Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo
Visitors journey through an illuminated outdoor trail featuring thousands of handcrafted lanterns that transform the zoo after dark. The route passes through glowing jungles, frozen forests, volcanic landscapes, and underwater worlds, winding through areas such as The Gruffalo Discovery Land. Festive food, drinks, and fairground rides are also available along the way.
What to Expect
Features over a mile of dazzling light and handcrafted animal lanterns.
Event Details
Duration
The trail takes around 60–90 minutes to complete, depending on pace and stops.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Twycross Zoo
Food & Drink
Festive food and drink are available along the trail, including hot drinks, seasonal snacks and warm meals; Costa Coffee in the Himalaya Centre is also open.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of illuminated trails
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Standard tickets: adults from £19.00; children from £13.75. Family bundle: adults from £32.00; children from £26.75. VIP experience: adults from £46.00; children from £39.00. The family bundle includes a daytime zoo ticket with 12 months of free return visits. VIP includes anytime entry and fast track, an exclusive VIP area, light wands for kids, marshmallows for everyone, a VIP lanyard and premium parking. Food, drink and rides are not included in the standard ticket; rides cost extra. Essential carers can enter free with a paying guest on SEN evenings. Zoo Plus and Annual Pass Plus holders get 20% off tickets. – Get tickets
- Hours: The lantern trail opens at 4:30pm. Last entry varies by night, with latest entry at 8:00pm; the event closes 90 minutes after last entry.
- Parking: Parking is £4 per vehicle. Annual Pass Plus and Conservation Members receive free parking but must register their vehicle in advance; payment is also available on the day. The VIP experience includes premium parking.
- Accessibility: The trail is step-free and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with accessible toilets available along the route.
Tips & Advice
- Book online in advance, because popular dates may sell out and only a limited number of tickets may be available on the day.
- Arrive promptly for the timeslot on your ticket. Entry is only valid for that slot, and late arrivals may not be admitted.
- Wear warm, waterproof clothing and comfy footwear. The trail is outdoors, gets chilly in winter and goes ahead in most weather, including rain.
- Leave scooters, bikes and balance bikes at home, because they aren't allowed anywhere onsite. Have your booking QR code ready for scanning.
- If you're also booking the Grotto, leave a clear gap between your Lanterns trail time and your Grotto slot so you arrive relaxed.
Special Events & Promotions
- SEN-Friendly Evenings, new this season, on November 26, December 10, January 15 and February 7. Expect fewer people, static lights, lower music and quiet zones, and essential carers go free.
- All-new route for 2026, bigger and brighter than before.
- VIP experience (separate ticket): anytime entry and fast track, an exclusive VIP area, light wands for kids, marshmallows for everyone, a VIP lanyard and premium parking.
- Family bundle: a daytime zoo ticket with 12 months of free return visits, plus Lanterns of the Wild that evening.
- Zoo Plus and Annual Pass Plus holders get 20% off Lanterns tickets when they log in to their account to book.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we see the zoo animals during Lanterns of the Wild?
No. The evening trail doesn't include the zoo animals. To see them, book a daytime zoo ticket and stay on for the lanterns. The family bundle combines both.
What food and drink is there?
There's festive food and drink along the trail, including hot drinks, seasonal snacks and warm meals. Costa Coffee in the Himalaya Centre is open too. Food and drink aren't included in the ticket.
Are the fairground rides included?
No, the rides cost extra. Buy ride tokens on the day at the festive fairground near the main entrance.
How long should we allow for the trail?
The trail is about 1.5km long. It takes around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace and stops.
Can we see Santa on the same visit?
Yes, but the Grotto needs its own ticket. It's inside the Himalaya Centre. Children walk through a Christmas lantern display, write a letter to Santa, make a decoration and then meet him. Every paid child ticket includes a plush gift.
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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.