Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="995" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester.jpg" alt="Santa Great Hall Winchester" class="wp-image-38463" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester-768x509.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Santa&#8217;s Grotto at The Great Hall, Winchester</figcaption></figure>



<p>If there’s one person busier than you this December, it’s Santa – somehow managing to be in several places at once while keeping that beard perfectly fluffed. Save the airfare to Lapland – here’s a few of our top local spots for twinkle, treats and magical moments with the season&#8217;s main man in red.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-father-christmas-at-stansted-park-rowlands-castle-22-23-november-2025"><a href="https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/meetfatherchristmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet Father Christmas at Stansted Park</a>, Rowlands Castle, 22 – 23 November 2025</h2>



<p>A pre-Christmas adventure in the grand House at East Hampshire&#8217;s beautiful Stansted Park. Little ones can enjoy a full festive experience with elf-led arts and crafts, story time with Santa and a cosy grotto visit where they can whisper their Christmas wishes to the big man himself. And after? Hot chocolate, tea and coffee and mince pies for all to enjoy in the Old Kitchen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-father-christmas-at-milestones-museum-basingstoke-22-november-21-december-2025"><a href="https://www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk/fatherxmas25" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet Father Christmas at Milestones Museum</a>, Basingstoke, 22 November – 21 December 2025</h2>



<p>Step back in time as you wander through the museum’s atmospheric streets decked out in nostalgic Christmas cheer. Book ahead and kids can meet Santa in his vintage grotto, receive a small gift and enjoy a truly classic, old-fashioned festive experience.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="854" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Christmasville-at-Gunwarf-Christmas-elf.jpeg" alt="Santa's elf at Christmasville Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth" class="wp-image-39057" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Christmasville-at-Gunwarf-Christmas-elf.jpeg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Christmasville-at-Gunwarf-Christmas-elf-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Christmasville-at-Gunwarf-Christmas-elf-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Christmasville-at-Gunwarf-Christmas-elf-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Santa&#8217;s elf at Christmasville, Gunwharf Quays</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmasville-at-gunwharf-quays-portsmouth-15-november-24-december-2025"><a href="https://www.gunwharf-quays.com/en/news-listing-page/christmasville" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmasville at Gunwharf Quays</a>, Portsmouth, 15 November – 24 December 2025</h2>



<p>New thus year, an immersive festive experience with The Elf Emporium, Santa’s grotto, adult Confession Sessions and vintage Christmas films at The Pine Picturehouse. A full day of magic for the whole family.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-at-finkley-down-farm-andover-29-november-24-december-2025"><a href="https://www.finkleydownfarm.co.uk/event/christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas at Finkley Down Farm</a>, Andover, 29 November – 24 December 2025</h2>



<p>A full day of Christmas farm fun. Children can send letters via the Intergalactic Post Box, decorate festive treats with Mother Christmas, make reindeer food, meet Santa in his grotto and choose a gift in the Toy Shop. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-tower-toymaker-s-workshop-spinnaker-tower-portsmouth-29-november-24-december-2025"><a href="https://spinnakertower.co.uk/whats-on/santas-toymaker-workshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas Tower Toymaker’s Workshop</a>, Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, 29 November – 24 December 2025</h2>



<p>For a sky-high festive treat, the Spinnaker Tower transforms into Santa’s workshop. Lucky kids will help elves craft their own cuddly toy, meet Santa in his grotto at the top of the tower and complete a Christmas trail with fun challenges along the way. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-specials-at-moors-valley-railway-weekends-from-29-november-21-december-2025"><a href="https://www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk/santa-specials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway</a>, Weekends from 29 November – 21 December 2025</h2>



<p>All aboard the festive steam train! Families travel to Kingsmere Station and Santa’s Railway Grotto, where children receive gifts, and grown-ups can enjoy hot drinks or a tipple of mulled wine. Festive cheer guaranteed on this winter wonderland journey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-s-grotto-at-the-great-hall-winchester-29-november-23-december-2025"><a href="https://historicwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/grotto25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Grotto at The Great Hall</a>, Winchester, 29 November – 23 December 2025</h2>



