Marwell transforms into a magical twinkling wonderland of wildlife

November 28, 2025

Two people look at a tree with coloured lights at the Glow Marwell winter light trail at Marwell Zoo

We’re bringing sparkle to the festive season, with a stunning array of lights as our magical winter light trail returns.

Glow Marwell has transformed the zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland, where visitors can follow an enchanted light trail through a magical world of breathtaking displays of the natural world.

Visitors at the launch last night (Thurs) were spellbound by stunning light installations, a walkway formed under towering multicoloured LED hearts, a neon string tunnel, ultra violet animal faces, dynamic disco trees, giant snowflakes, and a festive lane lined with candy canes and bubbles.

And not forgetting a real highlight – the magnificently-lit African animal sculptures made from recycled metals gathered around a watering hole.

A family play in the laser light show at Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo
Glow Marwell Dragonflies by Martha Ellis
Four children smile by the heart arch at Glow Marwell light trail at Marwell Zoo
Savannah Animals sculptures lit up by multicoloured lights at Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo
A child jumps into the air beside the Christmas tree outside Marwell Hall at the Glow Marwell winter light trail

Reimagined by world-renowned illuminated trail specialists Culture Creative, Glow Marwell 2025 runs until 3 January 2026, and promises to be wilder than ever.

There’s also festive magic in the grand Grade I listed Marwell Hall, where Father Christmas, his elves, and a waddle of Pesky Penguins, will be spreading Christmas cheer in an enchanting family grotto.

The 45-minute family grotto experience features storytelling, craft activities, and the chance to write a letter to Santa and take selfies in the sleigh before going on to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.

Two children with Father Christmas at the Christmas at Marwell Hall grotto experience

Our festive menu is also back, as well as the chance to gather round the firepit and toast marshmallows.

Laura Read, CEO at Marwell, said: “Our reimagined Glow Marwell trail brings the wonder of nature together with plenty of festive fun.   

“We’re delighted to welcome guests back once again to make memories with their family and friends all while supporting hands on conservation.”

For those who want to feel even closer to nature, Marwell has launched its special winter-themed Virtual Reality experience for the Christmas period.

Facing Winter allows you to meet polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes up close, as the state-of-the-art VR headset transports you to winter landscapes.

An arctic fox in the snow

Discover how different animals have adapted to intense cold, and explore how climate change is impacting their survival.

The 13-minute experience runs until Saturday 3 January 2026 and takes place in the Wild Explorers Picnic Hut from 11.30am – 3pm, with special evening shows from 5.30pm – 7pm on Glow Marwell dates.

Glow Marwell will run until 3 January 2026 (Thursday to Sunday until the school holidays, then daily over the Christmas period), with Christmas at Marwell Hall daily from November 28 – December 24.

Anyone who buys a Glow Marwell ticket or Christmas at Marwell Hall ticket will also enjoy free zoo entry from 10am.

Quiet Glow will return on December 4 for guests who prefer a calmer, more relaxed experience that’s still full to the brim with magic. Guests who would also like during a calmer period but would rather skip the Glow event can visit Quiet Christmas on December 1.

For more information, visit the Glow Marwell and Christmas at Marwell Hall webpages.