Is that the sound of sleigh bells? It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Santa Claus is coming to towns across Hampshire this December with plenty of cheerful opportunities to meet the man himself.
Take your little ones on a magical day out to see Father Christmas in Hampshire. Spot Santa in space, paddle with him on the Beaulieu River, see his enchanting owls flying in the winter skies, or sing along to Christmas classics in Saint Nick shows.
Read on for our ultimate guide to the top places to see Santa in Hampshire this Christmas.
Some 2024 dates are yet to be confirmed so keep an eye on this page for Hampshire Father Christmas updates.
Festive Express at Exbury Gardens
30 November & 1 December, 7 & 8 December 2024
For two weekends in December, Exbury Gardens will be fully festive with the chance for visitors to ride the festive express when the steam train at Exbury Gardens is transformed into a special Christmas express train transporting visitors to see Father Christmas.
The Exbury Christmas Fair will be held on the same dates with seasonal food and drink, local gifts and crafts, carol singing and music. There will also be a children’s Christmas trail.
Find out more about Christmas and Festive Railway Experience at Exbury Gardens
Father Christmas: Back in Flight! at Hawk Conservancy Trust
21 and 22 December 2024
Taking time out of his busy schedule, Father Christmas will be making his annual special flying visit to the Hawk Conservancy Trust on 21 and 22 December accompanied by a parliament of owls to collectively share some festive magic.
This joyous family event includes a magical owl flying display and festive storytelling.
Before the flying display, take part in a special Christmas trail around the Trust, and explore to see the birds in their homes.
Find out more about Father Christmas: Back in Flight! at Hawk Conservancy Trust
Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
14 – 23 December 2024
Always guaranteed to be a blast, Santa will be back at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium this December with the return of Cosmic Christmas.
The experience includes an immersive festive space adventure with live science, magical effects, and a Planetarium show, followed by a meet and greet with Santa himself.
Find out more about Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
Christmas Canoe Paddle with Father Christmas at New Forest Activities
Selected dates from 7 – 23 December 2024
It’s not just sleigh driving that Santa has mastered, he enjoys a bit of paddling as a pastime too and you’ll find him in a canoe on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities this December.
This 90-minute festive expedition will take adventurers along the stunning wintertime river, concluding with a fun meeting with Father Christmas who will give all the children a gift for their paddling efforts, with hot chocolate and mince pies to keep everyone toasty.
Find out more about the Christmas Canoe Paddle with Father Christmas at New Forest Activities
A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park
Selected dates from 6 – 23 December 2024
Paultons Park is transformed into a winter wonderland every December with decorations and illuminations lighting up Peppa Pig World and Tornado Springs and the Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree putting on its own light show every 15 minutes.
Father Christmas will be the star of the Paulton’s festive performance with plenty of seasonal singing, dancing, and fun in Santa's Christmas Wish Show! Also featuring Billy and Belinda the elves, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Reindeer. Visitors can also book an exclusive meet and greet with Santa as an add-on experience.
Find out more about Christmas at Paultons Park
Christmas at Milestones Museum
Selected dates from 30 November – 23 December 2024
Step inside a Dickensian Christmas this December as the Victorian streets of Milestones Museum in Basingstoke are cheerfully decorated for the festive season – the only humbugs you’ll find will be in the traditional sweet shop.
Father Christmas will be there too in his magical grotto and the Milestones Christmas Market is the perfect place to pick up some local gifts and treats.
Find out more about Christmas at Milestones Museum
Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall
30 November – 23 December 2024
Quite possibly the most jaw-dropping and magical backdrop for a photo with Father Christmas, the Great Hall in Winchester is welcoming Santa and his elves back this December.
Visitors will begin their magical experience begins at the enchanting Westgate Museum, writing a letter to Santa and planting a candy cane seed, then follow Candy Cane Lane to The Great Hall to meet Santa in his cosy grotto.
Find out more about Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall
Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo
Selected dates from 29 November –30 December 2024
Father Christmas and his elves will be spreading festive cheer in Marwell Hall this Christmas during Glow Marwell, the magical light experience trail around Marwell Zoo.
Follow the enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences including joyful jellyfish in the new ocean display and neon clouds in the new Sky Zone.
Find out more about Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo
Christmas Tower Toymaker’s Workshop at the Spinnaker Tower
30 November – 24 December 2024
For the highest Father Christmas experience in the land, head to the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth where the tower will be transformed into a Christmas workshop for Santa’s elves.
Children can help make their own cuddly toy before visiting Santa in his grotto before completing the Christmas trail around the tower.
Find out more about Christmas Tower Toymaker’s Workshop at the Spinnaker Tower
The Elf Society at The Garden Society
Selected dates from 30 November 2024
Channel your inner Buddy and become an honorary elf recruit at The Garden Society this Christmas with this immersive walk-through experience exploring Santa’s magical toy making workshop.
A warm welcome awaits from Elf Ginger in her kitchen where children can help decorate and take home every Elf’s most loved treat – Gingerbread. Then travel through the Candy Kingdom before meeting Santa himself.
The Garden Society’s beautiful festive displays loaded with sparkling decorations will be sure to leave everyone full of Christmas cheer.
Find out more about The Elf Society at The Garden Society
Christmas at Finkley Down Farm
30 November – 24 December 2024
Little visitors to Finkley in December delight in collecting stamps on their Christmas passports as they participate in all the magical fun on the farm.
Send a letter to Father Christmas via the Intergalactic Post Box using a special golden ball, decorate a festive treat in Mother Christmas’ kitchen, make reindeer food, meet Father Christmas, and visit the Toy Shop to choose a gift.
Find out more about Christmas at Finkley Down Farm
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre
23 November – 24 December 2024
Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre in Titchfield will be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland this Christmas complete with Elf Village shops and a magical grotto where children can meet Father Christmas and receive a special wrapped present from Santa and his Elves.
There will also be SEN Sessions for young visitors who would benefit from a calmer visit that will raise money for Naomi's House & Jacksplace.
Find out more about Santa's Winter Wonderland at Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre
Santa's Christmas Cracker at Theatre Royal Winchester
16 December 2024
Following last year's sell-out performances of Santa's Christmas Wish, Honalee Media's next hit Santa Show will be showing this Christmas at the Theatre Royal Winchester on 16 December.
Little ones will love helping Dotty the Elf decide what Christmas present to give to Santa and the sing-alongs to festive favourites like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells are sure to leave the whole audience feeling merry.
Every child will receive a special present from Father Christmas in the popular meet, greet and treat, after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever.
Find out more about Santa's Christmas Cracker at Theatre Royal Winchester
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See our full guide to what’s on this Christmas in Hampshire
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