Where to see Father Christmas in Hampshire 2024
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It’s that time of year where families across the country and searching for the best places to see Father Christmas. A highlight of our calendar, meeting Father Christmas is something we look forward to as a family in the run up to Christmas and something we spend so much time researching and booking.
When can you see Father Christmas in Hampshire?
Although going to see Father Christmas in December is the most popular time, events this year are starting at various times in November, giving you plenty of time to see Father Christmas before the big day.
Where to see Father Christmas in Hampshire
I thought I’d put together all the Santas Grottos and places where you can meet Father Christmas this year in Hampshire. I hope this gives you some inspiration for the festive season!
Exbury Gardens – Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AF
Meet Father Christmas – Selected dates 30th November to 8th December 2024
Father Christmas will be visiting Exbury Gardens this festive season. He’ll have a treat in store for every child who pays him a visit in his cosy grotto and children will be able to make a decoration for the wishing tree too.
Hawk Conservancy Trust – Sarson Ln, Andover SP11 8DY
Father Christmas: Back in Flight! – 21st and 22nd December 2024
Father Christmas and his magical team of owls will be stopping at the Trust for this special family event. Join the mischievous Evergreen the Elf to get Christmas back on track and Father Christmas’ sleigh back in flight! This joyous family event includes a magical owl flying display and festive story-telling the whole family will love.
Winchester Science Centre – Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ
Cosmic Christmas – 14th December to 23rd December 2024
Santa is back at the Planetarium for Cosmic Christmas! Blast off on a live-action immersive festive space adventure for the whole family, meet the man in red and receive a special Christmas gift.
Read our Christmas at Winchester Science Centre review here
New Forest Activities – Hazel Copse Farm, Beaulieu SO42 7WA
Christmas Canoe Paddle – Selected dates 7th to 23rd December 2024
Enjoy a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River to find Santa! Explore the river on a 90 minute guided tour with the added excitement of knowing you’ll soon be meeting jolly old Saint Nick. All children will receive a gift from Father Christmas and there’ll be hot chocolate to keep everyone toasty.
Paultons Park – Romsey SO51 6AL
Christmas at Paultons – Selected dates 6th to 23rd December 2024
See Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas and meet Peppa and George in their festive outfits! Have festive family fun with Santa’s Storytime, magical Illuminations around the park and meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves plus finish with a visit to see Santa himself!
Milestones Museum – Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
Meet Father Christmas – 30 Nov 2024 – 24 Dec 2024
This holiday season, create memories to cherish with loved ones as you meet Father Christmas in his magical Milestones grotto. Capture the magic with family photos and unwrap your special Christmas gift from Father Christmas together.
The Great Hall and Westgate Museum – The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UD
Santa’s Grotto at the Great Hall – 30 Nov 2024 – 23 Dec 2024
An unforgettable, festive experience for the whole family. Write a letter to Santa and make a box to plant your very own candy cane seed in, listen to the story of The Night Before Christmas and then meet Santa, share Christmas wishes and receive a special gift.
Marwell Zoo – Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH
Glow Marwell – Selected dates, 29 November – 30 December 2024
Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell’s magical light experience returns this winter brighter than ever before and meet Father Christmas during the experience.
Read our review of Glow Marwell here
Spinnaker Tower – Portsmouth PO1 3TT
Santa’s Toy Maker Workshop – 30th November – 24th December 2024
Experience the Magic at Spinnaker Tower at Santa’s Toy Maker Workshop! This Christmas, something enchanting is happening at Spinnaker Tower that you won’t want to miss. Santa and his elves are bringing their toy-making workshop to the tower! Each child will craft their very own cuddly toy and visit Santa himself!
Read about our Spinnaker Toy Maker’s Workshop experience here
The Garden Society – Allington Ln, Southampton SO50 7DE
The Elf Society – Selected dates, 30th November to 24th December 2024
Join the Elves on their mission, inventing, creating and preparing this years favourite toys ready for another busy Christmas delivery. Explore work stations, toy creations, try your hand at gingerbread decorating and discover what wonders await within this magical workshop before you meet Santa himself! Have you got what it takes to be an Elf?
Finkley Down Farm – North Way, Andover SP11 6NF
Christmas at Finkley – 30th November to 24th December 2024
Father Christmas is coming back to Finkley once again for a full Christmas experience and also a mini Christmas experience, giving options for all families. With activities, festivities and Father Christmas, it’s sure to be a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas this year.
