A magical light experience

Glow Marwell 2024

Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell’s magical light experience returns this winter brighter than ever before!

Friday 29 November – Monday 30 December on selected dates.

Join us once again as we invite you to explore Marwell in a whole new light. Follow our enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences that will fill you with wonder.

All guests visiting Father Christmas must also have purchased Glow Marwell tickets.

*Additional charge applies, subject to availability.

Glow Marwell tickets for Sat 7, Sun 8, Sat 14, Sun 15, Sat 21, Sun 22 and Mon 23 December are sold out.

Book your Glow Marwell and Santa tickets

If purchasing Santa tickets, please ensure you also purchase Glow Marwell tickets.

Book your VR Headset Experience

Must be booked for the same date as your Glow Marwell entry ticket.

Fire, earth, air, water

Awaken your senses and experience the natural wonders of fire, earth, air and water at our one-of-a-kind winter lights experience. Dive under the sea with jellyfish in a new ocean display, drift amongst neon clouds in our new Sky Zone, stroll in the snow beside our glowing ancient woodland and tuck into toasted marshmallows at our popular firepits.*

Glow with us on a magical adventure

New for 2024, become part of the spectacle of Glow Marwell with UV face paint designs which come to life under special lights around the trail.

Additional cost: £6 per face. Available 2pm – 6pm (queue closes 5.15pm).

Suitable for ages 3+. Children must be supervised. If your child has sensitive skin or any skin condition, it is the parents responsibility to advise if they are suitable for face painting.

UV butterfly facepaint brightly glows around a young girl's eyes.

Promotional face paint images are for illustration only, designs may vary and are subject to availability.

Brighter than ever before

We’re welcoming back Glow Marwell favourites such as our enchanted tree, amazing light tunnel, playful moon chairs, and interactive light-up stepping stones, which have been reimagined bigger and brighter than before.

Download the Glow Marwell map

Visit the zoo too

Your ticket to Glow Marwell includes free access to the zoo from 1pm until 4pm so you can explore our beautiful 140-acre park and amazing animals then watch as the zoo transforms into a twinkling wonderland.

Mouthwatering treats

Our festive menu for 2024 includes some new mouthwatering additions like our giant stuffed Yorkshire puddings with all the trimmings, illuminated candy floss or the ultimate winter warmer, a delicious crumble pot with custard!*

Download the Festive Menus

* Additional charge applies, subject to availability.

Sneak peek

Last year’s event was truly magical and we can’t wait to welcome you all again. If you’re in need of a sparkly pick-me-up beforehand, here’s our pick of Glow Marwell 2023’s best bits.

 

How we factor animal welfare into our events

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell

Glow Marwell Entry:

Non-Members Price per ticket 
Adult (17+) £22
Child (3 – 16) £18
Under 3 Free
Carer Free
Members Price per ticket
Adult (17+) £20
Child (3 – 16) £16
Under 3 Free
Carer Free

Father Christmas (must be purchased with Glow Entry tickets)

All guests visiting Father Christmas must also purchase Glow Marwell tickets.

Father Christmas Entry Price per ticket 
Child (0-16, includes a gift) £15
Adult (17+) £5
Carer Free

VR Headset Experience (must be purchased with Glow Entry tickets)

Please purchase your Glow entry tickets first. Make sure you book your VR Headset Experience for the same date as your Glow Marwell ticket.

VR Headset Experience Price per ticket 
VR Headset Experience £5 per person (age 5+)

Group Tickets

We’re pleased to offer a discount to groups of 25+. Please check the Group Tickets tab for details.

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell

Member exclusive

We’re once again giving our valued members discounted Glow Marwell tickets and access to an exclusive pre-sale from Monday 3 June before the general sale on Friday 7 June. Secure your preferred date!

Your ticket promises an uplifting evening of festive delights for all ages and by supporting us at Marwell, you’re directly contributing to the survival and recovery of endangered wildlife.

Only guests, including members, with valid Glow Marwell tickets are entitled to book to see Father Christmas, on selected dates and subject to availability.

Members visiting between 1pm and 4pm are not permitted to book to see Father Christmas unless they have purchased Glow Marwell tickets.

Tickets to Father Christmas are limited and must be pre-booked, so be sure to secure your place! For more information, take a look at the “Father Christmas” tab on this page.

