The best places to see Father Christmas in Hampshire

I’ve been taking my kids to see Santa in the local area for about 14 years now, and while we have firm favourites, I also love finding somewhere new!

Our favourite place has to be Lapland UK ( not actually in Hampshire ), but not too far if you’re in North Hants and worth the trip even if you’re not. Our first visit was with my older children back in 2016, and then I took my youngest in 2020. I wouldn’t go back every year, but it’s a fantastic one-off experience!

Again, not Hampshire, but LEGOland in Windsor is another favourite place of ours to see Santa. Not all the rides are open usually, but the park is beautifully decorated, and it just feels so festive and fun. Father Christmas himself is pretty special too!

Father Christmas in Hampshire

Festive Canoe with Santa

A fantastic new find for us this year was New Forest Activities over the summer. We LOVED our canoe trip down the Beaulieu, so I’m sure their Santa paddle is amazing as well. This was a great family activity for older kids, too.

New Forest Activities is also quite close to Lepe Country Park, which has great walks, a play area and a lovely cafe along the front for after canoeing.

Milestone Museum, Basingstoke

I’ve never visited Milestones at Christmas, but it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours at other times of the year, so this is definitely a Christmas experience to think about. I love the idea of stepping back in time to a wonderful Victorian Era Christmas.

This year there’s a reindeer spotter trail and Santa’s Grotto. Check the website for available dates and times.

Winchester Science Centre

We’ve visited Winchester Science Centre at Christmas a few times over the years. It’s always wonderfully themed and engaging. This year there’s a live action festive show in the planetarium and the opportunity to meet Santa.

Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo has a glow trail running this year, which looks incredible! There are also food stands and the opportunity to visit Santa himself!

Spinnaker Tower

This year there’s a Toy Makers Workshop in the Spinnaker tower. Children make thier own cuddly toy helped by elves and then visit Father Christmas. The ticket also includes entry to the Spinnaker Tower for the day.

The experience lasts about 30 minutes, so there’s plenty of time for shopping at Gunwharf Quays too!

Paultons Park

Paultons Park has some fun Christmas activities running in November and December including the opportunity to visit Santa. The park is always wonderfully decorated for Christmas and is a must-visit for little Peppa Pig fans. My older children always enjoy a trip to Paultons Park, too.