Read about our visit to Finkley Down Farm here
Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre – Mill Ln, Titchfield, Fareham PO15 5RB
Santa’s Winter Wonderland – 23rd November to 24th December 2024
Santa and his Elves have been working hard all year to create a Winter Wonderland village for all to enjoy this Christmas. From the Elves’ workshops to Rudolph’s stables, prepare for a journey through Santa’s Winter Wonderland village. Santa’s friendly elves will guide you through the magical snowy walkway to meet him in his grotto. Have your photo taken and, if you’ve been good this year you might even get a present and activity pack.
Theatre Royal Winchester – Jewry St, Winchester SO23 8SB
Santa’s Christmas Cracker – Monday 16th December 2024
A wonderful festive show for the whole family followed by the chance to meet Father Christmas – and get a special gift too!
Ember Inns – The Village Inn, Southampton | Ember Woodpecker, Waterlooville | White Hart Hotel, Hook | Station, Fleet
Breakfast with Santa at Ember Inns – 7th and 8th December 2024
Treat your family to a magical morning with Santa. Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a special gift for every child. Create unforgettable memories with festive cheer and fun for all the family.
Brewers Fayre – The Clarence Pier, Southsea | Monkey Puzzle, Farnborough
Breakfast with Santa – Selected dates throughout December 2024
Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, meet the big man himself and receive an extra early Christmas present!
Harvester Restaurants – The Ham Farm, Eastleigh | Swan Centre, Eastleigh | Whiteley, Fareham | Stag and Hounds, Basingstoke | The Buccaneer, Fareham | The Staunton Arms, Portsmouth | Port Solent | The Great Salterns Mansion, Portsmouth
Breakfast with Santa – Various dates – £9.99 per child
Enjoy Breakfast With Santa at your local Harvester. Treat your kids to an unforgettable Christmas surprise – a delicious breakfast, Fruit Shoot, chocolate treat, colouring in activities and a Santa goody bag. Plus, they’ll get to share their present list with the main man himself too.
Toby Carvery Restaurants – Bishopstoke, Eastleigh | Hilsea, Portsmouth
Breakfast With Santa – Select dates in December 2024
Children receive a kid’s breakfast, drink, activity sheet and more festive goodies that are sure to delight as well as meeting Father Christmas!
Watercress Line – The Railway Station, Station Road, New Alresford SO24 9JG
Father Christmas Express – Selected dates throughout December 2024
Join Father Christmas as he transports you on the magical Father Christmas Express. Have some jolly, festive fun with his helpers as you ride on the steam train and meet Father Christmas who will give you a magic token to exchange for a special gift.
Brickworks Museum – Swanwick Ln, Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7HB
Christmas at The Brickworks – 24th November 2024
Visit the Museum’s Christmas steam event where you can see the site shining in the glow of Christmas lights and decorations to begin the festive period. Shop at the craft market and find out about Christmas’ past in the Victorian cottage display plus Father Christmas will also be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the Museum!
Longdown Activity Farm – Deerleap Ln, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH
Longdown Farm Christmas Barn – 22nd November to 23rd December 2024
Enter a magical world of twinkling trees, snow, sparkling lights and festive decorations to meet Father Christmas who will be waiting to talk to the children, give them a jolly wave and an extra special “Ho-ho-ho”!
Read about our visit to Longdown Activity Farm here
Keydell Nursery – Havant Rd, Horndean, Waterlooville PO8 0UU
Santa’s Grotto and Woodland Walk – 16th November to 24th December 2024
A visit to Santa and a festive woodland walk. Dog Santa visits are also available.
Hayling Island Winter Wonderland – Funland, The Sea Front, Hayling Island PO11 0AG
Winter Wonderland – Selected dates 23rd November to 24th December 2024
Step into a world of enchantment and magic at Hayling Winter Wonderland, where a secret doorway awaits to teleport you to a land filled with wonder. Follow mischievous Elves to the Gingerbread Factory and Naughty and Nice room before enjoying a train ride through Elf Village. Plus the chance to meet Father Christmas himself. Hayling Wonderland is a place where dreams come true and memories are made.
Dobbies Garden Centre – Dobbies Havant | Dobbies Cadnam | Dobbies Andover
Santa’s Grotto – 28th November to 24th December 2024
Santa’s Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies, and this year it’s even more magical! Enjoy a train-themed journey for children and families, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself! And they have a Santa Paws event too!