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

Guests will need a valid Annual Membership during the months of November and December 2024 to benefit from discounted members tickets. You will need to show your own valid Annual Membership at the admissions gate upon arrival at Glow Marwell 2024.

Can Annual Members visit the zoo as normal on Glow Marwell event days?

Members will be able to visit the zoo between 1pm and 4pm on all Glow Marwell event days, without pre-booking, from Friday 29 November to Monday 23 December and Friday 27 December to Monday 30 December. The zoo will be open as normal from 10am to 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. The zoo is closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Any members visiting the zoo without a valid Glow Marwell ticket must leave the zoo by 4pm. Our staff will be actively carrying out checks throughout the event and any members found without a valid ticket will be asked to leave. Any member fraudulently attempting to attend the event without paying, risks having their ongoing membership terminated.

Only guests with Glow Marwell tickets and who have been issued with a wristband are entitled to remain in the zoo after 4pm. If members would like to stay to enjoy the event, please ensure that you have pre-booked Glow Marwell tickets on our website before your visit. Members receive a discount on their tickets.

Why do you have to limit zoo opening hours to Annual Members for Glow Marwell?

Marwell is a registered charity at the forefront of conservation work around the world. Glow Marwell is an important event which supports this work, providing a valuable contribution to our projects to conserve species and habitats, both here in Hampshire and overseas. We need to adjust our opening times so we can ensure the welfare of both our animals and our dedicated teams around the zoo! As Glow Marwell is an evening event, our trained teams need to be available in the evenings to care for the animals and ensure they are comfortable during a time when things are a little different at the zoo. By opening later, we can ensure our hard-working staff receive sufficient rest breaks so they are not working in excess of their normal working hours. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell

Quiet Glow

We’re delighted to be hosting two Quiet Glow Marwell dates during the event on Monday 2 December and Monday 9 December for our guests who would like to enjoy a calmer and more relaxed experience.

We will lower the volume of the music and reduce capacity so families can experience the magic of Glow Marwell in a quieter and less crowded environment. Any light displays which have a faster fade will also be changed to a slow fade or static display.

A child hops across stepping stones at Glow Marwell christmas light trail event

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell

Father Christmas

Father Christmas and his elves will be spreading festive cheer in our majestic Grade 1 listed Marwell Hall available for families to pre-book on selected dates.*

Father Christmas will be available on selected dates only during our Glow Marwell event and is subject to availability. These dates are:

  • Saturday 30th November – SOLD OUT
  • Sunday 1st December – SOLD OUT
  • Monday 2nd December (Quiet Glow Marwell)
  • Friday 6th December
  • Saturday 7th December – SOLD OUT
  • Sunday 8th December – SOLD OUT
  • Monday 9th December (Quiet Glow Marwell)
  • Friday 13th December
  • Saturday 14th December – SOLD OUT
  • Sunday 15th December – SOLD OUT
  • Thursday 19th December
  • Friday 20th December
  • Saturday 21st December – SOLD OUT
  • Sunday 22nd December – SOLD OUT
  • Monday 23rd December – SOLD OUT

Please note, all guests wishing to visit Father Christmas must pre-book, including accompanying adults, carers and children. Child tickets to visit Santa are for children aged 0+. We are unable to add tickets to a booking once it has been made.

Tickets to visit Father Christmas must be pre-booked in addition to a Glow Marwell general entry ticket.

*Additional charge applies, subject to availability.

Father Christmas carrying his gift sack at Glow Marwell

Father Christmas FAQs

When and where can I see Father Christmas?

Father Christmas will spread his festive cheer on selected dates during our Glow Marwell event. Santa will be in his festive grotto at Marwell Hall from 1.30pm until 6pm on selected dates. Father Christmas is subject to availability.

All guests including adults, children of all ages and carers must pre-book online and pay for a timed session to see Father Christmas (carers are free).

How do I book Father Christmas and how much does it cost?

Guests can only book to see Father Christmas via our website. Only guests with valid Glow Marwell tickets can book to see Father Christmas.

Tickets cost £15 per child (0-16) and £5 per adult (carers are free). The child ticket price includes a gift.

Can I buy tickets to see Father Christmas on the day?

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

What time should I arrive at the grotto to see Father Christmas?

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.

Will we have to queue?

