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Where to see Father Christmas in Winchester

Book these magical Santa's Grottos now for Christmas 2026

Santa in front of the Round Table at the Great Hall HCT

From wreath-making workshops and festive film screenings to winter lights trails and the annual Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, Winchester district is full of things to do around the festivities. But if December won't feel like December without some quality time with Father Christmas himself, look no further. Here's your guide to Santa's Grottos and Father Christmas experiences in and around Winchester this year.

We've got the jolly fellow popping up in historic buildings, on vintage steam trains, at garden centres and in a planetarium. Some Santa experiences come with extras like theatre shows, craft workshops and photo opportunities to make it into a full family day out. All guarantee a gift from Santa for little ones. Get planning now for Christmas 2026.

Curated by the Visit Winchester team. 

Last updated: 30 July 2026. 

Christmas at Marwell Hall

Head to historic Marwell Hall for a 45-minute grotto experience, with Christmas storytelling, craft activities and a chance to meet Santa. The experience will begin with stories from one of Santa’s elves, before children are guided through making a wish-themed craft. Next up, a visit with Santa and a gift from the big man himself.

Santa's Grotto at Marwell Hall
20 November - 24 December 2026. 
📍near Winchester city 

Santa at marwell

Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall

Share a magical moment with Santa and his elf in the historic setting of Winchester's Great Hall Grotto. There are usually crafts and activities in the hall to do before or after your meet. Last year, all children were given a gift from Santa and every ticket holder was given a hot chocolate to enjoy too.

Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall.
Dates TBC. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Santa in front of the Round Table at the Great Hall HCT

Santa's Best Ever Christmas!

Head to Theatre Royal Winchester for a family-friendly Christmas show - with the added bonus of meeting Father Christmas at the end. The 45-minute show will be an adventure full of fun, much-loved festive songs and party games. The audience then gets the chance to meet Santa at his home in the North Pole afterwards, where every child will receive a special Christmas present.

Santa's Best Ever Christmas! at Theatre Royal Winchester. 
21 December 2026.
📍Winchester city centre 

Santa best christmas ever 1920x947 1000x750 edit

Father Christmas Express

Take a ride on the Father Christmas Express, a steam train running from Ropley to Medstead and back, where Santa is also one of the passengers on board! Once you've met Father Christmas, you can exchange your magic token for a Christmas present at Present Junction. Other activities include an activity trail, letter writing, festive photo opportunities and the chance to make reindeer food to take home with you for Christmas Eve.

Father Christmas Express at The Watercress Line.
12 - 24 December 2026. 
📍Alresford

Father Christmas Express

More Christmas events in Winchester district

Father Christmas Express

The Watercress Line

DATE: 12 Dec 2026 - 24 Dec 2026

The Gift by Luxmuralis

Winchester Cathedral

DATE: 14 Dec 2026 - 19 Dec 2026

CLOSES: 19th Dec 2026

Santa's Grotto at Marwell Hall

Marwell Zoo

DATE: 20 Nov 2026 - 24 Nov 2026

CLOSES: 25th Nov 2026

Christmas at Marwell: Fire & Ice

Marwell Zoo

DATE: 20 Nov 2026 - 30 Dec 2026

CLOSES: 31st Dec 2026

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