Making Nannie’s 90th a magical day to remember

For years Nannie took her children and grandchildren to visit Santa at Marwell Zoo, and now as a surprise for her 90th birthday, it was her turn!

Nonagenarian Nannie – aka Liz – from Waterlooville loves Christmas and loves Marwell. So, it was the obvious treat for such a milestone birthday!

Liz McDonald was taken to meet Santa by her granddaughter Siobhan Mason who wanted to reignite all those magical festive memories.

Siobhan said: “My beloved grandma Nannie is an amazing lady with a wonderful playful, inner child-like spirit. She is an avid, lifelong lover of Christmas, and someone who instilled the magic of it into all of her children and grandchildren – taking us to visit Santa at Marwell over many years: I have extremely fond memories of this from when I was a young child, and I’m now nearly 40!

“Thanks to everyone at Marwell Nannie had an absolutely magical time for her 90th birthday in the grotto meeting Santa. Priceless memories made for all of us!”

Nicola Cole, Senior Events Manager at Marwell, added: “We love creating unforgettable moments for families, and it was such a joy to help celebrate Nannie’s 90th in the grotto. Seeing her face light up with Christmas magic reminded us why we do what we do – it’s all about making memories that last a lifetime.”

Marwell’s magical family grotto experience runs until Wednesday 24 December 2025, where visitors journey through a 45-minute experience in historic Marwell Hall, with Christmas storytelling, craft activities and of course, a chance to meet Santa and his Pesky Penguins!

Each ticket also includes free entry to the zoo and visitors have the option to add on Glow Marwell light trail from 5pm to 8pm, running until Saturday 4 January 2026.

For more details, visit the Christmas at Marwell Hall webpage