Christmas in Hampshire is a truly magical experience, with festive cheer around every corner. But for many families, the highlight of the season is a visit to see Father Christmas himself! Luckily, Hampshire has a wonderful array of places where you can meet the jolly man in red. Whether you’re looking for a traditional grotto experience, a festive show, or an exciting Christmas adventure, you’re sure to find the perfect Santa encounter for your family.
Meet Santa at Hampshire’s Zoos & Animal Attractions
Marwell Zoo(opens in new tab) – 20th November to 30th December 2026 (selected dates)
Santa will be spreading festive cheer in an enchanting family grotto at Marwell Zoo as part of their brand new Christmas at Marwell event. Embark on a magical 45-minute grotto experience with storytelling and craft activities, before going on to meet Santa.
Exbury Gardens & Steam RailwayIsle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary(opens in new tab) – 19th and 20th December 2026
Celebrate the true magic of Christmas with a visit to Santa in his cosy grotto at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Accompanied by donkeys and elves, Santa will be visiting as part of the sanctuary’s Festive Weekend, a joyful, family-friendly start to the festive season.
Steam trains & festive railways
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway(opens in new tab) – 28th November to 6th December 2026
Father Christmas will be back at Exbury Gardens this winter, in his special railway carriage in the beautifully decorated engine shed. Lucky children can meet the man himself and receive a lovely festive gift during the daytimes of 28th and 29th November and 5th and 6th December, and also during the evenings of 30th November to 4th December.
The Watercress Line(opens in new tab) – 12th to 24th December 2026
All aboard the Father Christmas Express at The Watercress Line! Departing from Ropley, enjoy a magical steam train journey, festive fun with Santa’s helpers, and collect a special present at Present Junction. Explore Father Christmas’ Hampshire Hideaway with activities, treats, and photo opportunities for the whole family this festive season!
Theme parks & museums
Paultons Park(opens in new tab) – 5th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Book a slot for Santa’s Grotto at Paultons Park during their ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ event for that extra sprinkle of magic. Children can meet Santa in a magical walk-through grotto with twinkling lights and music. They will also receive a plush toy from the man himself, and take home a photo as a memory to cherish forever.
Tudor House(opens in new tab) – 1st – 31st December
Discover the magic of Christmas at Tudor House in Southampton. Enjoy a visit to Father Christmas in the Banqueting Hall complete with a gift. Get creative with a craft activity then relax with a sweet treat in our café before exploring the museum with our Christmas Tudor House Mouse trail.
Army Flying Museum(opens in new tab) – 5th December 2026
Santa is swapping his sleigh for a helicopter this Christmas! Families can join him at the Army Flying Museum on Saturday 5 December. Meet Santa and have a photo together in a helicopter, enjoy Christmas crafts and a festive trail, make reindeer food, and take home a special Christmas gift.
Theatre shows & unique Santa experiences
Theatre Royal Winchester(opens in new tab) – 21st December 2026
Children get to meet Santa and receive a special present from him when Santa’s Best Ever Christmas comes to Theatre Royal Winchester. This brand-new, festive adventure featuring Santa and friends, Dotty the Elf and Pompom the Penguin, is packed with Christmas songs, plus, features children’s TV’s Chris Jarvis as the voice of Dasher the Reindeer!
New Forest Activities(opens in new tab) – 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th December 2026
Want to meet Santa in one of the most unique unforgettable ways this Christmas? Head to New Forest Activities for a Christmas Canoe Paddle on the Beaulieu River. A 90 minute guided tour with the added excitement of knowing you’re paddling towards Santa himself! All children will receive a gift from Father Christmas and hot chocolate will be on hand to keep everyone toasty!
Plan your visit to see Santa in Hampshire
Whether you’re after a classic grotto, a steam train adventure, or something a little more unusual like a canoe paddle or a helicopter meet-and-greet, there’s no shortage of ways to see Santa in Hampshire this Christmas. Many of these festive events run on selected dates only and grotto slots book up fast, so it’s well worth reserving your place early. However you spend it, we hope you have a truly magical Christmas in Hampshire!
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Please note: Attraction features, facilities and offers or pricing are subject to change. Please always check their individual websites before visiting.