Chester Zoo has got us in the Christmas mood as a raft of new additions have joined its much-loved Lanterns and Light spectacle. Chester Zoo has teamed up again with entertainment giants Sony Music to deliver this year’s festive light trail.
The trail promises to be even longer and more exciting than last year… Organisers say visitors will journey through a number of distinct and vibrant lands where they’ll encounter an exciting line-up of costumed characters and new animal puppets including meerkats, peacocks, red pandas and snow leopards.
An incredible new soundscape will add to the immersion, with animal lanterns, decorating the route of the stunning light trail. The event will see the return of ‘selfie favourites‘ such as glowing cathedral tunnels of light, while a whole new festive menu will be on offer at bustling food and drink markets stationed in various locations within the zoo.
New installations for 2025 include the Airquarium, Bubble Walk and Submergence, fairground rides, glowing ribbons, rainbow arches and bubbles.
Heidi Budden, Marketing Manager, said: “This Christmas our zoo will be transformed into a magical winter land and our new dazzling displays will light up the sky each night throughout the festive season. For the first time, the celebrations will continue on until New Year’s Day.
“We’ve made the light trail even longer and packed it with exciting new elements. There’ll be more animal lanterns than ever before and never-before-seen interactive puppets including energetic meerkats, colourful peacocks and playful snow leopards – all joined by many of the family favourites from years gone by that people have grown to love.
“Returning for 2025 will be our illuminating sea of light, synchronised to an incredible soundscape of festive songs. It also wouldn’t be Christmas without greeting the big man himself, Father Christmas, as he works away in his workshop with his elves as they make all of the presents!
“Not only will friends and families make lasting memories together at Lanterns and Light, in purchasing a ticket they’ll also be helping to support our charitable, global conservation efforts. It’s a wonderful evening that plays a part in helping wildlife to thrive, and that’s really special.”
When will Lanterns and Light begin?
The magical light trail at Chester Zoo will open from November 14, going all the way through to January 3 for the first time. The event will run on selected evenings throughout November and December and until the very beginning of January to help ring in the New Year.
How to get tickets for Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo
Ticket sales will help to support the conservation zoo in its efforts to protect some of the planet’s most threatened species. You can find tickets for Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo here.