Ballymena Santa Tractor Run returns with festive cavalcade in aid of NI Children’s Hospice
Thursday 5 November 2026
Ballymena town centre will be filled with Christmas lights, decorated tractors and festive cheer on Saturday 5 December as the Santa Run returns, raising funds for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
Organisers are anticipating a record number of participating vehicles, with tractors and other vehicles dressed in Christmas lights and decorations set to travel through the town in an evening cavalcade.
The event, hosted by Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) and the Traction Engine Club of Ulster (TECU) and Friends, will bring together vehicle enthusiasts, families and spectators in support of the children's charity.
Santa cavalcade route and times
The illuminated procession is scheduled to reach Ballymena town centre at approximately 6pm, with vehicles departing from the Livestock Market on Woodside Road at 5.15pm.
The planned route will take participants along:
• Raceview Road
• Broughshane Street
• Church Street
• Mill Street
• Wellington Street
• Ballymoney Street
• Parkway, returning to the starting point
Families are encouraged to come into Ballymena earlier in the day, enjoy the town's shops and eateries, and stay for the evening spectacle.
How to take part in the tractor run
Anyone wishing to enter a vehicle can register at the Market Yard from 3pm on Saturday 5 December.
A charitable entry donation of £20 per vehicle is expected, with proceeds supporting Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
The registration donation includes a complimentary Christmas dinner and soft drink for the participant, provided by the Ringside Cafe and available from 3.30pm.
Additional Christmas dinner tickets will be available for family members and friends attending the event.
• Vehicle registration: From 3pm at the Market Yard
• Vehicle entry donation: £20, including Christmas dinner and a soft drink
• Additional Christmas dinner: £10 per person
• Children's meal: £5 for children aged 11, as stated by organisers
• Cavalcade departure: 5.15pm from the Livestock Market, Woodside Road
• Town centre procession: Approximately 6pm
Festive evening supporting a worthy cause
Alongside the fundraising, organisers hope the event will encourage families to spend time in Ballymena town centre, supporting local businesses during the Christmas shopping season.
Visitors can explore the Fairhill Shopping Centre, Tower Centre, the newly opened Primark store and the town's independent retailers, cafés and restaurants before gathering to watch the procession.
The organisers have thanked those preparing and decorating vehicles for the occasion and are hoping for favourable weather and strong public support.
With the illuminated cavalcade providing the evening's centrepiece, the Santa Tractor Run offers families a festive outing while helping raise money for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
