Christmas Charity Ride
Ireland’s most spectacular equestrian Christmas charity event — celebrating 20 years since 2007.
Save the date
Celebrating 20 Years on Saturday 5th December 2026
Join us for the 20th Anniversary Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride. Two decades of Santa suits, community spirit, and life-changing support for Uganda — and we’re just getting started.
A sea of red through Saintfield
Each December, hundreds of riders from across the island dress as Santa and take part in one of Ireland’s most unique equestrian charity spectacles — the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride.
What began as a local act of generosity has become a fixture of the regional Christmas calendar, drawing crowds to Main Street as the procession turns Saintfield into a sea of red.
How it all began
The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride began in 2007 when well-known Saintfield horsewoman Joan Cunningham organised a charity ride to raise funds for underprivileged children in Uganda and Rwanda through Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust. The Ride has now become one of Northern Ireland's most cherished Christmas traditions, raising tens of thousands of pounds for charitable causes in Uganda and across Northern Ireland.
A defining moment came when the Mwamba Children's Choir from Uganda visited Saintfield in 2007 and again in 2009. Made up of children who had lost parents through HIV/AIDS, conflict and poverty, the choir's songs, faith and resilience touched the hearts of everyone they met, giving our community a personal connection to the lives they were helping to transform.
One of those children was Pius Kulama. Having lost both of his parents before the age of five, Pius grew up as an orphan and was one of the many children whose life was positively impacted through the support made possible by the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride. Today, he serves as a Trustee of the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Charitable Trust, working alongside founder Joan Cunningham to help lead its next chapter. As a former beneficiary, he is now committed to transforming his home village of Kabumba through the Kabumba Model Village initiative, creating opportunities through education, healthcare, enterprise and sustainable community development.
Ride history
20 Years of raising funds to change lives.
The Journey Begins
The first Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride is held, inspired by the visiting Mwamba Choir. Funds are raised for children in Uganda through Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust.
Mwamba Choir Returns
The Mwamba Choir returns to Northern Ireland, helping raise funds towards the development of an orphanage in Uganda.
Annual Charity Events
The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride continues each December, alongside the annual summer Saintfield Horse Show, bringing the community together to raise funds for charitable causes at home and in Uganda.
End of an Era
After many years of partnership supporting children in Uganda, Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust retires.
A New Partnership
A new partnership begins with IAM Academy through IAM Family Ministries, including funding for a borehole providing clean water to the school and surrounding community.
Uganda Project Fund
The Uganda Project Fund is established, supporting the Kabumba borehole, classroom construction and wider community development.
Charity Registered
Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride becomes a registered Northern Ireland charity, strengthening its foundation for the future.
20th Anniversary
The 20th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride marks two decades of fundraising, community spirit and lasting impact in Northern Ireland and Uganda.
The route
Meet and greet
Santas arrive at 11am at Mary Mother of the Church, Crossgar Road, Saintfield for a festive mulled wine and mince pie reception.
Countryside hack
Santas follow the Real Santa in his magnificent carriage on a 3 mile scenic route. A shorter route is available for small children.
Main Street arrival
The Santas will arrive on Main Street, Saintfield at approx. 1pm.
How the day unfolds
Plans are now well underway for our special 20th Anniversary of the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride, which will take place on Saturday 5th December 2026.
This year's Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride is set to be the most spectacular yet. This magnificent Christmas extravaganza has become one of the most eagerly anticipated on the Christmas calendar. Riders from all over the province dressed up as Santa will converge on the historical market town of Saintfield to take part.
Once again Father McHugh, Mary Mother of the Church, 33 Crossgar Road, Saintfield are kindly hosting the event.
All the Santas will arrive for a mulled wine and mince pie reception at 11am. The atmosphere will be electric as Christmas music rings out, getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.
At 12 noon the Santas will mount up and follow the "Real Santa" in his magnificent carriage.
The ride is strictly a hack and is suitable for most riders. Children or inexperienced riders should be led by an adult. The ride will be approx. three miles long on peaceful countryside roads. A short route can be taken for young children.
Meantime back on Saintfield Main Street the crowds of well-wishers will be entertained by the one and only Hugo Duncan MBE, Box Car Brian and Gerard Dornan.
At approximately 1pm–1:15pm the ride will come over Todds Hill turning Saintfield into a sea of red. This spectacular sight is not to be missed. The "Real Santa" in his magnificent carriage will lead the multitude of Santas up Main Street stopping at the Christmas Tree where Santa will alight from his carriage to meet and greet all the children. The Santas will then continue up Main Street and turn around the Fair Green before making their way back down Main Street and finish up back at Mary Mother of the Church.
The cost of the ride will be £20 for adults and £10 for children, which includes the mulled wine and mince pie reception.
Further details: contact Joan Cunningham on 07775 860744.
Registration: Open
Where your entry fee goes
Funds raised through the Ride support the Kabumba Model Village in Kikandwa Sub-county, Mityana District, Uganda. Library construction is already underway; further facilities — including a computer resource centre, school, and sports ground — are planned, with details to be published as confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Ride?
Saturday, 5th December 2026.
Where does it start?
It starts at Mary Mother of the Church, 33 Crossgar Road, Saintfield.
How long is the route?
The route is approximately 3 miles.
How much does it cost?
It costs £20 for adults and £10 for children, which includes the mulled wine reception.
Who can take part?
The ride is suitable for all ages. Young children and inexperienced riders should be led.
Can I sponsor the Ride?
Yes. Businesses and individuals can support the event through sponsorship, donations, or in-kind help. Please contact us to discuss packages.
Ride gallery
Memories from Christmases past.
