Santa brings Christmas magic to children in Belfast as the 2026 festive season begins
Last updated 12th Nov 2026
Children at the NI Children’s Hospice and Royal Hospital for Sick Children are among Santa Claus’s first stops in Belfast this Christmas, as CastleCourt Shopping Centre helps bring festive magic to children and their families.
Ahead of his seasonal stay at CastleCourt’s magical, candy cane grotto, Santa visited the Hospice and Hospital this week, after the CastleCourt team filled his sleigh with toys from The Entertainer for children at both locations, sharing a little Christmas magic with families facing challenging times.
Jacklyn Jamison, Play Services Manager at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, said; “Being in hospital, especially at this time of year, is tough for children and their families, so we always seek to bring as much joy, as well as normality, as possible. CastleCourt’s team organising the Santa Visit is a highlight of our year, it kicks off our festive feelings throughout the Children’s wards and brings so many smiles. Santa takes so much time with each family, it is really special for us all.”
Leona Barr, Centre Manager at CastleCourt Shopping Centre, added; “This is always a special week as Santa comes to town, ready for his Christmas residency at his grotto for 2026. It’s important to all of us that his first stop is to see the children at the NI Children’s Hospice and Royal Hospital for Sick Children as every child should feel the magic of Christmas, no matter where they may be spending it.”
Santa’s visits came ahead of the festive Parade that will take place on Saturday 14th November, which will see a host of beloved characters and musicians sing and dance with Santa and Mrs Claus from Belfast City Hall, along Donegall Place and Royal Avenue, to the doors of CastleCourt.
Children and their families from NI Children’s Hospice will join the special parade, waving from the floats with their favourite characters, and will be the first to visit Santa in the grotto at CastleCourt.
Leona continued; “At CastleCourt, we love to give back all year round, but especially at Christmas when so many are going through challenges that hit harder at this time of year. We hope, with Santa’s help, that we have spread a little Christmas cheer to those who need it most.”
Families can visit Santa at CastleCourt’s grotto from Saturday 14th November until Christmas Eve, Thursday 24th December. All opening hours and price lists can be found via castlecourt-uk.com/santa