See our guide to the best places to see Father Christmas in Hampshire in 2021
Looking for a Christmas day out to remember? Wondering where the best place to see Santa is? Take your little ones on a magical day out to see Father Christmas in Hampshire.
Although this year will be a little different Father Christmas is still taking time out of his busy schedule and popping up across Hampshire in several top attractions to spread the festive cheer. You'll find Santa, his elves and even Mother Christmas on a steam train, canoeing down the Beaulieu River and dancing on a stage.
Read on for our guide to the top places to see Santa in Hampshire this Christmas.
Covid-19: Please do check opening times and pre-booking information with each venue before you travel. Events are subject to change depending on government guidelines.
Father Christmas at the Watercress Line, Alresford
See Father Christmas in his festive carriage at The Watercress Line and enjoy some traditional festive fun with fairground rides, a miniature railway, and a Christmas market. Each child will be invited into Santa’s Christmas carriage to receive a gift. Please note: This event does not include travel on the line and will be held at Ropley Station. Tickets must be pre-booked in advance.
Find out more about Father Christmas at the Watercress Line
Christmas Canoe with Father Christmas at New Forest Activities, New Forest National Park
Join New Forest Activities for a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River to find Santa this Christmas. Enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the river's beautiful nature reserve, with the river offering up some of its more stunning sights on a fresh Winter's day. You will set sail in stable and safe, Canadian style canoes with the added excitement that you will be meeting Santa on the river in his boat full of Christmas gifts! Each child will receive a gift from Santa. Please note: Places must be pre-booked in advance.
Find out more about New Forest Activities Christmas Canoe
Christmas at Paultons, Near Romsey
Paultons Park will be welcoming visitors for their new Celebration of Christmas, including a range of seasonal delights for you to enjoy! Discover magical illuminations, meet Peppa and George in their seasonal outfits and enjoy a BRAND-NEW Christmas show featuring Father Christmas himself! Head over to the Show Stage where this year, and for the very first time, Santa Clause will be joining Paulton’s festive friends in their very own show. Little ones will also be able to stop by for Santa's Storytime, the perfect chance to take a break from the excitement and enjoy a festive story from the man himself! Please note: Tickets must be pre-booked in advance.
Find out more about Christmas at Paultons Park
Breakfast with Santa at Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
Join Father Christmas and his elves as the hosts a delicious breakfast in Emirates Spinnaker Tower's Waterfront Café. Families will enjoy a continental style breakfast and children can write their letters to Father Christmas. There will be an opportunity for each family to have their photo take with the main man and each child will receive a gift from Santa. Please note: Places must be booked in advance.
Find out more about break with Santa at Emirates Spinnaker Tower
Christmas Sounds Amazing at Winchester Science Centre
This Christmas Santa will swap his big red coat for a lab coat at Winchester Science Centre! From 5 to 24 December 2020, the jolly man himself will make a special appearance in the brand new free live science show, Christmas Sounds Amazing. Together with the Science Centre Inspirers, he'll bring to life the sounds of Christmas like you've never heard them before! Please note: Tickets must be booked in advance.
Find out more about Christmas Sounds Amazing at Winchester Science Centre
Father Christmas at The Great Hall Winchester
It wouldn't be Christmas without Father Christmas visiting The Great Hall and, although he'll be strictly social distancing, this year will be no different. Tickets include seeing Father Christmas and receiving a festive gift, a Christmas craft pack and a children’s hot chocolate. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Find out more about Father Christmas at The Great Hall
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See our full guide to what’s on this Christmas in Hampshire
Planning a Christmas getaway? Check out our accommodation in Hampshire