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Where to see Father Christmas in Hampshire 2024

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Itโ€™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 2024

Where to see Father Christmas in Hampshire

I thought Iโ€™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.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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 Christmasโ€™ sleigh back in flight! This joyous family event includes a magical owl flying display and festive story-telling the whole family will love.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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 youโ€™ll soon be meeting jolly old Saint Nick. All children will receive a gift from Father Christmas and thereโ€™ll be hot chocolate to keep everyone toasty.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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 Santaโ€™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!

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Marwell Zoo – Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH

Glow Marwell – Selected dates, 29 November โ€“ 30 December 2024

Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwellโ€™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

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Spinnaker Tower – Portsmouth PO1 3TT

Santaโ€™s Toy Maker Workshop – 30th November – 24th December 2024

Experience the Magic at Spinnaker Tower at Santaโ€™s Toy Maker Workshop! This Christmas, something enchanting is happening at Spinnaker Tower that you wonโ€™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

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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 Rudolphโ€™s stables, prepare for a journey through Santaโ€™s Winter Wonderland village. Santaโ€™s friendly elves will guide you through the magical snowy walkway to meet him in his grotto. Have your photo taken and, if youโ€™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!

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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 โ€“ Various dates โ€“ ยฃ9.99 per child

Enjoy Breakfast With Santa at your local Harvester. Treat your kids to an unforgettable Christmas surprise โ€“ a delicious breakfast, Fruit Shoot, chocolate treat, colouring in activities and a Santa goody bag. Plus, theyโ€™ll get to share their present list with the main man himself too.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Toby Carvery Restaurants – Bishopstoke, Eastleigh | Hilsea, Portsmouth

Breakfast With Santa – Select dates in December 2024

Children receive a kidโ€™s breakfast, drink, activity sheet and more festive goodies that are sure to delight as well as meeting Father Christmas!

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Brickworks Museum – Swanwick Ln, Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7HB

Christmas at The Brickworks – 24th November 2024

Visit the Museumโ€™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 Christmasโ€™ past in the Victorian cottage display plus Father Christmas will also be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the Museum!

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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 โ€œHo-ho-hoโ€!

Read about our visit to Longdown Activity Farm here

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Dobbies Garden Centre – Dobbies Havant | Dobbies Cadnam | Dobbies Andover

Santa’s Grotto – 28th November to 24th December 2024

Santaโ€™s Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies, and this year itโ€™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 activitiesโ€ฏ 

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

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 childโ€™s gift wrapped or not.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Seeing Father Christmas a little further afield

If youโ€™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 โ€“ Selected dates from 23rd November to 24th December 2024

Visit Santaโ€™s Grotto At the Tulleys Christmas Experience. Bring your family to enjoy a magical and unique Christmas experience for all ages!

Thereโ€™s a fantastic range of activities on offer this Christmas at Tulleys Farm with everything from Santaโ€™s sleigh ride and gingerbread decorating to a Christmas circus and a reindeer flying school.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Lapland UK

Where: Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Winkfield Row, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8BD

The Lapland UK Experience โ€“ 12th November โ€“ 24th December 2024

Lapland UK is always a dream day out for a family at Christmas time. Itโ€™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 theyโ€™ve met the real Father Christmas.

You can read our review here โ€“ and see a video of our trip here too.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Legoland Windsor

Where: Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY

Legoland at Christmas โ€“ 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! 

Thereโ€™s LEGO Make and Takes. a DUPLO Puppet pantomime and a live show that will leave you full of the Christmas spirit. Youโ€™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 Christmasโ€™ Cabin too.


4 Kingdoms Adventure Park

Where: Newbury Road, Headley, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 8JY

The Magical Christmas Adventure โ€“ 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. Youโ€™ll get to explore the fabulous world of the Elves before heading to Santaโ€™s lodge for a unique private audience.

Father Christmas in Hampshire

And there you have so many options of where to see Father Christmas this year. Iโ€™ll add more on as I become aware of them and if Iโ€™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:

Author

  • Donna Wishart is married to Dave and they have two children, Athena (13) and Troy (11). They live in Surrey with their two cats, Fred and George. Once a Bank Manager, Donna has been writing about everything from family finance to days out, travel and her favourite recipes since 2012. Donna is happiest either exploring somewhere new, with her camera in her hand and family by her side or snuggled up with a cat on her lap, reading a book and enjoying a nice cup of tea. She firmly believes that tea and cake can fix most things.

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