The best places to see Father Christmas in Hampshire 2026

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 2026 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 1 December 2026 – 3 January 2027

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

Fire & Ice at Marwell Zoo

Selected dates from 20 November – 31 December 2026

Father Christmas and his elves will be spreading festive cheer in Marwell Hall this Christmas on selected dates during Fire & Ice, the atmospheric festive experience around Marwell Zoo.

Combine your trip to see Santa with a visit to the zoo and the Fire & Ice experience with the illuminated ice maze, fire performers and much more.

Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

2026 dates to be confirmed

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 theatrical performance filled with magical effects and a Planetarium adventure, followed by a meet and greet with Santa and a gift for all the children.

Meet Father Christmas at Milestones Museum

2026 dates to be confirmed

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. 

Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall

2026 dates to be confirmed

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

Christmas Canoe Paddle with Father Christmas at New Forest Activities

2026 dates to be confirmed

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.

Festive Express and Meet Father Christmas at Exbury Gardens

28 & 29 November, 5 & 6 December 2026

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 Elf Society at The Garden Society

2026 dates to be confirmed

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 in the 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.

Christmas at Finkley Down Farm

28 November – 24 December 2026

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.

The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park

28 November – 24 December 2026

The UK's largest indoor Christmas attraction isn't just a visit to see Santa; it's a fully immersive magical journey to the North Pole.

This three-hour walk-through experience transports visitors on Santa's Spaceship to the North Pole to meet cheerful characters, see fantastic shows, join in with the fun, and have a personalised family meet and greet with Santa.

Find out more about 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park

Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway

Weekends from 5 – 21 December 2026

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 12 – 23 December 2026

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

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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.