Best places to see Santa in Portsmouth and Hampshire for Christmas 2019

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Father Christmas has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit the Portsmouth area this festive season.

We have no idea how he has found all the time between preparing Rudolph and all the other reindeer, as well as making all the toys.

So if your little one is eager to meet Santa this year, and perhaps make sure they are on the nice list this year, here are all the places that can happen this year.

Portsmouth

Cascades Shopping Centre

There will be a Santa’s Grotto in the shopping centre in the centre of Portsmouth this year.

It will be open from November 15 until December 24 – so plenty of time to visit before Santa sets off on his journey around the world on Christmas.

Cascades Shopping Centre is on Commercial Road.

Christmas markets Hampshire 2019: Festive markets in Portsmouth, Southampton, Fa...

Victorian Festival of Christmas 2019

The annual Christmas market is returning to the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth this festive season.

And one of the main attractions is the chance to meet Santa – who will be dressed in his traditional green outfit.

The festival will take from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1. For more information go the Historic Dockyard website.

Spinnaker Tower

Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, in the Gunwharf Quays area of the city, will be hosting a Toymaker’s Workshop this Christmas.

Visitors will be able to see Santa’s elves in action as they put the finishing touches on their llatest batch of cuddly reindeer.

But no trip to Santa’s workshop would be complete without a visit to see Father Christmas in his grotto – yet another place you can see Santa.

The Toymaker’s Workshop is open from Saturday November 30 to Tuesday December 24. To book your ticket go to the Spinnaker Tower website – advanced booking is highly recommended.

Hayling Island

Winter Wonderland

Hayling Funland will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland this Christmas.

You will be met by Santa’s elves who will then take you on your visit to see Father Christmas.

From November 23 to December 24, excluding weekdays until December 16. Book your tickets here.

Horndean

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Santa will be making a trip to Queen Elizabeth Country Park this December.

Children will be able to make Christmas crafts, take a ride on a tractor and trailer, follow the Christmas trail and then finally meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

The dates are December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. For more information visit the website.

Keydell Nurseries