Where Can You Meet Santa in Hampshire 2025

The magic of Christmas comes alive when children see Santa’s smile and whisper their wishes.

Below are some of the best Santas grottos and festive experiences across Hampshire this year — each with what’s included, timings, and tips for families.

1. Santa’s Grotto at The Great Hall, Winchester

Running from 29 November to 23 December 2025, this magical grotto inside Winchester’s historic Great Hall offers an enchanting festive experience for children of all ages. Families can enjoy craft activities and festive storytelling before visiting Santa in his beautifully decorated grotto. Each child receives a personalised gift, and sensory-friendly sessions are available on selected dates. Pre-booking is essential, as sessions often sell out early.
When: 29 November – 23 December 2025
Pre-booking is essential — tickets are not sold on the day.
Gifts: Children receive age-appropriate presents (0–5 and 6+ gift brackets).
Quiet / sensory-friendly sessions: available on select dates (e.g. 7 Dec, 11 Dec).
Price guide: ~£25 for one child + adult, extras for additional children/adults.

2. Christmas at Marwell Hall (Marwell Zoo, Winchester)

From 28 November to 24 December, Marwell Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. Families are invited on a 45-minute Christmas journey through storytelling, crafts, and games before meeting Santa himself inside Marwell Hall. The experience includes day entry to the zoo, so you can combine festive fun with spotting your favourite animals. There’s also a Quiet Christmas session for families who prefer a calmer environment.
When: 28 November – 24 December 2025
The grotto experience lasts ~45 minutes, with storytelling, crafts, elf visits, and then meeting Santa.
Your ticket includes day entry to the zoo (10:00–16:00) in addition to the grotto.
After your grotto journey, you can explore zoo exhibits, enjoy festive food in cafés, visit animal enclosures.
Gifts are included for children (value ~£14.95)
Quiet / relaxed sessions: Marwell offers a “Quiet Christmas” session with reduced sensory stimulation on 1 December.

3. Milestones Museum, Basingstoke – Father Christmas Grotto

Step back in time and experience Christmas through the ages at Milestones Museum between 22 November and 21 December. Santa’s grotto is nestled among the museum’s cobbled streets, complete with twinkling lights and festive shopfronts. Children can meet Father Christmas, receive a gift, and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a perfect mix of history and holiday magic.
When: 22 November – 21 December 2025
Santa’s Grotto is nestled in the historic “streets” inside the museum, fully decorated for Christmas.
Meet Santa and each child leaves with a gift to take home.
Don’t just enjoy the grotto visit their Christmas Market days and carol evenings.

4. Santa’s Grotto at Festival Place, Basingstoke (Shopping Centre)

From 1 November to Christmas Eve, Festival Place hosts its much-loved Santa’s Grotto right in the heart of the shopping centre. This traditional grotto offers families a short but charming visit with Santa, complete with a gift and the chance for photos. It’s a great way to add a sprinkle of magic to your Christmas shopping trip, and there are quieter sessions available on Sunday mornings for those who prefer a calmer experience.
When: 1 November – 24 December 2025
Visit Santa at festival place. A traditional grotto conveniently located in Festival Places main shopping area.
Pick a time that suits you.
Quiet hour: typically early Sunday (e.g. 9:00–10:00) for families or children who prefer a calmer environment.
This is a ticketed experience — includes a gift for children.

5. Spinnaker Tower – Santa’s Toy Maker Workshop, Portsmouth

Running from 29 November to 24 December, Santa’s Toy Maker Workshop at the Spinnaker Tower offers a truly unique Christmas experience. Children can make their own cuddly toy with Santa’s elves before meeting the man himself in his festive workshop. Families can also follow a special Christmas trail through the tower, making it a magical day out with views that stretch right across Portsmouth Harbour.
When: 29 November – 24 December 2025
Children can make their own cuddly toy as part of the workshop.
Visit Santa in this beautiful traditional christmas grotto.
And to finish off your visit take on the Christmas trail around the tower.

