Enchanted Winter Garden returns to Antrim with bigger lights and four extra nights

Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a festive wonderland for almost four weeks this Christmas as the popular Enchanted Winter Garden returns with bigger displays, new features and four additional nights.

The outdoor illuminated experience will run from Wednesday 2 December until Monday 28 December 2026, with discounted admission available to residents of Antrim and Newtownabbey borough.

Organisers say visitors can expect bigger and brighter lights as they follow the route through Wonderland Wood, along with new sights intended to make this year’s event more magical.

What is included — and what costs extra?

Admission covers entry to the illuminated garden experience, with tickets starting at £15.50 for an adult and £10.50 for a child aged two to 17.

A standard family ticket costs £46.50 and covers either one adult and three children or two adults and two children. Children under two enter free, although a 50p booking fee applies.

Attractions including Santa’s Grotto, the Giant Wheel and Tea Cups cost extra. Visitors can purchase 12 tokens for £10 when adding them to an online booking, while tokens bought at the event cost £1 each, or £10 for 10.

Attractions also accept contactless card payments at their booths. Tokens which are not used cannot be refunded.

Discounted tickets for borough residents

People living within Antrim and Newtownabbey borough can book tickets at a substantially reduced resident rate.

Resident prices are:

• Adult: £8.50

• Child aged two to 17: £6.50

• Child under two: free, with a 50p booking fee

• Family ticket: £26.50

The family ticket covers either one adult and three children or two adults and two children.

Prices include a 50p booking fee for each individual ticket or £1.50 for a family ticket. All children and under-twos must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Residents must create an online account and add their home address to receive the reduced price. Returning visitors can log in to their existing account.

Inclusive evenings confirmed

Two Evenings of Inclusive Enchantment will take place on Thursday 3 December and Wednesday 9 December.

These sessions will have reduced visitor numbers, static lighting without strobe or strong effects, lower sound and music levels, sensory and quiet rooms, and slower-moving rides and attractions.

Changing Places facilities will be available, while wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired by appointment. Mobility assistance must be arranged in advance by calling 07860 709 876.

Planning your visit

Visitors should allow between 90 minutes and two hours to experience the event fully. Entry is through the Barbican Gate at Market Square in Antrim town centre, and guests should arrive at the time printed on their ticket.

There is no parking at Antrim Castle Gardens. Public car parks are available in Antrim town centre, while a free park-and-ride service will operate between The Junction and Market Square from 4pm until 10pm.

The shuttle stop at The Junction is opposite Murdocks Hardware, with the journey taking approximately ten minutes. The final return bus is expected to leave between 9.30pm and 10pm.

Organisers advise booking in advance as tickets will not be available at the gate for sessions which sell out.

Tickets and further information are available here.

Anyone experiencing difficulty with an online booking can contact the Arts and Culture Customer Hub on 0300 123 7788 or email culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk.

The hub operates from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.