New Forest VW Santa Run
Visitors can view a colourful gathering of classic and custom Volkswagens, including Beetles, buggies, Golfs, Caddys, and split-screens, adorned in festive holiday decorations. Participants, families, and even pet dogs join the holiday fun dressed in full Christmas costumes for a best-dressed competition before departing to deliver presents to Southampton General Hospital. Entry also grants access to explore the wider Beaulieu estate and its museum attractions.
What to Expect
Festive VWs gather in fancy dress to deliver charity gifts.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
New Forest
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Santa Run Southampton
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Volkswagen fans and families
Vibe
Festive and charitable
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Vehicle entry from 8:30am; visitor entry from 10am; vehicles depart at 11am and are all off-site by 11:30am.
- Pets: Participants sometimes bring their dogs, which may also be dressed for the event; the page gives no specific pet admission rules.
Tips & Advice
- If you are taking part, apply through the Santa Run Facebook page as soon as registration opens because places are limited.
- If you are visiting on foot, arrange a ticket to A Palace House Christmas; it is required to view the vehicles.
- Arrive during the visitor viewing window, as the vehicles depart for the hospital and leave the site soon afterwards.
- Participants can dress themselves, their vehicles and sometimes their dogs in festive costumes for the best-dressed competition.
- Do not rely on the restaurant or museum for the earliest part of the visit; both open after vehicle entry begins.
Special Events & Promotions
- Participants must pre-apply to take part; places are limited.
- The best-dressed competition awards prizes for Best Dressed VW, Best Dressed Family/Group and Best Dressed Dog.
- Visitors on foot need a ticket to A Palace House Christmas to view the vehicles.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can take part in the Santa Run?
The run is for participating classic and custom Volkswagens, including models such as Beetles, split-screens, buggies, Golfs, Caddys, T4s and T5s.
How do participants register?
Participants must apply through the Santa Run Facebook page. Places are limited, so register your interest as soon as applications open.
Can visitors view the vehicles on foot?
Yes. Visitors on foot need a ticket to A Palace House Christmas to see the vehicles before they leave.
What happens during the run?
Decorated vehicles depart Beaulieu to deliver presents to Southampton General Hospital. Participants can also enter the best-dressed competition, with categories for vehicles, families or groups, and dogs.
What food and attractions are available to visitors?
The restaurant opens later in the morning, and the museum opens later still. A Palace House Christmas visitor ticket includes access to the wider Beaulieu attraction.
More Christmas Events near Southampton
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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