Elves on the loose at Marwell Zoo

The countdown to Glow Marwell is on and a merry troupe of mischievous elves have been wreaking havoc across the park as the zoo team sets the stage for this year’s magical light event.

From taking the reins in the Chief Executive’s office to leaving their mark on animal habitat windows and gift-wrapping statues, the naughty elves have been keeping everyone at the park on their toes. View the video at the bottom of this page.

Laura Read, Chief Executive of Marwell Wildlife, said: “Everyone tells you not to work with animals and children, but nobody warns you about the elves!

“We’re delighted to be hosting Father Christmas and his elves over the festive period and their cheeky antics have brought endless laughter and festive spirit around the park. 

“Our events team have been working hard to get everything ready for what we’re sure is going to be a great family event and the elves are a huge part of the magic.

“We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working towards when the event goes live at the end of November, and we hope as many people as possible will come to experience Glow Marwell 2024.”

Glow Marwell, the zoo’s festive light event, runs from Friday 29 November to Monday 30 December with a free zoo visit from 1pm.

This year’s event will also feature UV facepainting, an immersive VR headset experience, new sky and sea zones and tasty festive food offerings, including illuminated candyfloss and giant Yorkshire puddings stuffed with turkey and all the trimmings.

Father Christmas will be taking up residence in Marwell Hall and guests will be able to pay a visit to his grotto inside grade 1 listed Marwell Hall on selected dates. Tickets need to be purchased separately for Father Christmas and they are selling fast, so please check availability on Marwell’s website. 

Nicky Cole, Senior Events Manager, said: “It’s great to be welcoming Father Christmas and his elves back to Marwell Hall and I know the elves are excited to be here too.

“I’ve had to apologise to the keepers a couple of times after elves have offered to help but caused more mess than they’ve cleared up, but we know it’s just their playful nature.

“As well as the chaos, the elves bring bundles of festive cheer, and we’re thrilled they’re here to help deliver the magic.”

Alongside the elves causing chaos at the park, Marwell have also announced, Glow Marwell’s Mega Giveaway is back and its bigger than ever! 

Marwell Zoo has teamed up with Lainston House and the Mayflower Theatre to give one lucky family of 2 adults and 3 children the ultimate festive prize bundle worth over £1,000. 

This impressive giveaway includes, Glow Marwell and zoo entry on Saturday 14 December, a magical visit to Father Christmas in Marwell Hall, a VR headset experience at Glow Marwell and dinner is covered with a £50 voucher for Café Graze. 

Plus, end the day with an overnight stay for the family at the beautiful country house hotel, Lainston House, with a delicious breakfast included the next morning.

If that’s not enough, the fun continues into 2025 with tickets to Jack and the Beanstalk at Mayflower Theatre on Thursday 2 January 2025 at 7pm. 

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Marwell Wildlife is a conservation and education charity, dedicated to working for balance in the natural world.