We expect Father Christmas 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. Queuing times will be minimal from this point. Once inside Marwell Hall, there will be a waiting area before guests are called through in their groups to see Father Christmas. 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 #GlowMarwell

Father Christmas Terms & Conditions

We are delighted that Father Christmas is visiting Glow Marwell 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 Father Christmas and on arrival at the grotto.

  • Father Christmas will be available on selected dates only during our Glow Marwell event 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 see Father Christmas (carers are free).
  • Only guests with pre-booked Glow Marwell tickets can book to see Father Christmas. Tickets must be valid for the date of your visit.
  • 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 standard child Glow Marwell 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.
  • Father Christmas will be in his festive grotto at Marwell Hall from 1.30pm until 6pm on selected dates only and is subject to availability.
  • Tickets cost £15 per child (0-16) and £5 per adult (carers are free). The child ticket price includes a gift.
  • Tickets for Father Christmas are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • All tickets must be pre-booked online at marwell.org.uk/christmas 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.
  • Each group will spend up to 5 minutes with Father Christmas.
  • 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.

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell

VR headset experience

New for 2024, embark on a virtual safari to discover how animals have adapted to survive the harshest of conditions.

Sit back and relax in our Science and Learning Centre as our state-of-the-art Virtual Reality headsets transport you around the globe in Wild Immersion’s short film, New Odyssey Around the World.

From the tiniest ant to enormous giraffes, lions and gorillas, see these remarkable animals up close in this 360° headset experience.

Price: £5 per person (must be booked with a Glow Marwell entry ticket)

Runtime: approx 10 minutes

Minimum age: 5+

Please pre-book your timeslot online and ensure you book your VR Headset Experience for the same date as your Glow Marwell ticket. 

 

VR Headset Experience Terms and Conditions

  • The VR headset experience will last for approximately 10 minutes.
  • This experience is not recommended for guests who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy, have back and neck problems or are pregnant.
  • Minimum age is 5 years to participate in this experience. Proof may be required.
  • All children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by one adult at all times during the VR headset experience. Due to space constraints, only one adult will be admitted to accompany one paying child.
  • All VR headset experience tickets are valid for the date booked only. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable to another date or session.
  • Any guest who does not participate in the full experience will not be refunded.
  • Glow Marwell event tickets are required for all guests.
  • Guests must remain seated for the duration of the experience.

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell

Group Tickets

If you are planning a visit to Glow Marwell for 25+ paying guests (excluding free under 3s and free carers), please book your discounted tickets below.

These can be booked Monday-Thursday excluding our Quiet Glow event nights (Monday 2 December and Monday 9 December).

Father Christmas in Marwell Hall cannot be purchased with Glow Marwell Group Ticket rates. If you would like to book a Glow Marwell ticket with an additional Father Christmas visit, please go to our standard Glow Marwell ticket page.

A ticket to Glow Marwell includes free access to the zoo from 1pm until 4pm.

If you would like to book a group of 100 or more, please contact groups@marwell.org.uk

Book now:

Group tickets

Group tickets Terms & Conditions

We hope you have a wonderful experience at Glow Marwell. There are just a few terms & conditions you need to be aware of before your visit.

  • Standard Terms & Conditions also apply.
  • A minimum of 25 Glow Marwell paying tickets (adult or child) must be purchased in advance. Groups of less than 25 can be purchased on the standard Glow Marwell booking page. All guests must prebook tickets to Glow Marwell ahead of arrival.
  • An admission ticket for this event will need to be purchased for each person who wishes to participate. Under threes and carers are required to book a ticket. Under threes are free and one free carer will be admitted per paying person with accessibility needs. For more information, please see our accessibility statement here
  • Glow Marwell group tickets can only be booked Monday-Thursday during the event excluding our Quiet Glow event nights (Monday 2 December and Monday 9 December).
  • All tickets are valid for the date booked only. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. We operate a no refund policy for pre-paid groups who arrive with fewer visitors that they have paid for.
  • Glow Marwell group tickets do not include a visit to Father Christmas. Father Christmas tickets cannot be purchased with this ticket type. If you would like to book a Glow Marwell ticket with an additional Father Christmas visit, please go to our standard Glow Marwell ticket page.
  • All children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times whilst in the zoo and during the event.
  • On arrival, all guests with a valid Glow Marwell ticket will be issued with a wristband. Guests will be required to present their wristband at any time throughout the event to a member of Marwell staff. Any guests who cannot show a valid Glow Marwell ticket or present a wristband will be asked to leave the premises. Guests will be asked to hand back wristbands at the exit. Wristbands remain the property of Marwell Zoo.
  • A ticket to Glow Marwell includes free access to the zoo from 1pm until 4pm. Animal buildings, animal areas and our adventure playgrounds will close from 3.30pm.
  • Glow Marwell will start at 4pm, with last entry at 6pm. We advise guests visiting us during the day to return to the main entrance to start the Glow Marwell route. Last entry to the route is 6.30pm.