6. Christmas at Paultons Park

Selected dates from 6 to 25 December see Paultons Park — home of Peppa Pig World — transformed into a dazzling festive spectacle. The whole park comes alive with lights, snow scenes, and festive shows, including Santa’s Christmas Wish performance. Visitors can meet Father Christmas, explore themed rides, and enjoy the Christmas market stalls dotted throughout the park. It’s the ultimate family day out with plenty of sparkle.
When: Selected dates from 6 – 25 December 2025
The park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with decorations, illuminations, Santa’s shows, and festive characters (elves, Rudolph, etc.).
Meet & greet Santa as an add-on to your park visit.
Expect seasonal entertainment, singing, dancing, and magical atmosphere throughout the park.

7. Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

Between 6 and 23 December, Winchester Science Centre offers a space-themed twist on the classic Christmas experience. The Cosmic Christmas show blends theatre, special effects, and storytelling, taking families on an intergalactic festive journey before they meet Santa. It’s a brilliant choice for children who love science, imagination, and a little bit of stardust.
When: 6 – 23 December 2025
A theatrical, immersive Christmas show with special effects and storytelling, followed by meet & greet with Santa.
Kids receive gifts during their Santa session.

8. Christmas Canoe Paddle with Father Christmas (New Forest Activities)

For something a little different, join the festive Canoe Paddle with Father Christmas on the Beaulieu River. Taking place on 13, 14, 20 and 21 December, this 90-minute adventure with New Forest Activities is perfect for families who love the outdoors. After a gentle paddle through the beautiful river scenery, you’ll warm up with hot chocolate and mince pies before meeting Santa in a cosy riverside setting. It’s a Christmas memory you’ll never forget.
When: 13, 14, 20 & 21 December 2025
A festive 90-minute canoe trip along the Beaulieu River, ideal for families with older kids.
After your paddle, enjoy a meeting with Santa, hot chocolate and mince pies.
Combine festivity and adventure – A totally unique way to spend time with Santa

9. Exbury Gardens – Festive Express & Santa Grotto

Climb aboard the Exbury Gardens Festive Express on 29–30 November and 6–7 December for a truly magical experience. The miniature train takes you through twinkling gardens to meet Santa in his woodland grotto. Children can enjoy crafts and treats, and families can browse the Christmas market filled with local produce, gifts, and festive food. It’s one of the most scenic Santa experiences in Hampshire.
When: 29 & 30 November; 6 & 7 December 2025
Ride the festive steam train “Christmas Express” to reach Santa’s grotto.
Enjoy a Christmas fair with crafts, music, local vendors, and seasonal foods.
Meet Santa in a charming garden setting, perfect for photo ops and festive ambience.

10. Glow Marwell & Santa Grotto Add-on

If you love lights, this one’s for you. From 28 November to 3 January, Marwell Zoo hosts Glow Marwell, a stunning illuminated trail that transforms the zoo after dark. Between 28 November and Christmas Eve, you can add on a visit to Santa’s Grotto as part of your evening. Enjoy storytelling, crafts, and a meet-and-greet with Father Christmas, then wander through the glowing installations with hot chocolate in hand. It’s festive magic from start to finish.
When: Selected dates 28 November 2025 – 3 January 2026; grotto runs 28 Nov – 24 Dec
Glow Marwell is a magical nighttime light trail through Marwell Zoo (5pm–8pm) with illuminated installations.
The Santa grotto is an optional add-on, featuring a 45-minute festive experience with storytelling, crafts, and a visit with Santa.
Grotto must be booked in advance.
Gift for children is included; glow trail has different ticket types.
In plaza area, you’ll find festive food stalls, a market, and entertainment before the trail.

Plan Your Visit

Hampshire is brimming with festive fun this season — whether you fancy a cosy grotto, a wild zoo adventure, or something totally unique. Wherever you go, book early, bring your camera, and let the countdown to Christmas begin.