Family Festive Weekend at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Enjoy Christmas at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Christmas is on the way - let the magic start at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary!
Looking for
affordable, family-friendly Christmas fun on the Isle of Wight? Join us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary this December for a wonderful festive experience, peaceful winter walks and special moments with our donkeys. From meeting Santa to enjoying pony carriage rides, our Festive Weekend is the perfect Christmas day out for families of all ages.
20 and 21 December - Santa’s Grotto with our donkeys!
16 December update - Santa's a popular chap!
We've just added a few more online booking spaces today.
Once these are full there will be 4 spaces for each time slots time available on the day. These are on a first come first served basis.
See you at the weekend!
Celebrate Christmas at one of the most unique festive events on the Isle of Wight. Visit Santa in his cosy grotto, tucked inside the donkey barn and surrounded by our friendly donkeys and cheery elves.
Santa will be meeting families
from 10:30am to 3pm
and every child receives a gift to take home.
- Affordable family price: from just £5 per child, includes a goodie bag.
- Book online
to secure your slot. Don't panic if it's full up online - we've saved plenty of places for bookings on the day.
Fully booked - Quiet Time Santa’s Grotto
Saturday 20 December, 10.00am to 10.30am
A calmer, but still magical Santa experience — ideal for families who prefer a quieter environment or who need a bit more time.
From £5 per person, includes goodie bag. Must be booked in advance.
Even more fun during our Festive Weekend:
Special Christmas pony & carriage rides
Enjoy a magical Christmas treat with our festive pony and carriage rides. A unique experience!
£5 per person.
Free Reindeer Trail
Explore the sanctuary, search for Santa’s reindeers and collect a sweet treat at the end. Free and open throughout December.
Seasonal joy at the sanctuary
Soak up the Christmas spirit with festive music, mulled wine, mince pies and browse our range of unique Christmas gifts in the shop.
With over 100 donkeys, ponies, a horse and Phoenix the mule to meet, this promises to be a wonderful festive weekend for everyone – full of fresh air, friendly faces and seasonal magic.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is open from 10am to 4pm throughout our Festive Weekend.
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 soon. 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.
See our full terms and conditions for the event.
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