Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy schedule to meet little ones in the build-up to the big day. Here are just of the few places you can take your children to meet him.

WIMBORNE: National Trust property Kingston Lacey will host Father Christmas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between now and Christmas Eve. Visits cost £5 and pre-booking is essential. Call 0344 249 1895.

NEW FOREST: Santa will make a special appearance during festive paddle events on the Beaulieu River this Christmas. Spend 90 minutes exploring the river, looking out for the man himself along the way. The events will be held on December 16 and 22 and cost £22 for adults and £17 for children. Go to newforestactivities.co.uk

POOLE: Father Christmas will be in his winter cabin at Farmer Palmer’s in Organford every day until December 22. Tie slots are allocated when you purchase tickets on the day and details are available at farmerpalmers.co.uk

CHRISTCHURCH: See Father Christmas, his elves and Rudolph in their cosy grotto at Adventure Wonderland at Hurn. He’ll be there on 12 dates throughout December and tickets include indoor play, a Christmas pantomime and mulled wine and mince pies for the adults. Go to adventurewonderland.co.uk/Christmas

BOURNEMOUTH: See Santa in his new grotto in The Square. Youngsters will be invited in to meet the man himself by the elves. Tickets cost £12.95 for children and £1.50 for accompanying adults. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

WINCHESTER: A truly magical Christmas experience is available at Marwell Zoo. Visitors get the chance to visit a magical winter forest and enjoy refreshments before hearing Christmas stories from Mother Christmas and creating a Christmas Eve plate in the elves’ workshop. Meet Father Christmas, who will give the children a lovely gift. But hurry, it’s almost booked up for this year.

ROMSEY: Little ones will love Christmas at Paultons Park with Santa’s grotto, a festive version of Peppa Pig World and many other rides and attractions. The Christmas season runs from now until December 23.

SOUTHAMPTON: Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway will run special Postal Express steam trains and little ones will get the chance to meet Santa. The cost of the train ride is £6.