Christmas is coming! Join us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for relaxed and friendly celebrations, whether you're enjoying a walk and fresh air over the festive period or bringing the family to visit Santa as the big day approaches. 

20 & 21 December - Santa’s Grotto with our donkeys!

Come and join us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for a weekend of festive fun on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December.

Santa will be making a special visit to the sanctuary this year. His grotto will be located in the donkey barn, where he’ll be joined by his elves and watched over by some of our friendly donkeys. He’ll be meeting visitors throughout the day from 10:30am to 3pm. Everyone who visits Santa will receive a small gift to take home.
You’ll be able to book a slot online (available from Monday 10 November) or on the day - subject to availability.

Special opening for visitors with additional needs

On Saturday 20 December, from 10am to 10:30am, visitors with additional needs will be able to book into our ‘quiet time’ offering a calmer opportunity to meet Santa.

What's on at the sanctuary on the 20 and 21 December

The rest of the sanctuary will be full of Christmas cheer, with music from local choirs in the barns and carriage rides with Robert and Murray the pony. Mulled wine and seasonal treats will be available in the café and courtyard. Our shop will be packed with beautiful gifts for all the family; perfect for a little last minute Christmas shopping. 

With over 100 donkeys, ponies, Phoenix the mule and Joss the horse to meet, this promises to be a wonderful festive weekend for everyone – full of fresh air, friendly faces and seasonal magic. 

The details: 

• Santa’s Grotto at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary will be open Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
• Entry to see Santa is £6 for one child, £10 for two children or £15 for three children. Online booking will open on Monday 10 November. You will also be able to book on the day - subject to availability.
• 'Quiet Santa's Grotto' will be available on Saturday 20 December from 10am to 10.30am for visitors with additional needs. These slots can only be booked online.
• Robert and Murray’s carriage rides will be available from 11.30am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm both days. £5 per person per ride payable on the day.

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!

Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December

Our café will be open from 10am to 12pm on Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December for a cuppa, a mince pie and a chat. Whether you're out for a walk or on your own this Christmas, please do come and join us. 
The sanctuary itself will not be open; there will be no access to our donkeys or the footpaths around the site. 

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.   
• 2026 Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Calendar
  Treat the 'crazy donkey person' in your life to a different donkey for every month of the year on 2026!
  
• Adopt with us 
  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 also includes regular updates from the sanctuary throughout the year. It’s the perfect way to bring a smile to someone’s face on Christmas Day and support our sanctuary. 
• 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 in our onsite shop or order online direct from the Isle of Wight Gin Company.