CHRISTMAS is on the horizon, and that means people across the country will be treated to a visit from the big man himself, Father Christmas.

With less than 50 days until Christmas Day, we have complied a list of places in and around Southampton you can take your children to meet Father Christmas.

From garden centres to activity parks, Santa’s grottos are dotted across the city and further afield.

Tudor House and Garden

Add a little magic to the festive season with a visit to see Father Christmas at Tudor House.

He has made room in his jam-packed schedule to bring some Yuletide cheer to Southampton and hear all about what children would like for Christmas.

Plan a festive visit to his grotto at the historical venue and receive a special gift.

Father Christmas will visit Tudor House on the following dates: December 11: 10am, 12pm and 4pm.

December 12: 10am, 11.30am, 12pm and 4pm.

Booking is essential, and visitors must book one ticket per child which costs £7.50 each.

Up to two adults can accompany each child or family group, and tickets to visit Father Christmas include admission to Tudor House.

Normal admission charges will apply for adults who are not accompanying children for their visit to Father Christmas.

Adults and children aged 11 and over are encouraged to wear a face covering.

Brambidge Garden Centre

Father Christmas is set to travel further afield to Eastleigh to meet local children.

The elves are eagerly awaiting the arrival of excited children and are busy making a gift for attendees to collect on the way out.

Brambridge Garden Centre will host Father Christmas from November 27 to December 24, with the full list of times available here: bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk Tickets cost £12 and accompanying adults can enter for free.

As Father Christmas is so busy, Christmas Eve Tickets are £15 per child.

Attendees must reserve a place for all members of their party, including adults.

Babies under 12 months without a paying sibling will require a child ticket but will not be given a gift this year.

Please arrive for 10 minutes prior to booking time.

Marwell Zoo

Father Christmas will be making some special appearances at the zoo on weekends and select dates in December.

He will settle into his comfy chair outside Café Graze and inside the zoo gift shop ready to say hello and receive children's Christmas letters.

It will not be a traditional grotto or meet and greet event, but guests are welcome to take photographs.

Father Christmas will visit on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 23.

Tickets cost £19 for adults and £15.50 for children. Those under the age of two go free and Christmas events are included in a standard Marwell Zoo admission ticket.

Visit marwell.org.uk to book your ticket.

Longdown Activity Farm

Once again, Father Christmas will be returning on his tractor sleigh to spend time in his Festive Lodge at Longdown Activity Farm.

The farm will be open from 10am to 4pm for guests to enjoy a full schedule of animal activities, and later spend time with Father Christmas.

Visitors can meet Father Christmas on November 26 to 29, December 3 to 6, December 10 to 13 and December 17 to 23.

Tis no additional charge to the park’s usual admissions to see Father Christmas, and you can visit longdownfarm.co.uk to book.

Paulton’s Park

Santa's Grotto is closed this year, but Father Christmas will appear on stage as part of Christmas Wish and Santa's Storytime shows which run daily between Saturday, December 4 to Thursday, December 23.

Tickets can be booked here: https://paultonspark.co.uk/christmas/