Young and old alike can make new memories while enjoying festively adorned holiday horses and the historic Hampton Carousel decked out for the season, along with special carousel organ-type Christmas music. Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., December 4 through December 30, visitors will receive a free candy cane and can take a spin on the carousel for $1.00.

“Selfies with Santa” at the Hampton Carousel on Saturday, December 8, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
As part of Hampton Holly Days weekend, the historic Hampton Carousel welcomes youngsters of all ages to share holiday wishes and snap “Selfies with Santa.” Visitors can have their face painted in a holiday motif for free by “A Mile of Smiles” from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. “Selfies with Santa” is held in conjunction with the Hampton Holly Days – Holiday Open House at the Hampton History Museum taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. that day. Admission to the carousel, “Selfies with Santa,” face painting and candy cane are free. Carousel rides are $1.00. The Hampton Holly Days Parade begins at 7:00 p.m. on Settlers Landing Road.

About the Hampton Carousel
Built in 1920, the carousel is completely restored to its original beauty and housed in its own weather-protected pavilion on the city’s downtown waterfront. It is one of only 170 antique wooden merry-go-rounds still existing in the U.S. Hand crafted by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for the Buckroe Beach Amusement Park, Hampton’s Carousel is a whirling tribute to the skill of its creators.

After untold numbers of young and old enjoyed the carousel over its 65-year tenure, it was put in storage with the closure of Buckroe Beach Amusement Park in the mid-1980s. It was moved and restored at its current downtown location in Carousel Park in 1991. It still boasts its original mirrors and oil paintings, as well as 48 intricately decorated horses. Rising and falling to the strains of the original band organ, many of these carousel horses are so finely carved that the veins in their necks and legs are visible. Special hours are available for groups or special occasions.

Operated by the Hampton History Museum the Hampton Carousel is located at 602 Settlers Landing Road in Downtown Hampton.

Regular winter operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

The carousel will close for the season in on December 30, 2018 and reopen on April 2, 2019. Tickets on sale at the Hampton History Museum and at the Hampton Carousel. For more information, call 757-727-1102.