<p>Step inside one of Hampshire’s most atmospheric medieval halls and enjoy a traditional Santa meet. Children receive a gift from Father Christmas, while families soak up the historic surroundings and festive décor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-s-grotto-at-princes-mead-farnborough-23-november-24-december-2025"><a href="https://www.princesmead.co.uk/christmas-grotto-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Grotto at Princes Mead</a>, Farnborough, 23 November – 24 December 2025</h2>



<p>A cosy and free shopping-centre grotto, ideal for a quick festive visit. Take a break from shopping, enjoy the twinkling decorations and soak up the lively Christmas atmosphere before meeting Santa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brunch-with-father-christmas-chawton-house-6-sunday-7-december-2025"><a href="https://chawtonhouse.org/whats-on/brunch-with-father-christmas-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brunch with Father Christmas</a>, Chawton House, 6 &#8211; Sunday 7 December 2025</h2>



<p>A festive family brunch with pancakes, pastries and savoury plates, all served with games to keep little ones entertained at the historic Chawton House. Then, Father Christmas&#8217;ll pop in with gifts and photo opportunities, making for a perfect family morning. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/11/Cosmic-Christmas-at-Winchester-Science-Centre-1-Harvey-Mills-Photography.jpg" alt="Cosmic-Christmas-at-Winchester-Science-Centre" class="wp-image-32661" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/11/Cosmic-Christmas-at-Winchester-Science-Centre-1-Harvey-Mills-Photography.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/11/Cosmic-Christmas-at-Winchester-Science-Centre-1-Harvey-Mills-Photography-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/11/Cosmic-Christmas-at-Winchester-Science-Centre-1-Harvey-Mills-Photography-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/11/Cosmic-Christmas-at-Winchester-Science-Centre-1-Harvey-Mills-Photography-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/11/Cosmic-Christmas-at-Winchester-Science-Centre-1-Harvey-Mills-Photography-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre. <em>Harvey Mills.</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-christmas-at-winchester-science-centre-6-23-december-2025"><a href="https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/whats-on/cosmic-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre</a>, 6 – 23 December 2025</h2>



<p>Now here&#8217;s something different &#8211; and they&#8217;re going to love it. Start the countdown for a space-themed, special-effects-packed planetarium show at the Winchester Science Centre, followed by a meet-and-greet with Santa and a cosmic gift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-festive-family-breakfast-with-father-christmas-at-hillier-garden-centres-aldermaston-botley-weyhill-amp-newbury-6-23-december-2025"><a href="https://www.hillier.co.uk/breakfast-with-father-christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Festive Family Breakfast with Father Christmas at Hillier Garden Centres</a>, Aldermaston, Botley, Weyhill &amp; Newbury, 6 – 23 December 2025</h2>



<p>Kick off the day with a festive breakfast and fun family activities before meeting Father Christmas. Children receive gifts while grown-ups enjoy coffee in a twinkly, festive setting, followed by a mooch around the store.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-s-tea-party-at-john-lewis-southampton-11-amp-12-december-2025"><a href="https://experiences.johnlewis.com/experiences/santas-tea-party-southampton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Tea Party at John Lewis Southampton</a>, 11 &amp; 12 December 2025</h2>



<p>A cosy storytime with Santa, complete with cocoa and festive snacks. Each child will also get a LEGO™&nbsp;set to take home, making it a treat for little hands and big imaginations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-specials-at-eastleigh-lakeside-steam-railway-13-23-december-2025"><a href="https://www.elmr.co.uk/events/view/santa-specials" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Specials at Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway</a>, 13 – 23 December 2025</h2>



