Sleigh Ready! Santa shares his excitement for Christmas morning visit to Derry

With the countdown to Christmas morning well underway, Santa Claus has taken a rare moment away from his bustling North Pole workshop to send a special message to his friends across the Derry and Strabane district.

Despite the "huge demands" of the season, the Big Man himself confirmed that the elves are working overtime to ensure every sleigh-load is ready for the journey to the Foyle.

Santa revealed that he has been staying up late reading "so many letters" from local children. "All the elves are working very hard to make sure everything is ready for delivery on Christmas Eve night," he said. "I am hearing very good reports about the children of Derry from my Santa helpers."

When asked how he manages to visit every home in a single night, Santa shared a secret: "I’m magic! I have a fabulous gift where I can freeze time to get around all the houses. My reindeer - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and of course, Rudolph - are all well-fed and ready to fly."

He added that while he can’t always guarantee every specific item on a list, "sometimes the surprise present on Christmas morning is the best of them all."

Santa noted that he has received letters from every corner of the region, including Ballymagroarty, Pennyburn, Carnhill, Galliagh, Kilfennan, Altnagelvin, Foyle Springs, Creggan, Bligh's Lane, Brandywell, Rosemount, Bogside, Gobnascale, Prehen, Lenamore, Skeoge, Lisnagelvin, Miltown, Drumahoe, Culmore, Claudy, Feeny, Park, Newbuildings, Nixon's Corner, Strathfoyle, Eglinton, Campsie, Aghadowey, Ardmore, Articlave, Ballerin, Ballinascreen, Ballinderry, Ballykelly, Banagher, Bellaghy, Bellarena, Benone, Castledawson, Castlerock, Clady, Claudy, Coleraine, Desertmartin, Draperstown, Drumsurn, Dungiven, Feeny, Foreglen, Garvagh, Glenullin, Greysteel, Lavey, Lettershandoney, Limavady, Lissan, The Loup, Maghera, Magherafelt, Magilligan, Maydown, Moneymore, Portstewart, Straw, Swatragh, Tamnaherin, Tobermore and Upperlands are just some of the areas that have already written in.

"I can see every letter written to Santa, even if the children forget to put it in the post," he assured.

For those waiting with excitement on December 24, Santa has some simple advice: "Once you are fast asleep, I’ll be able to deliver the gifts. Last year, a few tried to stay awake, but they were all dreaming by the time I arrived!"

Santa admits a glass of milk and a mince pie (or two) are always welcome. "Rudolph and the team are happy with some water and a carrot," he added.

Closing his message, Santa reminded local children to be on their best behavior and to be mindful of others. "Always remember that there are other children in the world less well off than you. I hope all the people of Derry have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year. May 2026 bring you lots of joy, happiness, and good health!"