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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.
Read on for our ultimate guide to the top places to see Santa in Hampshire this Christmas.
Some 2025 dates are yet to be confirmed so keep an eye on this page for Hampshire Father Christmas updates.
A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park
Selected dates from 6 – 25 December 2025
Paultons Park is transformed into a winter wonderland every December with decorations and illuminations lighting up Peppa Pig World and Tornado Springs.
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
Meet Father Christmas at Milestones Museum
Selected dates from 22 November – 21 December 2025
Meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto at Milestones in Basingstoke, tucked within the heart of the living history museum's charming, decorated indoor streets.
You can also pick up the perfect presents for under the tree on 6 and 7 December at the Milestones Christmas Market and on 13 December Carols by Candlelight will bring full festive joy.
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Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall
29 November – 23 December 2025
Quite possibly the most jaw-dropping setting to see Father Christmas, the Great Hall in Winchester is welcoming Santa and his elves back this Christmas.
Share a magical moment with Santa and his elf in the magical setting of The Great Hall Grotto, with a gift for the children to take home.
Find out more about Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall
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Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo
Selected dates from 28 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
Father Christmas and his elves will be spreading festive cheer in Marwell Hall this Christmas on selected dates during Glow Marwell, the magical light experience trail around Marwell Zoo.
Combine your trip to see Santa with a visit to the zoo and the enchanting nature light trail through a magical world of breathtaking illuminations of the natural world.
Find out more about Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo
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Festive Express and Meet Father Christmas at Exbury Gardens
29 & 30 November, 6 & 7 December 2025
For two weekends in November and 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 also be held on 6 and 7 December with seasonal food and drink, local gifts and crafts, carol singing and music.
Christmas at Finkley Down Farm
29 November – 24 December 2025
Little visitors to Finkley will delight in participating in all the magical fun on the farm during Christmas.
Send a letter to Father Christmas via the Intergalactic Post Box, decorate a festive treat with Mother Christmas in her kitchen, make reindeer food, meet Father Christmas, and visit the Toy Shop to choose a gift.
Santa's Christmas Party at Theatre Royal Winchester
22 December 2025
Join the festive fun at Theatre Royal in Winchester on 22 December with an interactive show where little ones will love helping the Christmas characters to help organise Santa's Christmas party.
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 Party at Theatre Royal Winchester
Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway
Weekends from 29 November – 21 December 2025
Hop aboard the Moors Valley Railway this Christmas and travel through a winter wonderland with the festive steam train transporting you to Kingsmere Station and Santa’s Railway Grotto.
There will be festive refreshments, mulled wine for the grown-ups, and special presents from Santa himself.
Find out more about Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway
Santa Specials on Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway
Selected dates from 13 – 23 December 2025
Join the joyful Jingle Belle train at Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway this December for a magical journey to the Christmas grotto where kids can meet Santa and receive a special gift. Mince pies, mulled wine, and hot chocolate, and biscuits will keep everyone warm and cosy during the experience.
Find out more about Santa Specials on Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway
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 Paultons Park for 'A Celebration of Christmas' running on selected dates from 6th December. Paultons will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with magical Christmas shows and illuminations at every turn. Tornado Springs and Peppa Pig World will be included in the festive fun.
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.
The show where every child gets a present from Santa! Following last year's sell-out performances, Honalee Media are delighted to present a brand new show this festive season.
Enjoy a festive train ride, walk through the winter wonderland, visit Santa in his grotto.
Your Santa train ride around the park includes a visit Santa when you return. All the children will receive a present from Santa and everyone will get refreshments from the cafe.
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!
