100 Years of Festive Tradition: Garden Centre Continues to Craft Cherished Christmas Memories

Founded by the local dairy farmer Robert Hugh Kirkpatrick, this family enterprise has evolved from cultivating tomatoes in the summer within glasshouses to become a beloved family-owned Garden Centre deeply embedded in the local community. Upon arrival to Hillside, customers are greeted by many attractions, including a four metre high colour changing tree, and a stable of animatronic Singing Reindeer who croon out Christmas songs as you walk inside. With model trains journeying throughout the store as well as the many other interactive life-sized displays all around, there’s a touch of festive magic at every turn within The Hillside Christmas Shop!

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper, recently explored the Garden Centre and Santa’s Grotto, expressing admiration for the store's impressive local offerings.

He commented

“It was wonderful to call into Newtownabbey’s local Garden Centre to enjoy a journey through a Winter Wonderland, with an array of local produce, festive decorations, and captivating displays. The transformation of this garden centre over the decades has been remarkable and Council is delighted to work closely with them and value their support, particularly with our stand at the Balmoral Show over the years.  I wish them all the best for their future plans”.

Hillside Manager, David Rankin added

“This year we are delighted to have the return of our traditional Santa’s Grotto with the added attraction of a Virtual Reality sleigh ride through Lapland! As a family business, Christmas is always a special time and we are deeply grateful for the support of our community throughout the decades and delighted to work closely with the Council through all our developments. We are incredibly proud to be a part of so many festive traditions, and we look forward to creating cherished memories with both familiar faces and new friends for many years to come”.