Book these magical Santa's Grottos now for Christmas 2026
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 at the zoo. 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 booking now for Christmas 2026.
Curated by the Visit Winchester team.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall
Share a magical moment with Santa and his elves in the historic setting of Winchester's Great Hall Grotto. Expect craft activities in the hall, elf games and letter writing to Santa. All children are given a gift from Santa and every ticket holder gets to enjoy a hot chocolate too.
Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall.
Saturday 28 November - Wednesday 23 December.
📍Winchester city centre
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'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
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.
📍Ropley
Santa's Grotto at Paulton's Park
Level up a day at Paulton's with a visit to see Father Christmas himself. You'll experience a festive walk-through attraction before coming face-to-face with Santa, where little ones will receive a soft toy and a printed photograph of the magical meeting.
Santa's Grotto at Paulton's Park.
Saturday 5 - Thursday 24 December (selected dates only).
📍near Romsey
Christmas at Finkley
The farm are going big for festive season. Head to Finkley Down Farm to meet Father Christmas in his beautiful barn. Children will get to choose a present from the Toy Shop, decorate a festive treat, make reindeer food, enjoy a free hot chocolate and write and post a letter to Santa. There's also an elf hunt around the farm.
Christmas at Finkley Down Farm.
Saturday 28 November - Thursday 17 December (selected dates only).
📍near Andover
Santa's Grotto Experience
Brambridge Park garden centre is the setting for this Father Christmas meet-and-greet. Little ones will venture to the North Pole to mix reindeer food ready to sprinkle on Christmas Eve, before being invited into Santa’s living room for a special one-to-one meeting. There's an opportunity for a photo, available to purchase at the end of your visit. Then, each child can choose a toy to take home from Santa’s Present Room.
Santa's Grotto Experience at Brambridge Park.
21 November - 24 December 2025 (selected dates only)
📍Colden Common
More Christmas events in Winchester district
Festive Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea
Lainston House
CLOSES: 7 December 2026
DATE: 5 Dec 2026 - 6 Dec 2026
CLOSES: 7th Dec 2026
Christmas crafts - wrap workshop
Lainston House
CLOSES: 23 November 2026
DATE: 22 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
CLOSES: 23rd Nov 2026
Christmas crafts - card workshop
Lainston House
CLOSES: 22 November 2026
DATE: 21 Nov 2026 - 21 Nov 2026
CLOSES: 22nd Nov 2026
CLOSES: 22nd Dec 2026
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