Where to see Father Christmas in Hampshire 2026
*This article is in the process of being updated – many attractions haven’t announced their activities for this year yet so I’ve kept last year’s events on for some attractions until I can update them.
Prices correct at the time of writing. Click through to each venue for up to date pricing and information.
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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 the holidays 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. Plus, many people start looking for the perfect Father Christmas event and other festive days out and things to do much earlier – around September, October ot even earlier so I’ve tried to keep this article updated with event details as soon as they’re announced.
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! Make sure to click through to each event website to find out up to date information like specific opening times and book tickets. So many people are looking for a Father Christmas grotto near me so I hope this helps.
Kimbridge Barn – Kimbridge, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0LE
Santa Brunch or Carvery – 6th, 13th and 20th December 2026
Families can create magical Christmas memories at the Santa Brunch, where children can meet Santa himself and receive a special gift. Whether you’re planning a family lunch or a larger festive gathering, Kimbridge Barn provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating together.
* Chawton House – Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ
Brunch with Father Christmas – Selected dates, 6th to 21st December 2025
Expect a warm welcome from a festive elf as you arrive in the Old Kitchen Tearoom, with games to keep the kids busy on each table.
Enjoy a delightfully festive family brunch, including pastries and pancakes and a choice of savoury plates. As your brunch draws to a close, there’ll be a very special visitor bearing gifts for all the kids – Father Christmas is dropping in to say hello, and he has even agreed to photos!
Exbury Gardens – Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AF
Meet Father Christmas – 28th and 29th November and 5th and 6th December 2026
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.
The Point Eastleigh – Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9DE
Christmas Grotto 2026 – 21st and 22nd November 2026
Christmas lists at the ready? The festive season is fast upon us, and Father Christmas is making a special trip to The Point this November – he can’t wait to see you! Join other families as Father Christmas welcomes you with a song and a story, then collect your gift and take your photo with the man in red himself.
* Winchester Science Centre – Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ
Cosmic Christmas – 6th December to 23rd December 2025
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 12th to 20th December 2026
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 during December 2026 through to 3rd January 2027
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 – 28th November to 23rd December 2026
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 – 28 Nov to 23 Dec 2026
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.
Botley Park Hotel – Winchester Rd, Botley, Southampton SO32 2UA
Santa Sunday Lunches – 13th December 2026 – £35 per adult, £20 per child
Have fun with all the family this Christmas and enjoy a festive lunch with Santa and his helpers.
Marwell Zoo – Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH
Christmas at Marwell – Selected dates, Fri 20 November to Thurs 31 December 2026
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
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ
A Christmas Ship – 5th and 6th December 2026
Step aboard HMS Warrior and travel back in time to a cold and crisp Christmas eve in 1863. Meet with Father Christmas and receive a festive gift and join the crew as they prepare for a festive celebration in true Victorian style.
* Spinnaker Tower – Portsmouth PO1 3TT
Santa’s Toy Maker Workshop – 29th November to 24th December 2025
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
Rookesbury Park – Southwick Road, Wickham, Hampshire PO17 6HT
Visit Father Christmas – 28th and 29th November 2026
Father Christmas will be visiting each day from 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm. No pre-booking necessary – simply come along, join the queue with the Christmas elves and wait for your turn to meet the man himself!
The Garden Society – Allington Ln, Southampton SO50 7DE
The Elf Society – Selected dates, 5th to 23rd December 2026
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 – Sat 28th Nov toThu 24th Dec 2026
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 – 21st November to 24th December 2026
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 Best Ever Christmas – Monday 21st December 2026
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 – 12th and 13th December 2026
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.
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, 5th to 24th December 2026 – From £12.99 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 – Various dates, 5th to 24th December 2026
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 2026
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 – 5th and 6th December 2026
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 – Selected dates, 6th to 23rd December 2025
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 – 23rd November to 24th December 2026
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 29th November to 24th December 2026
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.
Havant Garden Centre – Bartons Rd, Havant PO9 5NA
Breakfast with Santa – Selected dates, 13th to 24th December 2026
You and your child will enjoy a tasty, cooked breakfast, meet Santa, take pictures, and get a personal gift at this charming alternative to a Santa’s Grotto.
Toddler Breakfast with Santa – Selected dates, 14th to 18th December 2026
Santa has popped over from the North Pole and is ready to welcome your little ones for a magical festive morning! Designed especially for babies and toddlers aged 0-4 years, this relaxed and enchanting event is the perfect way to introduce your child to the magic of Christmas.
