Enjoy the festive season at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Christmas and New Year 2025 opening times

We are closed to visitors on December 25 and 26, 2025 and January 1, 2026. We will be closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as per our winter opening hours.
We are open the rest of the Christmas period, do come and see your adopted donkey and treat yourself to a warming drink and snack in the café!

Free reindeer trail 1 to 30 December

Bring the kids and get them out in the fresh air this December with our free reindeer trail. Pick up a sheet at our Welcome Hub then search the sanctuary for 9 reindeers who are hiding around our site. Everyone who takes part will get a free sweet treat!

Christmas gifts from the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

We have a range of delightful gifts in our sanctuary shop and our online store. Buying from us creates an extra gift as all profits from our shop go straight back into our charity. 

We have some wonderful gifts that are unique to the sanctuary: 

•  A Donkey Experience gift voucher 
  An unforgettable two hours spent with our friendly team and lovely donkeys.
  This is the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life. It’s a hands on experience – think grooming, feeding and mucking out! This is a unique experience that’s highly rated by everyone who takes part and is sure to create a wonderful bank of memories for your loved one. 
  
  
• Give someone you love - or yourself - the chance to win big
  Give a loved one the chance to win £25,000 with an Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Lotto voucher. A generous gift that helps us care for our donkeys.
  
  
• 2026 Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Calendar
  Treat the donkey lover in your life to a different donkey for every month of 2026!
  
  
• Adopting a donkey, pony or mule makes a wonderful gift
  All of our donkeys, ponies and mule are available to adopt. You’ll receive an adoption pack to share – either print or digital. The pack includes regular updates from the sanctuary throughout the year. Adopting at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is the perfect way to bring a smile to someone’s face on Christmas Day, throughout the year and help us take care of our donkeys at the same time.
  
  
• Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Hedgerow Gin 
  Our bespoke gin is beautifully crafted and made with hand-picked botanicals. It’s a wonderful treat for Christmas time or any time of the year! Available in 50ml and 70cl bottles. Buy from our onsite shop or order online from the Isle of Wight Gin Company.