Meet Santa – 28th November to 24th December 2024
Different from the Grotto experience, this is in the middle of the store for all to see. Santa will be bringing the festive joy right to the heart of Dobbies stores! Your experience will include time with Santa Claus where children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes and stories before receiving a gift.
Santa’s Breakfast – 30th November to 24th December 2024
Visit Dobbies for this festive event with breakfast for the whole family. Each child will get to build their very own festive soft toy to take home, meet Santa Claus and take part in storytelling and family-friendly activities
The Basingstoke Canal – Basingstoke Canal Authority, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey GU16 6DD
Santa Cruises – 3 to 23 December 2024
Bring the family to the Basingstoke Canal to meet Father Christmas in his canal-side grotto. Climb aboard the beautiful boat Rosebud waiting for you at the canal centre and take a gentle cruise to the start of the tinsel trail in the woods.
Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway – Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh SO50 5PE
Santa Specials – Selected dates in December 2024
Go for a steam train ride around the park and on your return visit Santa! Children will receive a present and everyone will get refreshments from the cafe.
SEND Father Christmas Experiences in Hampshire
The Great Hall and Westgate Museum – The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UD
Relaxed Afternoon: Santa’s Grotto at the Great Hall – 6th December 2024
A special session tailored specifically for those with additional needs and a more relaxed environment. Write a letter to Santa and make a box to plant your very own candy cane seed in, listen to the story of The Night Before Christmas and then meet Santa, share Christmas wishes and receive a special gift.
Keydell Nursery – Havant Rd, Horndean, Waterlooville PO8 0UU
SEND Santa’s Grotto and Woodland Walk – Select dates in November 2024
A visit to Santa and a festive woodland walk. These sessions are purely reduced capacity, there will still be music and flashing lights within the grotto and the Woodland Walk.
Dobbies Garden Centre – Dobbies Havant | Dobbies Cadnam | Dobbies Andover
Santa’s Quiet Grotto – 6th December 2024
Dobbies are offering one of their most popular experiences, to children who may have some additional needs. There will be a reduced number of families, all music is off, twinkling lights are removed or switched off and you can choose to have your child’s gift wrapped or not.
Seeing Father Christmas a little further afield
If you’re happy to travel there are so many great options a little further outside Hampshire. Here are a few of our favourites:
Tulleys Farm
Where: Unit 1 Turners Hill Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 4PE
Tulleys Family Christmas – Selected dates from 23rd November to 24th December 2024
Visit Santa’s Grotto At the Tulleys Christmas Experience. Bring your family to enjoy a magical and unique Christmas experience for all ages!
There’s a fantastic range of activities on offer this Christmas at Tulleys Farm with everything from Santa’s sleigh ride and gingerbread decorating to a Christmas circus and a reindeer flying school.
Lapland UK
Where: Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Winkfield Row, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8BD
The Lapland UK Experience – 12th November – 24th December 2024
Lapland UK is always a dream day out for a family at Christmas time. It’s as close to Lapland as you can get without leaving the UK and from the very moment you arrive you are transported to a world of magic. Even the grown ups walk away knowing they’ve met the real Father Christmas.
You can read our review here – and see a video of our trip here too.
Legoland Windsor
Where: Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY
Legoland at Christmas – Selected dates from 23rd November 2024
Christmas with LEGO magic! With over 25 Rides, live shows and attractions for you to enjoy with the whole family. The Park is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, snow dusted trees and a sprinkling of LEGO magic!
There’s LEGO Make and Takes. a DUPLO Puppet pantomime and a live show that will leave you full of the Christmas spirit. You’ll also see Father Christmas as he roams the park on the back of his magical sleigh and can add on a visit to Father Christmas’ Cabin too.
4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
Where: Newbury Road, Headley, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 8JY
The Magical Christmas Adventure – Selected dates from 22nd November to 24th December 2024
Visit 4 Kingdoms for a magical adventure to the North Pole, creating special family memories for years to come. You’ll get to explore the fabulous world of the Elves before heading to Santa’s lodge for a unique private audience.
And there you have so many options of where to see Father Christmas this year. I’ll add more on as I become aware of them and if I’ve missed your favourite please do get in touch and let me know. I hope that wherever you see Father Christmas that you have a wonderful time. Merry Christmas and I hope these posts give you some more inspiration too:
- Christmas Theatre and Pantomimes in Hampshire
- Where to buy Christmas Trees in Hampshire
- Christmas Ice Skating Hampshire
- Christmas Light Trails in Hampshire