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell

Glow Marwell FAQs

For Father Christmas FAQs and VR Headset Experience FAQs please see the relevant tabs on this page.

How do I book tickets and what do I need to know?

Our Glow Marwell event runs from Friday 29 November to Monday 23 December and Friday 27 December to Monday 30 December.

All tickets must be prebooked including under threes and carers. Please make sure you book the right date, number of guests and check the weather before you book as bookings are strictly non-refundable and non-transferrable to another date.

You can only book to see Father Christmas when you book Glow Marwell tickets at www.marwell.org.uk/christmas on selected dates and subject to availability. Please refer to our Father Christmas FAQ’s and T&C’s for more information about Father Christmas.

We will be unable to allow anyone entry who has not prebooked Glow Marwell tickets on our website for those dates including under 3’s and free carers. All other ticket types such as complimentary and third-party tickets will not be valid (full list below).

Only prebooked tickets on our website are valid for these special event days. The tickets below are NOT valid: Complimentary tickets, raffle prize tickets, adoption tickets, school tickets, home education tickets, gift tickets, tickets purchased through a third party (agent tickets), advanced group tickets, reciprocal zoo visits and standard zoo staff family & friends tickets.

Will there be any Quiet Glow Marwell dates so I can enjoy a calmer and more relaxed experience?

We are delighted to be hosting two Quiet Glow Marwell dates during the event. These will be Monday 2nd and Monday 9th December.

What if the weather is bad?

The event will ‘Glow’ on, even in the rain, so wrap up warm and bring your waterproofs! We’ll make sure you still have a wonderful time, no matter what the British weather throws at us. Our undercover picnic lodges will be open.

What time can I arrive?

Glow Marwell is open from 1pm until 8pm. Last entry through our main admissions gate is 6pm and the Glow Marwell route entrance closes at 6.30pm.

Glow Marwell tickets include a free zoo visit from 1pm until 4pm when you can enjoy our animals, adventure playgrounds and delicious festive treats.

Animal buildings, animal areas and our adventure playgrounds will close from 3.30pm.

On arrival, all guests with a valid Glow Marwell ticket will be issued with a wristband. Guests will be required to present their wristband to members of our team, on request, throughout the event. Wristbands must be handed in at the exit and remain the property of Marwell Wildlife.

When does Glow Marwell start?

Glow Marwell will start from 4pm and we advise guests who are visiting us during the day to return to the main entrance to start the route for the most magical experience. The event follows a carefully planned one-way route which takes you around the front loop of the zoo. Please stick to this route for your safety and to ensure the wellbeing of our animals.

We’ve carefully planned our trail to ensure you enjoy all the magic without the glare so please follow the path in a clockwise direction to make sure you get the most out of our magical event.

Can I see the rest of the zoo and animals as part of the event?

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see any of our animals during our Glow Marwell event. If you’d like to see them, please visit between 1pm and 4pm. Our animal houses, animal areas and adventure playgrounds will close from 3.30pm.

Can I bring a torch or other lights with me?

We kindly ask guests not to bring lights into the event, including using the torch on your mobile phone. The lights and colours we are using for Glow Marwell, including products for sale in our retail outlets, have been specifically designed to ensure the safety, comfort and welfare of our animals.

Can I take photographs?

The more, the merrier! Don’t forget to share them with us on social media using #GlowMarwell.

Can I visit the zoo during December?

Only guests who have pre-booked Glow Marwell tickets and members can visit the zoo on all Glow Marwell event days from Friday 29 November to Monday 23 December and Friday 27 December to Monday 30 December.

