticket, making it an option for families who want to include their dog in the Christmas celebrations.
Tickets: Prices advertised from £12 per dog, depending on the experience.
Booking: Required. Check the available dates and choose your preferred appointment.
View Santa Paws at Dobbies Lisburn on Best Bark
Santa Paws Newry, USPCA
📅 Saturday 12 December | 10am–4pm
📍 USPCA Centre, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry
The USPCA is welcoming dogs to its Newry Centre for another Santa Paws event.
Your pup can meet Santa, have a professional digital Christmas photo taken and receive a festive gift bag sponsored by Naturo.
Every booking helps support the USPCA’s work rescuing and caring for animals across Northern Ireland.
Booking: Paid event. Advance booking recommended.
View Santa Paws Newry on Best Bark
Santa Paws at Portside Inn, Belfast
📅 Saturday 12 December | 11am–3pm
📍 Portside Inn, 1 Dargan Road, Belfast
The Portside Inn is welcoming dogs along for a festive Santa Paws event this December, giving Belfast dog owners another opportunity to get that Christmas photograph.
Bring your dog along to meet Santa in his Christmas grotto and enjoy a festive outing together.
The Portside Inn’s previous Santa Paws event included a digital photograph and Christmas gift for dogs, although what’s included in the 2026 event has yet to be confirmed.
It’s a handy option for dog owners in Belfast who want to fit a Santa visit into their Christmas plans.
Booking: Check directly with the Portside Inn for ticket prices, booking arrangements and details of what’s included in this year’s event.
View Santa Paws at The Portside Inn on Best Bark
Santa Paws at Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch
📅 Saturday 12 & Sunday 20 December | 10am–4pm both days
📍 Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch
Santa Paws is returning to Wild River Dog Park for two dates this December, with plenty happening beyond the Christmas photographs.
Bring your dog along to meet Santa, have a professional festive photograph taken and receive a Christmas gift sourced from a local business.
There’ll also be stalls from local makers, festive music, doggy hot chocolates and Christmas drinks made with Wild River’s own house-made syrups.
You can browse the stalls, pick up something from Wild Coffee and enjoy a Christmas outing with your dog.
Booking: No advance tickets required. Simply turn up on either date and pay on the day to meet Santa, have your dog’s photograph taken and receive their gift.
Dog park sessions may need to be booked separately.
View Santa Paws at Wild River Dog Park on Best Bark.
Santa Paws at Assisi Animal Sanctuary, Newtownards
📅 Sunday 13 December | 10am–4pm
📍 Assisi Charity Shop, 63 High Street, Newtownards
Santa Paws is heading to Newtownards this December, with Assisi Animal Sanctuary hosting another festive photo event at its High Street charity shop.
Bring your dog along to meet Santa and have a Christmas photograph taken. Your photo will be printed and mounted while you wait, ready to take home.
Photo packages are available from £6 to £25, and you can also pick up a set of two photo keyrings for £5.
The Assisi Gift Tree will be there too, giving visitors the chance to leave a present for one of the sanctuary’s animals.
Every purchase helps support Assisi’s work caring for animals in need.
Booking: No advance booking needed. Drop in between 10am and 4pm.
View Santa Paws at Assisi Animal Sanctuary Newtownards on Best Bark
Santa Paws at Hillmount Belfast
📅 Thursday 24 December | 9am–3pm
📍 Hillmount Nursery Centre, Belfast
Hillmount Belfast is giving dogs one last chance to meet Santa on Christmas Eve, with a festive Santa Paws experience for dogs and their owners.
Bring your dog along to visit Santa in his Christmas grotto and capture a Christmas photograph together.
Hillmount’s Santa Paws experiences have previously included a special Christmas gift for dogs, with professional photographs available to purchase separately.
It’s a lovely option for anyone hoping to squeeze in one final festive outing before Christmas Day.
Booking: Advance booking is recommended. Check directly with Hillmount Belfast for prices, available appointments and what’s included in the 2026 event.
View Santa Paws at Hillmount Belfast on Best Bark
Santa Paws & Twilight Market, The Bannville Hotel
📅 Thursday 17 December | 6pm–9pm
📍 The Bannville Hotel, 174 Lurgan Road, Banbridge
The Bannville Hotel is combining Santa Paws with a festive Twilight Market this December.
There’ll be stalls from local makers, Christmas gifts, festive food and live music, alongside the opportunity for your dog to meet Santa and get a Christmas photograph.
Ticket proceeds will support Almost Home Animal Rescue NI, making it a lovely way to support a local charity while getting some Christmas shopping done.
Tickets: £3 per person, with dogs attending free. Tickets are advertised as available in advance or at the door.
View Santa Paws & The Twighlight Market on Best Bark
Santa Paws at Assisi Animal Sanctuary, Holywood
📅 Sunday 20 December | 10am–4pm
📍 Assisi Charity Shop, 60 High Street, Holywood
Still hoping to get a Christmas photo of your dog? Assisi Animal Sanctuary is bringing Santa Paws to its Holywood charity shop on Sunday 20 December.
Dogs can meet Santa and have a festive photograph taken, which will be printed and mounted for you to take home that day.
Photo packages range from £6 to £25, with photo keyrings available at £5 for a set of two.
You can also leave a gift under the Assisi Gift Tree for one of the sanctuary’s animals.
Every photograph helps raise funds for Assisi’s rescue and animal welfare work.
Booking: No booking required. Visit between 10am and 4pm.
View Santa Paws at Assisi Animal Sanctuary Holywood on Best Bark
A Few Tips Before Taking Your Dog to Santa Paws
Santa Paws events can be great fun, but a busy venue full of people, decorations and other dogs can be overwhelming for some pups.
Before heading off, keep a few things in mind:
- Book ahead where required. Timed Santa appointments can fill up quickly, although some events allow you to turn up on the day.
- Keep your dog on a lead. Give other dogs space, particularly when queuing for photographs.
- Bring a few familiar treats. They can help reward your dog and make the experience more comfortable.
- Don’t force the photo. If your dog is nervous or uncomfortable around Santa, give them some space. Their welfare comes before a Christmas photograph.
- Check the venue details. Booking arrangements, prices and dog access rules can change.
If your dog would rather stay home than meet Santa, that’s fine too. There’s always the option of taking a Christmas photo beside your own tree.
Find More Dog-Friendly Events in Northern Ireland
Santa Paws is only part of the dog-friendly Christmas calendar in Northern Ireland.
There are festive markets, charity events, local makers and plenty of dog-friendly places to explore over the coming weeks.
You can explore Best Bark to find more dog-friendly places, events and trusted dog services across Northern Ireland.
Planning a trip south of the border? Take a look at our Santa Paws Ireland 2026 guide for Christmas events happening in Dublin, Cork, Kerry and Wexford.
Organising a dog-friendly Christmas event we’ve missed? Submit your event to Best Bark for free and help more dog owners find out about it.
