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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.
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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
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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
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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
We love seeing your seasonal snaps – share your Father Christmas photos with us on Instagram
See our full guide to what’s on this Christmas in Hampshire
See our guide to winter in Hampshire
Planning a Christmas break? Take a browse our huge range of accommodation. Hampshire has something for all budgets including hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering properties, and cosy traditional holiday cottages.
Related
Join us for a festive paddle on The Beaulieu River this Christmas. Set sail in stable and safe, Canadian style canoes, with the added excitement that you'll be meeting Santa in his boat full of Christmas gifts! All children will receive a gift from Santa and there'll be toasty hot chocolate available to keep you warm.
Our Christmas events at Paultons take place on selected dates from 6th to 23rd December 2024. Tornado Springs and Peppa Pig World will be open for Christmas along with rides in Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek! Meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves as well as our magical show 'Santa's Christmas Wish'. Santa's Grotto returns for 2024 for a magical, face-to-face encounter! Immerse yourself in festive melodies, twinkling lights and delightful characters at every turn. Santa's Grotto spaces are limited and need to be booked in advance.
We are delighted to welcome Father Christmas back to Finkley once again. Christmas at Finkley tickets include all-day entry to the farm; we open at 9:50 am.
Two and a half hours full of fun, activities, shows, Santa and presents. The Magical Christmas Adventure 2022 cannot be compared to any other you’ve seen advertised…it’s unique!
Calling all Elf Recruits new and old! The Elf Society returns this Christmas 2024!
Experience a family Christmas to remember this year at Milestones!
The show where every child gets a present from Santa! Following last year's sell-out performances of Santa's Christmas Wish, Honalee Media are delighted to present their next hit Santa Show this Christmas.
Visit Exbury's Festive Express railway experience this December for a family Christmas day out like no other!
Father Christmas and his magical team of owls will be stopping at the Hawk Conservancy 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 can delight in.
Santa is back in the Planetarium for Cosmic Christmas! Blast off on a live-action immersive festive space adventure for the whole family, meet the man in red himself and get a special Christmas gift.
This Christmas, unwrap a memory-making adventure that your family will treasure for years to come as you take part in the Santa's Grotto experience at The Great Hall!
Make Memories Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell's magical light experience returns this winter brighter than ever before! Join Marwell Zoo once again as they invite you to explore Marwell in a whole new light. Follow the enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences that will fill you with wonder.
This Christmas, Spinnaker Tower transforms into Santa's Toy Maker Workshop. Children can join Santa's elves to craft their own cuddly toy, enjoy festive games, and visit Santa in his grotto. Explore the tower, find hidden elves, and enjoy a free hot chocolate with all-day admission.
Santa and his elves have prepared the most magical experience yet in the Stewarts Winter Wonderland which will open on 23rd November until 24th December. You will meet our elves and take a stroll down the magical Winter Wonderland village walkway. Peek into the Elf Village shops to see what you can spot! Arriving at Santa's grotto you will meet the magical man himself and can tell him what you'd like for Christmas, and children over 6 months old will receive a special wrapped present from Santa and his Elves. There's even a professional elf photographer to capture your special visit*.
