Places to visit Santa in and around Hampshire
We might already be midway through the most wonderful time of the year – but if like me, you’ve suddenly realised there’s only 14 days left until the big day and you haven’t arranged a visit to the big guy yet, check out a few of my favourite places to visit Santa in and around the Hampshire area…
Marwell Zoo – runs daily until 24 December 2017 (limited dates left).
What do you get for your money?
You’ll enjoy a 60-80 minute experience which will see your adventure begin in a magical winter forest where you will enjoy some festive refreshments, you will then move through to the fairy glen where Mother Christmas will treat you to the story of The Nutcracker. Once you have been charmed you’ll move through to the elves workshop where you will create your own Christmas eve plate to take home ready for Santa and Rudolph’s visit. After you have perfected your plate, you will move through to meet Father Christmas where you will receive a christmas gift – and a photograph capturing your special moment (pictures are chargeable, however the helpful elves are happy to take one on your phone if you prefer)
How much does it cost?
Adults – £25 / Child (3-14yrs) – £28 / Toddler (12-36 mths) – £15 / Under 12 mths – £7
Ticket price also includes entry into the zoo.
Ready to book? Click here
Enchanted Narnia – runs daily until 31 December 2017 (limited dates left).
What do you get for your money?
Based at Gunwharf Quays, Enchanted Narnia is a 7,000 square foot immersive walk through experience based on the classic book ‘The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe’. Just like the original story, you will follow in the footsteps of the four children and go into the house of Professor Digory Kirke. Once in, you will be guided into a room with one piece of furniture – the wardrobe. Behind the mahogany doors lays the stunning land of Narnia where all characters feature…including a surprise guest, Father Christmas!
How much does it cost?
Adults – £11.50 / Child £14.50
Ready to book? Click here
Longdown Farm Christmas Barn – runs daily until 23 December 2017
What do you get for your money?
You’ll be treated to a festive atmosphere at the Christmas barn with twinkling lights, christmas trees and all the festive feels. Outside you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Santa’s tractor sleigh outside the farmhouse grotto, and once inside you’ll be able to look at the traditional nativity scene complete with real donkeys, fluffy baby chicks and a whole host of other favourite farm animals! Upon meeting Santa you’ll receive a gift and a special Longdown goody bag.
How much does it cost?
Adults – £4 / Child (3-14 yrs) – £10 / Under 3’s – £6.75
Ready to book? Tickets are not pre-bookable but you can find out more info here
Keydell Nursery – runs daily until 23 December 2017
What do you get for your money?
As well as getting to meet Santa, you will also received a choice of unwrapped gift from Santa’s very own toyshop! Once you’ve met him and received your present, or before, included in your ticket price is a walk through the magical Woodland Walk which will have children completely enchanted. If you don’t want to meet Santa, at just £2 the walk is well worth a visit.How much does it cost?
Child – £12.50 (two adults are included per one child – additional adults at £3 per person)
Ready to book? Tickets are not pre-bookable but you can find out more info here
The Watercress Line – various dates until 24 December 2017
What do you get for your money?
A one hour round trip from either Alresford or Alton station, will see you travel in a festive carriage upon on a magical steam train on the scenic Watercress Line. On board, Santa and his jolly helpers visit you in your seat with a special gift. There will be white wine and mince pies for the grown-ups and soft drinks and a gingerbread man for the children and each child will receive an activity pack to keep them extra entertained. As well as dining with Santa there’ll also be lots of Christmas songs playing. All aboard!
How much does it cost?
Adult – £18 / Child (1 – 16 yrs) – £18 / Under 1’s – £10.
[Christmas eve fares are £1 extra to fares listed above]
Ready to book? Click here
Brambridge Garden Centre – various dates until 24 December 2017
What do you get for your money?
Brambridge Garden Centre have gone all out this year and there’s a few different options to choose from to meet Santa! You may choose to have breakfast with him in the country house restaurant where you can meet with him to collect your present whilst enjoying pancake or waffles and a yummy cooked breakfast all washed down with a fruit smoothie, or maybe you fancy dining on chicken goujons, fish and chips or cheesy pasta in the restaurant conservatory with Santa and his helpers? If you’re not feeling hungry then there’s always the option to go and meet him in his grotto
How much does it cost?
Breakfast with Santa – Adult – £9.99 / Child – £11.99
Tea with Santa – Adult – £10.99 / Child – £12.99
Grotto – Child – £5
Ready to book? Click here
