Magic of Christmas
Visitors can experience a festive atmosphere across the zoo with seasonal activities, including Santa's Present Trail, letter posting at Santa's Post Office, and music and dancing during the Wild Vibe Crew party and parade. Guests can stop by to see reindeer at their stables, explore themed activity boxes at The Exploratorium, or ride the Christmas Express road train. Optional activities include holiday crafting at the Elves' Workshop and visiting Santa through a woodland walkthrough experience.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free for Zoo Members with valid membership; non-members are advised to book online in advance for the best price on admission, but no admission price is stated. Additional charges apply for the Elves’ Workshop and Face Painting Station.
Hours
Santa’s Present Trail: 9:30AM – Zoo close; Santa’ Post Office: 9:30AM – 4:30PM; Elves’ Workshop: 10:30AM – 3:30PM; Wild Vibe Crew: 10:30AM, 1:00PM & 3:00PM; Wild Vibe Crew Parade: 11:30AM & 2:00PM; Christmas Express: 10:30AM – 3:30PM; Reindeer Stable: 11:00am until 3:00pm; Face Painting Station and The Exploratorium: 11:00am until 3:30pm.
Food & Drink
Visitors taking the optional Santa Experience can enjoy a treat at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen.
Parking
Free car parking is available; disabled spaces are close to the entrance and require a displayed blue badge.
Accessibility
Disabled car parking spaces are available close to the zoo entrance for Blue Badge holders.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book zoo admission online in advance if you are not a member; members should bring valid membership for free entry.
- Book the separate Santa Experience if you want the woodland walkthrough, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen stop and Santa visit; it is available only on event days.
- Bring a letter for Santa’s Post Office, which is located outside Penguini’s Restaurant.
- Budget for extra charges if you plan to visit the Elves’ Workshop, ride the Christmas Express or use face painting.
- Allow a full day for the zoo and arrive close to opening; the zoo recommends this for visits.
Special Events & Promotions
- Zoo Members get free entry with valid membership.
- Non-members are advised to book online in advance for the best admission price.
- Find the presents around the zoo for a chance to win a prize.
- The Elves’ Workshop and Face Painting Station have additional charges.
- Children can book the separately ticketed Santa Experience on Magic of Christmas days only.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can children do during Magic of Christmas?
Children can search for presents on Santa’s Present Trail, post a letter to Santa, join festive music and dancing, visit the reindeer, and explore themed activity boxes. The Santa Experience is a separate option on event days.
Should I book zoo admission in advance?
Non-members are advised to book online in advance. Zoo members can enter free with valid membership and can turn up with their membership.
Which activities have an additional charge?
The Elves’ Workshop, Christmas Express road train, Santa Experience and face painting have additional charges.
What is included in the Santa Experience?
The ticketed experience includes a woodland walkthrough, a stop at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen for a treat, music from Santa’s reindeer, a Christmas village visit, and a Jabari the African lion soft toy.
How do I get to the zoo, and what parking is available?
The zoo is south of Colchester, reached from the A12 via the A1124 exit and Stanway Western Bypass. Free parking is available, including disabled spaces near the entrance; blue badges must be displayed to use the disabled parking area.
Browse Christmas in Colchester
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.