Santa Is All Set For Saintfield Christmas Ride

The Santa Ride in Saintfield is on its way again this year

It’s time to think about saddling up for the brilliant Saintfield Santa Christmas Ride 2025.

Over 40 people attended the Sponsor/Press Reception last Friday to launch the 19th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride which was kindly hosted by the National Trust at Rowallane Garden Saintfield.

Event organiser Joan Cunningham said: “The Santa Ride which will take place on Saturday 6th December and attracts participants from all over the Province dressed up as Santa and riding on horseback through the Market Town of Saintfield.

Megan Hamil, Joan Cunningham, Julie Donaghy Simpson, Michael McGaffin and Bree Rutledge.(Photos courtesy of Joan Cunningham).

“This most spectacular, colourful sight is not to be missed.

“All the Santas will arrive at Mary Mother of the Church, 33, Crossgar Road, Saintfield kindly hosted by Father McHugh for a Mulled Wine and Mince Pie Reception.

“Christmas music will ring out getting everyone into the Christmas spirit and letting them know Christmas time is here once more.

Ride Organiser Joan Cunningham with Santa and Emma McConkey (Phoenix Energy, sponsor).

“At 12 noon the Santas will mount up and follow the ‘Real Santa’ in the magnificent Denamona Carriage. The ride which is strictly a hack is approximately 3 miles long with a shorter route for small children.

“Meantime back in Saintfield the one and only HUGO DUNCAN. BOX CAR BRIAN AND GERARD DORNAN will keep everyone entertained with plenty of craic and music..

Organiser Joan Cunningham with from left, Pius Kulama, Ian Wilson, Ken Dixon, Julie Donaghy Simpson and Megan Hamil.

“At around 1pm – 1.15pm the real Santa in his magnificent Carriage will come down Station Rd and will appear over “Todds Hill” followed closely by a multitude of Santas turning Saintfield into the most amazing sea of red.”

Joan added: “Santa and his helpers will make their way up to the Christmas Tree in the middle of the Town where Santa will alight from his Carriage to the absolute delight of all the Children.

Eventually the Santas will make their way to the top of the Town where they will turn around the fair green and follow Santa back down the Main Street and return to Mary Mother of the Church.