Christmas at Marwell Hall

Explorer & Premium member discount

We’re pleased to offer our Explorer and Premium Members discounted tickets for Christmas at Marwell Hall, as well as access to an exclusive pre-sale:

• Premium members – tickets go on sale Sunday 29 June
• All members – tickets go on sale Tuesday 1 July
• Public sale – tickets go on sale Friday 4 July

Members: Visiting the zoo during November & December

All members are welcome to visit the zoo as usual during our normal opening hours (10am – 4pm). However, if you’d like to visit the Christmas at Marwell Hall grotto experience, please ensure you purchase a Christmas at Marwell Hall ticket.

Our usual membership discounts for catering and our gift shop still apply for Marwell outlets but will not be valid for third party concessions operating during the event.

Quiet Christmas (autism friendly)

We’re delighted to be hosting a Quiet Christmas at Marwell Hall on Monday 1 December for our guests who would like to enjoy a calmer and more relaxed experience.

We will have sensory lights, lower the volume of the music, and reduce capacity so families can experience the magic of Christmas at Marwell Hall in a quieter and less crowded environment.

What dates can I see Santa?

Santa will spread his festive cheer in Marwell Hall from Friday 28 November – Wednesday 24 December 2025. Each session lasts 45 minutes and must be pre-booked online.

Can I buy tickets to see Santa on the day?

All tickets must be pre-booked in advance online. We’re unable to sell tickets on the day.

Why can’t I book for the date I’m looking for?

If you can’t see a date available on the calendar, it’s either because the event isn’t running that date, or it’s sold out. Please check availability on another date.

How long is the grotto experience?

The grotto experience will last up to 45 minutes, including storytelling, a craft activity, letter writing, and a chance to meet Santa.

Is the Santa experience private?

Our grotto includes a shared Santa experience. Other families will join you in the final room, but you’ll be called up to meet Santa in individual family groups.

Who will receive a present from Santa?

Children aged 16 and under will receive a present from Santa, worth £14.95.

What time should I arrive at the grotto?

Please arrive at Marwell Hall 10 minutes before the start time of your session. Last entry for each session will be 15 minutes before the finish time of the session you have booked.

Please allow at least 30 minutes to walk from the zoo entrance to Marwell Hall. Guests who arrive after 15 minutes before the finish time of the session may not be able to see Santa.

Will we have to queue?

We expect our grotto experience to be popular and you may have to wait in a short queue before being invited into the grotto. Timed sessions will reduce congestion and waiting time at the grotto.

If any guests are unable to queue, we suggest that one member of the group waits in the line until they are at the entrance to Marwell Hall when the rest of the group can join them. Please note we are unable to offer fast track entry.

Are there toilet facilities inside Marwell Hall?

There are no guest toilet facilities inside Marwell Hall. The nearest facilities are at Café Graze and snow leopards.

Can I bring a buggy into the grotto?

We cannot accommodate buggies in the grotto so we ask guests to leave buggies at the designated buggy park outside of Marwell Hall. Guests leave any personal belongings at their own risk.

Is the grotto accessible?

Yes, the grotto is accessible. Please be aware that Marwell Hall Drive, where the grotto entrance is accessed from, is a gravel surface and the exit of the grotto has gravel path surfaces too.

Can we take photos inside the Grotto?

Yes, please! Don’t forget to share them with us on social media using #MarwellChristmas

Christmas at Marwell Hall Terms & Conditions

We are delighted that Santa will be visiting Marwell Zoo again this  year. His grotto will be at Marwell Hall in the centre of the zoo on selected dates and subject to availability.

There are just a few terms & conditions you need to be aware of before booking to see Santa and on arrival at the grotto.

• Santa will be available between Friday 28 November – Wednesday 24 December and is subject to availability.
• All guests including adults, children of all ages and carers must pre-book and pay for a timed session to visit the grotto.
• Tickets must be purchased for the age the ticket holder will be on the date of the visit. If your child is under 3, you are welcome to buy a child ticket now and guarantee your visit date. Alternatively, you can wait until they are eligible for Annual Membership to benefit from the discount, subject to availability.
• Tickets for Christmas at Marwell are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• All tickets must be pre-booked online ahead of your visit.
• Our elves will welcome a maximum of six people per group with a minimum of one paying child per group.
• All children 0-16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please arrive at Marwell Hall 10 minutes before the start time of your session.
• Last entry for each session will be 15 minutes before the finish time of the session you have booked. Guests who arrive after 15 minutes before the finish time of the session may not be able to see Santa.
• Please allow at least 30 minutes to walk from the zoo entrance to Marwell Hall.
• Buggies are not permitted inside the grotto. Please leave buggies at the designated buggy park outside of Marwell Hall. Guests leave any personal belongings at their own risk.

Marwell Zoo management reserves the right to close all or any part of the event as necessary without prior notice.

All terms and conditions, activities, dates and times are subject to change without notice.