Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo
Follow an illuminated walking trail showcasing installations such as suspended glowing jellyfish, fibre optic tunnels, fire gardens, and laser-lit trees. Along the route, visitors can interact with animal puppets brought to life by performers and meet Father Christmas. The event also features fairground rides as well as festive food and drink.
What to Expect
Festive light trail featuring interactive puppets, glowing tunnels, and fire gardens.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (Adult only evenings for 18+)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Chester Zoo
Food & Drink
Festive food, drink and treats are available at the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and festive outings with friends
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: From £12. – Get tickets
- Hours: 4:30pm - 8pm.
Tips & Advice
- Book early because popular time slots may sell out, and advance booking gives you the widest choice of dates and times.
- Choose an Anytime Ticket if you want flexibility to arrive between the first and last entry slots on your chosen date.
- Consider an Anytime Any Date Ticket if you want to choose any date and time slot for your visit.
- Dress warmly for an evening walk along the illuminated trail, as visitors will be outside among the installations.
- Choose a selected adult-only evening for a grown-up outing, remembering these sessions are for guests aged 18 and over.
Special Events & Promotions
- Adult-only evenings on selected dates, for guests 18 and over, with their own tickets.
- New Anytime Any Date Ticket: visit on any date and time slot you like.
- Anytime Tickets let you arrive any time between the first and last entry slot on your chosen date.
- New this year: a new route through the zoo, more interactive puppets and new walk-through installations.
- The Sony Music partnership returns, bringing the trail to life in full sound and colour.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanterns & Light good for children?
Yes. Most evenings are family-friendly, with fairground rides and experiences for all ages. Separate adult-only evenings on selected dates are for guests 18 and over.
What's new this year?
There's a new route through the zoo and more interactive puppets than ever before. New walk-through installations include suspended glowing jellyfish, fibre optic tunnels and floating glistening feathers.
What will we see along the trail?
Look out for the cathedral of light, fire gardens and laser-lit trees. Performers bring the animal puppet characters to life, and you can meet Father Christmas.
What if we can't commit to a time slot?
Get an Anytime Ticket. It lets you arrive any time between the first and last entry slot on your chosen date. The new Anytime Any Date Ticket lets you come on any date and time slot you like.
Does my visit support the zoo?
Yes. Every visit helps fund Chester Zoo's conservation work.
More Christmas Events Near Chester
More Christmas Events near Chester
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.