Ho, ho, ho, he's on his way! 

The big man himself will be taking a break from the toy factory line in Lapland to pay a visit to some of the youngsters on the good list this December. 

Here's our pick of five of the most interesting places to see Father Christmas in Hampshire in 2023 with availability remaining...

At New Forest Activities...

Daily Echo: Christmas Canoe Paddle

Enjoy a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River and find Santa!

Explore the stunning river on a 90-minute guided tour with the added excitement of knowing you’ll soon be meeting jolly old Saint Nick.

All children will receive a gift from Father Christmas and there’ll be hot chocolate on hand to keep everyone toasty.

Make meeting Father Christmas even more magical, on selected dates between December 9 and 23. 

At Winchester Science Centre...

Daily Echo: Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre

Santa’s back in the Planetarium at Winchester Science Centre this festive season!

Between December 16 and 23, families are invited to blast into Cosmic Christmas, a live-action immersive space adventure where live science, magical effects and an out-of-this-world journey through space on the Planetarium dome will bring a brand new original Christmas tale to life.

Then, the anticipation will build as children get to meet Santa himself and receive a special Christmas gift. 

Families will be sure to make memories this Christmas that will propel them to the stars and back!  

At Paultons Park...

Daily Echo: Father Christmas at Paultons Park

See Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas and Santa's Christmas Wish Show in full swing on selected dates during December.

The all singing, all dancing show will guest star the man himself, Father Christmas, alongside Santa's Storytime, the Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree and illuminations galore. 

Meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves. 

Make your visit extra special and add the Santa's Grotto experience with a gift from Santa and personal photograph with the man himself! 

At Marwell...

Daily Echo: Preparations are underway for the Glow Marwell event

Father Christmas is available on selected dates during illuminations Glow Marwell and guests can turn up and pay on the day.

First come first served tickets will be £10 and include a gift.

Guests will be wowed with more than half a million twinkling LED bulbs, a UK first and photo opportunities galore!

The beautiful light displays include a 36-metre multicoloured light tunnel, a towering enchanted tree, 32 light up stepping stones and a very exciting UK first - glowing seesaws!

The glow trail, on the front loop of the zoo, explores the theme of enchanted nature.

At Longdown Activity Farm...

Daily Echo: Father Christmas at Longdown Activity Farm

Look out for The Festive Lodge and enter a magical world of twinkling trees, snow, sparkling lights, and festive decorations.

It’s time to get excited about Christmas as you walk through The Lodge, past the peaceful Nativity scene, and then on to Father Christmas himself who will be sat in his rocking chair resting before his big day. He will be waiting to give the children a jolly wave and an extra special “Ho-ho-ho”.

There's no additional charge to see the big man, who will be there on selected days.