Glow Marwell tickets include a free zoo visit from 1pm until 4pm only when you can see our animals. Our animal houses and animal areas will close from 3.30pm. The zoo will be open as normal from 10am to 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. We are closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Can I get a discount with my Blue Light Card?

The Blue Light Card offer was valid until 31st October 2024 and has now come to an end.

Annual Members

Can Annual Members visit the zoo as normal on Glow Marwell event days?

Members will be able to visit the zoo between 1pm and 4pm on all Glow Marwell event days, without pre-booking, from Friday 29 November to Monday 23 December and Friday 27 December to Monday 30 December. The zoo will be open as normal from 10am to 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. The zoo is closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Any members visiting the zoo without a valid Glow Marwell ticket must leave the zoo by 4pm. Our staff will be actively carrying out checks throughout the event and any members found without a valid ticket will be asked to leave. Any member fraudulently attempting to attend the event without paying, risks having their ongoing membership terminated.

Only guests with Glow Marwell tickets and who have been issued with a wristband are entitled to remain in the zoo after 4pm. If members would like to stay to enjoy the event, please ensure that you have pre-booked Glow Marwell tickets on our website before your visit.

Members receive a discount on their tickets.

Why do you have to limit zoo opening hours to Annual Members for Glow Marwell?

Marwell is a registered charity at the forefront of conservation work around the world. Glow Marwell is an important event which supports this work, providing a valuable contribution to our projects to conserve species and habitats, both here in Hampshire and overseas. We need to adjust our opening times so we can ensure the welfare of both our animals and our dedicated teams around the zoo! As Glow Marwell is an evening event, our trained teams need to be available in the evenings to care for the animals and ensure they are comfortable during a time when things are a little different at the zoo. By opening later, we can ensure our hard-working staff receive sufficient rest breaks so they are not working in excess of their normal working hours. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Can Annual Members enjoy any special benefits for Glow Marwell?

Yes, we’re delighted to be giving our loyal members the chance to book discounted tickets from Monday 3 June in an exclusive pre-sale 4 days before tickets go on sale to the public on Friday 7 June.

We’ll be offering a special member discount on all Glow Marwell event dates, which will be available to book throughout 2024, subject to availability.

Member tickets are priced at £16 for children and £20 per adult.

Only guests, including members, with valid Glow Marwell event tickets are entitled to book to see Father Christmas, on selected dates and subject to availability. Members visiting between 1pm and 4pm are not permitted to book to see Father Christmas unless they have purchased Glow Marwell tickets.

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

 

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.

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell

Glow Marwell Terms & Conditions

We hope you have a wonderful experience at Glow Marwell. There are just a few terms & conditions you need to be aware of before your visit.

For Father Christmas, VR Headset Experience, and Group ticket terms and conditions, please see the relevant tabs on this page.

For Glow Marwell Blue Light Card Ticket Terms & Conditions, keep reading.

Tickets and admission

  • All tickets are valid for the date booked only. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • All guests must prebook tickets to Glow Marwell online ahead of arrival.
  • All children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times whilst in the zoo and during the event.
  • 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 standard child Glow Marwell 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.
  • An admission ticket for this event will need to be purchased for each person who wishes to participate. Under threes and carers are required to book a ticket. Under threes are free and one free carer will be admitted per paying person with accessibility needs. For more information, please see our accessibility statement here
  • Guests will need a valid Annual Membership during the months of November and December 2024 to benefit from discounted members tickets. You will need to show your own valid Annual Membership at the admissions gate upon arrival at Glow Marwell 2024.
  • On arrival, all guests with a valid Glow Marwell ticket will be issued with a coloured wristband (the colour will change each day). Guests will be required to present their wristband at any time throughout the event to a member of Marwell staff. Any guests who cannot show a valid Glow Marwell ticket or present a wristband will be asked to leave the premises. Guests will be asked to hand back wristbands at the exit. Wristbands remain the property of Marwell Zoo.
  • A ticket to Glow Marwell includes free access to the zoo from 1pm until 4pm. Animal buildings, animal areas and our adventure playgrounds will close from 3.30pm.
  • Glow Marwell will start at 4pm, with last entry at 6pm. We advise guests visiting us during the day to return to the main entrance to start the Glow Marwell route. Last entry to the route is 6.30pm.
  • If you would like to see our animals, please visit between 1pm and 4pm or on a non-event day. Animal buildings, animal areas and our adventure playgrounds will close from 3.30pm.
  • Once guests have entered the Glow Marwell Trail there will be no exit/re-entry facility.
  • Our car park is free of charge, please park with courtesy for other guests. Guest use of the car park is at their own risk.
  • Please be aware that due to the volume of guests expected for this event, queuing may be necessary on arrival and leaving so please do factor this in.
  • The zoo will not be open to guests without a valid Glow Marwell booking or valid membership on all Glow Marwell event days.

