Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo
holiday_light_displays

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Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Twycross Zoo's 'Lanterns of the Wild'. This spectacular event transforms the zoo into an enchanting landscape with a mile-long light trail adorned with over 2,000 illuminated lanterns. Discover glowing animal figures and vibrant displays that bring the after-dark zoo to life. Enjoy festive treats and rides, with special sensory-friendly evenings available for a more relaxed experience.

What to Expect

Mile-long illuminated trail with over 2,000 lanterns.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
  • Parking: Parking is Ā£3.50 per vehicle. Annual Pass Plus and Conservation Members receive free parking but must register their vehicle in advance. Payment can be made in advance or on the day.
  • Accessibility: The lantern trail is step-free and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Accessible toilets are available. SEN evenings offer further sensory adjustments.
  • Pets: No pets allowed (assistance dogs permitted but restricted in some areas)

Other Christmas Events Near Atherstone

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

šŸŽ„ šŸŽ„ šŸŽ„ šŸŽ„ šŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, light display enthusiasts

Vibe

Magical, enchanting, festive

Energy Level

Low to moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

šŸ“· šŸ“· šŸ“· šŸ“· šŸ“· (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low (event proceeds in most weather)

Special Events & Promotions

  • Book tickets in advance to save 10%
  • Special SEN Evenings available
  • Santa Grotto experience available for an additional cost

Tags

holiday light displaysfestive atmospherefamily friendlywinter activitieslight displaysseasonal activitiesinteractive displaysChristmas Villageanimated displayssynchronized lights

Location

Twycross Zoo
Burton Road
Atherstone
CV9 3PX

Event Details

Duration

60-90 minutes

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Twycross Zoo

Food & Drink

Festive food and drink options available along the trail, including hot drinks, seasonal snacks, and warm meals. Costa Coffee also open.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Book tickets in advance, especially for popular dates, as slots can sell out quickly.
  • Dress warmly and wear comfortable, waterproof footwear as the entire trail is outdoors.
  • Consider attending one of the SEN (Special Educational Needs) evenings for a calmer experience with reduced capacity, gentler lights, and sound.
  • Arrive promptly for your booked time slot, as late arrivals may not be admitted.
  • While the trail is illuminated, visiting during daylight hours allows for viewing the zoo's animals, as they are not accessible during the Lanterns of the Wild event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my ticket for Lanterns of the Wild include?

Your ticket includes entry to the mile-long illuminated trail featuring glowing animal lanterns, vibrant habitats, and immersive light displays. Food, drink, and rides are not included and are available for purchase separately.

Will I see animals during Lanterns of the Wild?

No, Lanterns of the Wild is an after-dark event focused on the light trail and does not include access to the zoo animals. For animal viewing, a separate daytime zoo ticket is required.

Is the trail accessible?

Yes, the trail is step-free and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Accessible toilets are available along the route, and SEN evenings offer further sensory adjustments.

What happens if there is bad weather?

The event will proceed in most weather conditions, including rain. In case of severe weather, ticket holders will be notified via email with updates or rescheduling options.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance as popular dates often sell out. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day, but entry cannot be guaranteed without a prior booking.

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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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