Christmas at Marwell
Visitors can explore the zoo and experience the after-dark Fire and Ice trail, which features illuminations, fire performers, an illuminated ice maze, an interactive Floor is Lava installation, and a fire dragon. The festivities also include a cosy Christmas market outside Marwell Hall, roaming festive characters, a snowball fight zone, and marshmallow toasting over firepits. Families can also take a journey through Santa's Grotto to enjoy storytelling, craft a wish jar or star, and meet Santa.
What to Expect
Festive zoo event featuring the after-dark Fire and Ice illuminations.
Event Details
Duration
Santa’s Grotto is a 45 minute journey. The page recommends allowing at least an hour and a half to enjoy the Fire & Ice evening.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Hampshire countryside
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Marwell Wildlife
Food & Drink
On peak dates, the Christmas Market outside Marwell Hall has food and drink stalls; visitors can also toast marshmallows over firepits.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, immersive and theatrical
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: From £21.95. – Get tickets
- Hours: Daytime Zoo Visit: 10am–4pm; Fire & Ice Evening: 4pm–7.30pm; Santa’s Grotto: a 45 minute journey. On dates listed for the full Zoo, Fire & Ice and Santa experience, entry hours are 10am–7.30pm; Zoo and Fire & Ice dates are also listed as 10am–7.30pm. Daytime-only dates are 10am–4.00pm. Fire & Ice ticket entry starts at 4pm; last entry is 6pm. Christmas Market: 11am–6.45pm on peak dates. Roaming Performers: 10am–3pm on peak dates, for daytime ticket holders only.
- Accessibility: Quiet Sessions on 10 and 17 December offer a calmer, low-sensory visit. Fire & Ice uses LED lights and special effects that may not suit people with photosensitivity.
Tips & Advice
- Book Santa's Grotto early alongside a zoo day or Fire & Ice ticket, because it sells out every year and can't be bought on its own.
- Choose a ticket with daytime entry if seeing the animals matters, since they settle down to rest once the Fire & Ice evening begins.
- Leave torches at home and keep your phone light off, because the Fire & Ice lighting is designed for the safety and welfare of the animals.
- Bring waterproofs and dress warmly, as the event goes ahead in the rain, though the undercover picnic lodges stay open.
- Don't rely on complimentary, gift or third-party tickets, because only tickets prebooked on Marwell's own website are valid on Christmas event days.
Special Events & Promotions
- Quiet Sessions on Thursday 10 and Thursday 17 December: lower music, fewer visitors, slow-fade or static lights, and low-level sound and sensory lighting in the grotto
- Fire & Ice is new this year: an after-dark evening of illuminations, fire, ice and live performance
- Santa's Grotto add-on, booked with a Zoo day or Fire & Ice evening ticket
- Members get free daytime entry if they pre-book. Explorer and Premium Members get discounted grotto and Fire & Ice tickets, and groups of 20 or more get a discount
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we see the animals with a Fire & Ice evening ticket?
No. The animals are settling down to rest by the time Fire & Ice begins. If you want to see them, buy a ticket that includes daytime zoo entry. Animal houses, animal areas and adventure playgrounds close in the afternoon, so arrive early in the day.
Can I book Santa's Grotto on its own?
No. The grotto has to be booked with a Zoo day ticket or a Fire & Ice evening ticket. It's a 45-minute journey. It starts in the Frozen Forest with the Head Elf, then storytelling in the Nordic Forest and making a wish jar or wish star in the Wish Room. It ends with a personal family visit with Santa, and every child gets a gift.
What happens if it rains?
The event goes ahead in the rain, so wrap up warm and bring waterproofs. The undercover picnic lodges will be open.
Can we go round Fire & Ice more than once?
Yes. You can re-enter and repeat the trail as many times as you like during the evening. Follow the clockwise route around the front loop of the zoo. Allow at least an hour and a half. You'll get a wristband, which goes back to the admissions team when you leave.
Where can we eat before Fire & Ice starts?
Café Graze and Keeper's Kitchen serve meals. On peak dates there's a Christmas Market with food and drink outside Marwell Hall. You can also toast marshmallows over the firepits.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.