<p>Hop aboard the Jingle Belle train for a magical journey through a winter wonderland. Children meet Santa at the grotto and receive gifts, while families enjoy mince pies, hot chocolate, biscuits and mulled wine.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1060" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Santa-watercress-line.jpg" alt="Santa at the watercress line Hampshire" class="wp-image-39034" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Santa-watercress-line.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Santa-watercress-line-800x565.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Santa-watercress-line-1000x707.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/11/Santa-watercress-line-768x543.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Father Christmas Express at The Watercress Line, Hampshire</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-father-christmas-express-at-the-watercress-line-ropley-13-14-and-20-23-december-2025"><a href="https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/father-christmas-express/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Father Christmas Express at The Watercress Line</a>, Ropley, 13–14 and 20–23 December 2025</h2>



<p>A steam-train adventure with festive storytelling, reindeer-food making, and a special gift at Present Junction. Perfect for families looking for a classic Christmas train experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petersfield-round-table-santa-sleigh-13-amp-14-december-2025-4pm-8pm"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetersfieldSantaSleigh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petersfield Round Table Santa Sleigh</a>, 13 &amp; 14 December 2025, 4pm – 8pm</h2>



<p>Onboard their brightly lit sleigh and laden with sweets, Santa and his elves are set to tour Petersfield once again this year, bringing festive cheer and seasonal fun to the streets. A wonderful community Christmas tradition not to be missed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-at-queen-elizabeth-country-park-horndean-20-23-december-2025"><a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/qecp/visit-us/whatson/christmas-at-the-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas at Queen Elizabeth Country Park</a>, Horndean, 20 – 23 December 2025</h2>



<p>Staying near Petersfield and an outdoorsy adventure along QE&#8217;s woodland Christmas trail where children can decorate baubles with elves, explore twinkling paths and visit Father Christmas in a cosy grotto at the end.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-s-christmas-party-at-theatre-royal-winchester-22-december-2025"><a href="https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/santas-christmas-party" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Christmas Party at Theatre Royal Winchester</a>, 22 December 2025</h2>



<p>An interactive Christmas show geared to 2-8 year-olds, where children will help organise Santa’s big party. After the finale, each child will receive a special thank you Christmas gift from Father Christmas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-s-christmas-grotto-at-paultons-park-new-forest-6-24-december"><a href="https://paultonspark.co.uk/tickets/christmas-grotto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa&#8217;s Christmas Grotto at Paultons Park</a>, New Forest, 6 &#8211; 24 December</h2>



<p>The ultimate treat for tots: Santa’s Grotto, themed festive shows, plush gifts and twinkly Peppa Pig fun, all combined into an unforgettable family day out at Paultons Park.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-at-marwell-hall-near-winchester-28-november-24-december-2025"><a href="https://www.marwell.org.uk/christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas at Marwell Hall</a>, near Winchester, 28 November – 24 December 2025</h2>



<p>A 45-minute adventure including crafts, storytelling, photo opportunities, a gift for every child and full-day zoo entry. Perfect for families looking for a jam-packed festive outing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-s-grotto-at-festival-place-basingstoke-daily-until-24-december-2025"><a href="https://www.festivalplace.co.uk/event/santa-s-grotto-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Grotto at Festival Place</a>, Basingstoke, daily until 24 December 2025</h2>



<p>A family-friendly grotto with at Basingstoke&#8217;s biggest shopping mall. Can&#8217;t get a straight answer on what&#8217;d really like for Christmas? Keep an ear out as they spill the beans on what they&#8217;d, then hit the shops and make it happen.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-festive-fun-this-way">MORE FESTIVE FUN THIS WAY</h3>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/light-trails/">Christmas light trails around Hampshire</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/pantos/">Best pantomimes and Christmas shows in Hampshire for 2025</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/cracking-christmas-markets/">Christmas Markets around Hampshire and Isle of Wight</a></li>
</ul>



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Where to meet Santa in Hampshire

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