Paws & Claus Breakfast – 4th to 11th December 2026
Santa Paws is coming to town! Visit Thatcham Garden Centre for a festive morning filled with wagging tails, tasty treats, and magical Christmas memories with your four-legged friend.
Redfields Garden Centre – Redfields Lane, Church Crookham, Fleet GU52 0AB
Santa’s Grotto Experience – Selected dates, 21st November to 24th December 2026
This Christmas, take a magical journey the whole family will remember. Begin your adventure at the North Pole, where little ones can help mix the all-important reindeer food ready to sprinkle on Christmas Eve. Then, wander through to Santa’s cosy living room for a special one-to-one meeting. There’ll be time for a festive photo too, available to purchase at the end of your visit.
Breakfast with Santa Experience – 5th, 12th and 19th December 2026
Make this Christmas one to remember with our breakfast with Santa experience. Enjoy a delicious family breakfast with Santa and his elves, gather around for a festive north pole story with each child receiving a special gift to take home.
Brambridge Park Garden Centre – Kiln Ln, Brambridge, Colden Common, Eastleigh SO50 6HT
Santa’s Grotto Experience – Selected dates, 21st November to 24th December 2026
This Christmas, take a magical journey the whole family will remember. Begin your adventure at the North Pole, where little ones can help mix the all-important reindeer food ready to sprinkle on Christmas Eve. Then, wander through to Santa’s cosy living room for a special one-to-one meeting. There’ll be time for a festive photo too, available to purchase at the end of your visit.
Breakfast with Santa Experience – 6th, 13th and 20th December 2026
Make this Christmas one to remember with our breakfast with Santa experience. Enjoy a delicious family breakfast with Santa and his elves, gather around for a festive north pole story with each child receiving a special gift to take home.
Santa Paws Experience – 26th November 2026
Treat your four-legged friend to a festive experience they won’t forget! Upon arrival, you and your dog will be greeted by one of the cheerful and loveable elves, who will guide you to the reindeer stables. There, you’ll get to mix up a special bag of delicious dog treats. Then, it’s time for a heart-warming moment with the big man himself, every dog will receive a special gift from Santa, sure to get tails wagging.
Rake Garden Centre – London Road, Rake, Petersfield GU33 7JH
Breakfast with Santa Experience – 13th and 20 December 2026
Make this Christmas one to remember with our breakfast with Santa experience. Enjoy a delicious family breakfast with Santa and his elves, gather around for a festive north pole story with each child receiving a special gift to take home.
Tudor House and Garden – Bugle Street, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AD
Visit Father Christmas – Selected dates, 12th to 22nd December 2026
Step into the festive spirit at Tudor House this Christmas. Meet Father Christmas in the historic Banqueting Hall and receive a special gift, enjoy a seasonal craft activity, and tuck into a festive treat in our café. Before you leave, explore the museum and follow our popular Christmas Tudor House Mouse Trail.
Dobbies Garden Centre – Dobbies Cadnam | Dobbies Andover
Santa’s Grotto – 22nd November to 24th December 2026
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 – 11th to 24th December 2026
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 – 28th November to 24th December 2026
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
Santa Paws – Selected dates in December 2026
Come along to the Santa Paws experience this year, take part in our festive sniff-ari, meet the big man himself and every good pup will receive a special gift from Santa.
The Basingstoke Canal – Basingstoke Canal Authority, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey GU16 6DD
Santa Cruises – 1 to 23 December 2026
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 – 12th to 23rd December 2026
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
Dobbies Garden Centre – Dobbies Havant | Dobbies Cadnam | Dobbies Andover
Santa’s Quiet Grotto – Selected dates in December 2026
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 21st November to 24th December 2026
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 – early November to 24th December 2026
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 21st November 2026 to 2nd January 2027
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 28th November to 24th December 2026
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.
Warwick Castle Christmas at the Castle
Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 6AU
Stories with Santa – 21st November to 24th December 2026
Experience the magic with Santa and Mrs. Claus during a delightful Stories with Santa experience. Begin your journey with Santa’s cheery elves for some fun and festive magic. Then join Santa and Mrs. Claus eagerly waiting to share a magical story time with you. Each child will receive a special Christmas gift and there’s even a surprise for the grown-ups.
Stories with Santa would be a great choice for anyone not wanting a one on one Santa visit but still wants festive fun and magic this Christmas. Stories with Santa is just one part of Christmas at Warwick Castle – you can also enjoy the festive light trail and ice skate!
You can read our full review of Christmas at the Castle here
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:
