HO ho ho! He's here in Hampshire.

Father Christmas has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit Southampton and the surrounding area in the run-up to the festive season.

Between preparing Rudolph and the reindeers for their epic journey from the North Pole on Christmas Eve and wrapping all the toys for all the good girls and boys, there's not much time to spare.

But the big man is keen to check whether the young people of Hampshire are staying on the nice list and what they'd like in their stockings this year.

So he's planned a host of visits.

If your little one is keen to meet Santa in the run up to Christmas, here's some of the local places he'll be hanging out...

Longdown Activity Farm

Enter a magical world of twinkling trees, snow, sparkling lights, and festive decorations. Feel the joyful spirit of Christmas as you walk through the Festive 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”.

Daily Echo:

The farm is open as normal with a full schedule of animal activities and don't miss the farm shop for a festive hamper or Christmas gift. 

Christmas at Longdown got underway on Saturday November 26.

On the Beaulieu River 

Join New Forest Activities for a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River to find Santa!

Enjoy exploring 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.

The Christmas Canoe Paddle is on selected dates from Saturday December 10.

Winchester Science Centre 

This festive season, join Santa in Cosmic Christmas, a brand-new immersive family adventure.

Daily Echo:

Hidden in an intergalactic wonderland, there’s a Christmas space tale waiting to be told.

Join Santa and watch as he recreates the story of his epic first mission to the International Space Station. Get set for a 45-minute live-action performance in the Planetarium auditorium.

See Santa and Aster, the intergalactic planetary elf, bringing the story to life through immersive experiences, live science and an out-of-this-world journey through space.

Cosmic Christmas is on during weekends and school holidays from December 3 to 24.

Paultons Park

There is no Santa's grotto this year, but Santa can be seen on stage as part of the magical Christmas show or Santa's Storytime.

Santa's Christmas Wish Show includes singing, dancing and fun, guest starring the man himself, Father Christmas.

Peppa Pig World will be decorated for Christmas and  magical illuminations around the park

See and hear the Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree – with its own light show every 15 minutes

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

Christmas at Paultons starts on Saturday December 3.

Daily Echo:

Tudor House, Southampton

Meet Father Christmas, enjoy traditional crafts and tasty treats.

Make some beautiful bunting and traditional decorations in the workshop room.

Tickets include free entry to the house, where you can enjoy the famous Christmas Tudor House Mouse trail!

Family Christmas takes place on weekends from December 10.

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