Where can I meet Santa near Portsmouth in 2020? Best grottos near me for seeing Father Christmas

This year has been like no other.

Yet Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa Claus.

The big man in red is still set to stop off at a handful of attractions near Portsmouth on his world tour to raise festive spirits and maybe pose for a photo with kids dreaming of Christmas Day.

Youngsters will be able to meet jolly old St Nick, tell him what they would like for Christmas this year and in return they may even get a special gift to take home and place under the tree.

All while adhering to the government’s guidelines around social distancing, hand washing and face covering due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Here’s where you can meet Santa.

Breakfast with Santa

Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TT

Santa returns to the Spinnaker Tower this Christmas and he’s tucking into breakfast to make sure he’s full of energy for a busy day of festive preparations. Join him and his elves in the Waterfront Café for some festive fun.

Enjoy a breakfast, let the kids write their letters to Santa before meeting the main man. Get a photo and a gift. Package includes admission to the tower.

Event runs 5-24 December. Prices vary from £8.50-20. Book ahead here.

Please note this event has now sold out. Check back on the website or call 01904 261262 to see if any spaces have become available.

Meet Santa with The Fishermen's Mission

Virtual event, The Fishermen's Mission, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FJ

Santa is all at sea! Father Christmas will be reading a story, saying hello to everyone, and introducing his (real) reindeer friends. There will be crafts, fun, and games too.

Event will take place on 5 December at 12pm. £2 per household. Call 01489 566910 to book your attendance.

Christmas at Paultons

Ower, Romsey, The New Forest, Hampshire, SO51 6AL

Discover magical illuminations, meet Peppa and George in their seasonal outfits and enjoy a brand new Christmas show featuring Santa.

Little ones will also be able to stop by for Santa's Storytime, the perfect chance to take a break from the excitement and enjoy a festive story from the man himself.

This event takes place from 5-23 December. £29.50 per entry. Children under 1m tall go free. Book ahead here.

Christmas Sounds Amazing

Winchester Science Centre, Telegraph Way, Hampshire, SO21 1HZ

Santa's sprinkled Christmas cheer all around Winchester Science Centre this year! He'll be teaming up with our Inspirers to bring to life the sounds of Christmas like you’ve never heard them before – expect bells, bangs, booms and belly laughs! Discover some of the science behind the festive cheer and find out if Santa can break the sound barrier.

Event takes place from 5 December - 4 January. Free entry to the show. Book ahead here.

The Visit Santa at Keydell Nurseries and Father Christmas at the Watercress Line events have sold out.