Where to see Santa in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

The festive season is right around the corner, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit than a visit to Santa Claus himself. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Santa has set up his enchanting workshops and grottos ready to greet families. Whether you’re looking for a traditional visit with Santa, a unique space adventure, or an immersive experience, you’ll find a wide array of delightful options to choose from. Keep reading to find out Where to see Santa in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight!

Join Santa’s elves in the Spinnaker Tower’s workshop as they make the finishing touches to their latest batch of toys. Each child will name their cuddly toy, fill it with stuffing and place a magic charm inside before carefully sealing it up. Once they’re finished, no trip to Santa’s workshop is complete without a visit to see Santa himself in his grotto! Then follow the trail around the tower to find those mischievous elves.

Santa is back in the Planetarium at Winchester Science Centre for Cosmic Christmas! Blast off on a live-action immersive festive space adventure before meeting the man himself and getting a special Christmas gift. Live science, magical effects, an out-of-this-world journey through space! A theatrical experience like no other will bring to life an exciting Christmas tale.

For two weekends in December, the steam train at Exbury Gardens will be 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 with donkey rides new for 2023.

This holiday season, create memories to cherish with loved ones as you meet Father Christmas in his magical Milestones grotto tucked within the heart of the charming, decorated indoor streets! Capture the magic with family photos and unwrap your special Christmas gift from Father Christmas together! Various dates between 2nd – 23rd December.

Meet Horatio the Polar Bear, a warm and magical friend of Santa’s. He’s travelled all the way from the North Pole with the Polar Explorers to visit Birdworld. Horatio is excited to meet friendly faces, share Christmas stories, and tell you all about his special job as the Guardian of The Gifts. Everyone will make a wish to send them to the North Pole while Santa has photos with the children, and the elves entertain and delight visitors young and old, ensuring everyone leaves with a warm, a seasonal smile. Various sessions between 2nd – 24th December.

Soak in the Christmas spirit this year with a visit to Cyclexperience for a truly enchanting bike ride. Upon bike collection, visitors might be fortunate enough to spot Santa and his helpers! They’ll then delve into the frost-kissed woods before returning to receive a special Christmas gift for each member of the group. 

Come see Father Christmas and his magical team of owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust this December for a festive show like no other! Watch owls fly in an interactive display, tuck into Mother Christmas’ delicious baked goods, PLUS all good children will receive a present from Father Christmas!

Santa will be making a special flying visit to the Army Flying Museum on Saturday 2nd December. Children’s tickets include a Christmas gift plus the opportunity to have a professional photograph taken with Santa in a helicopter. Enjoy festive refreshments, family craft activities, and a festive trail around the Museum.

Father Christmas is visiting The Brickworks Museum twice this year – you can see him at their Christmas Festival on November 26th and at their smaller Christmas event on December 10th. Whilst he will greet all of his youngest fans, tickets to receive a gift must be booked online in advance. 

Discover the magic of Tudor House this festive season with a visit to Father Christmas in the museums beautiful surroundings, decked out for the holidays. Tickets to visit Father Christmas include entry to the house and a traditional gift and craft activity, which you can take home. Saturday 9 December, Sunday 10 December, Saturday 16 December, Sunday 17 December and Monday 18 December.

Isle of Wight

Join English Heritage for festive fun with Father Christmas at Osborne as the man himself tells seasonal stories among the traditional decorations. Tickets to Father Christmas at Osborne cost £9.50 per child. This includes the group storytelling session and a small present.

Head to Tapnell Farm to see Santa in an immersive Journey between 1st – 24th December. Santa is asking children to help track down missing letters to him, find Sonny the snowman and save Christmas! 

So there you have it… exactly where to see Santa in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight during the festive season! Create cherished memories with your loved ones and embrace the magic of the festive season. Gather your family and friends, and visit Santa in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Believe in the magic of the season, spread joy, and create heartwarming moments that will last a lifetime.

Check out our variety of blogs for more day out inspiration. Don’t forget our fantastic voucher selection for money off attraction tickets and more.