During the event

  • We ask guests not to bring or wear any torches (including those on mobile phones), light up or flashing clothing or accessories. The lights and colours we are using for Glow Marwell, including the products for sale in our retail outlets, have been specifically designed to ensure the welfare of our animals.
  • Do not cross any safety barriers.
  • No bags to be left unattended under any circumstances.
  • The Glow Marwell trail is a carefully planned one-way route which takes guests in a clockwise direction around the front half of the zoo and must be followed at all times.
  • The route is one way, and you will not be able to turn back.
  • Please be aware that LED lights are used for this event, if you are vulnerable to photosensitivity or photo-epilepsy. Throughout the trail there will be music, lights and special effects that may not be suitable for some people.
  • All activities are subject to availability. Timings may change.
  • Glow Marwell tickets do not include a visit to Father Christmas. These must be purchased directly on our website when booking Glow Marwell tickets.
  • During the event, our standard entry terms & conditions also apply.

Our Members

  • Members will be able to visit the zoo between 1pm and 4pm on all Glow Marwell event days, without pre-booking, from Friday 29 November to Monday 23 December and Friday 27 December to Monday 30 December. The zoo will be open as normal from 10am to 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
  • Any members visiting the zoo without a valid Glow Marwell ticket must leave the zoo by 4pm. Our staff will be carrying out checks and any members without a valid ticket will be asked to leave. You may risk termination of your membership if you deliberately attempt to access the event, without a ticket, after 4pm.
  • Only guests with Glow Marwell tickets and have been issued with a coloured wristband are entitled to remain in the zoo after 4pm so if members would like to stay to enjoy the event, please ensure that you have pre-booked Glow Marwell tickets on our website before your visit.
  • Our members can book discounted tickets from Monday 3 June in an exclusive presale 4 days before public tickets go on sale, on Friday 7 June. Member tickets are priced at £16 for children and £20 per adult.
  • Only guests, including members, with valid Glow Marwell tickets are entitled to book to see Father Christmas, on selected dates and subject to availability. Members visiting between 1pm and 4pm are not permitted to book to see Father Christmas unless they have purchased Glow Marwell tickets.
  • Our usual membership discounts for catering and our gift shop will still apply for Marwell outlets but will not be valid for third party concessions operating during the event.

Glow Marwell Blue Light Card Ticket Terms & Conditions

Standard Glow Marwell Terms & Conditions apply, in addition to:
  • This offer is available until 31st October 2024.
  • Tickets must be purchased via the Blue Light website to receive the discount.
  • Blue Light discounted tickets are valid for a visit Monday to Thursday and excludes Friday, Saturday and Sunday dates.
  • Father Christmas tickets are sold at the standard rate and are not included in the Blue Light discount.
  • Tickets to see Father Christmas must also be pre-booked.
  • There are a limited number of Blue Light Card tickets available each day. If a date is not available, these tickets have sold out for that date.
  • Only Blue Light card holders are permitted to access the booking page to make a booking.
  • Your Blue Light card must be presented at the Marwell Zoo admissions gate to gain entry to the zoo.
  • These tickets cannot be used in conjunction with other ticket offers or discounts.
  • Marwell reserves the right to stop the offer at any time.

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.

An image of two girls roasting marshmallows by a twinkling wall of fairy lights. Text in the middle reads: "Three generations and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience." #Glow Marwell A young child hops along colourful light-up stepping stones. Text in the middle reads "The kids have asked to come back again next year!" #Glow Marwell Children sit on colourful light-up moon-shaped swing chairs. Text int he middle reads: "We were totally blown away, it was amazing." #Glow Marwell A colourful image of Marwell Zoo's gift shop lit up by christmas trees and lights. Text in the middle reads: "We walked round twice as it was so magical." #Glow Marwell