4 Fun Christmas Days Out to enjoy with the kids in Hampshire

It is that time of year where it can be tricky to decide which is the best Christmas day out for the kids.
Do you take them to see the Garden Centre Santa, enjoy a slap up breakfast or Afternoon Tea with the big man, or make a full day out of it?
We have been busying trying out some fabulously fun Christmas days out and these are four of our favourites in the county of Hampshire.

Best Christmas Day Out for under 5’s in Hampshire

Paultons Park
Paultons Park, home to pre-school favourite Peppa Pig World, is transformed with twinkling illuminations, seasonal music, giant Christmas trees and even Santa in his sleigh with the reindeer from the popular TV series.
All your favourite rides are open in Peppa Pig World and the Lost Kingdom and you get the opportunity to meet Peppa Pig and George in their winter scarves, hats and coats.

Meet Santa in his magical Grotto and many of his animal friends along the way as they all get ready for Christmas Eve. Adorable animated characters greet you at every turn with twinkling lights and magical scenes brought to life and make sure you catch the Very Merry Christmas Show for fun songs and dance.

For information on entry times availability and ticket prices, please  visit: paultonspark.co.uk/christmas-tickets-prices

Best Christmas Day Out for under 12’s in Hampshire

Once the kids get a bit older, it can be harder to find something suitable for them to enjoy on the run up to Christmas, but I have found the perfect day out.

Santa and his elves are visiting Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium on the run up to Christmas with pantomime favourite Jack and the Beanstalk and the experience comprises two main events, an hour-long Santa and science experience and a 30-minute Reindeer Round-up in Space planetarium show.

The show encourages you to “Give Science a try” as you try to get Jack to the top of the beanstalk with a range of fun, elf led experiments. Enjoy miniature explosions, dry ice and pantomime fun as you test out balloons, cannons and rockets to get to the golden egg, before the chance to meet Father Christmas.

There is also an Elf Workstation set up on the top floor where the kids could indulge in some science and crafting and all the exhibits to explore – a full, fun-filled day out for all – read my full review of the Santa and the Elves Workshop here.

Best Christmas Day Out for the family in Hampshire

When it comes to entertaining children where there is a large age gap, it can be tricky to get it right, but this is where Christmas at Marwell Zoo zooms in as the perfect day out.

Set inside the zoo’s Grade 1 listed manor house, the Christmas at Marwell event sees you being treated to a visit to an enchanting Neverland-inspired world as well as being able to explore the zoo as part of your ticket on the day.

The kids got to see if their names were on the naughty or nice list, enjoyed a story with Mother Christmas and the elves, took part in an elf workshop to decorate their own bags and got to meet Father Christmas too.

Visiting Marwell is a full day out of fun, however, if you book onto their evening Christmas sessions, from 4.00pm, entry to the zoo is not included but you will receive a return ticket, from our elves, on arrival at the Hall to return to visit the zoo again by the 17 March 2019.

Best Christmas Evening Out for the family in Hampshire

For those that fancy an evening out for the family, Christmas at Beaulieu is the perfect choice.

Beaulieu’s stunning new illuminated Christmas trail features over one million lights in a mile long shimmering trail of 11 individual installations and is a real sight to behold.

With a small funfair, Christmas food stalls, a “WOW” moment to see around ever corner and the appearance of someone very familiar, this a fabulous evening out with a difference.

Have you got any favourite Christmas days out?

• christmas days out
• hampshire