A festive favourite, the “Lanterns and Light” trail has made a welcome return to Chester Zoo.
The conservation charity recently brought back the enchanting attraction at an opening weekend to great applause from its guests.
In the years since it first launched over a decade ago, the illuminated trail has grown in scale, complexity and popularity. For Christmas 2024, the trail is even longer and takes zoo visitors on an exciting odyssey through various vibrant areas where they can encounter a dizzying array of colourful characters in costume and brand-new interactive puppets of some of the most beloved species onsite. These include animals like peacocks, meerkats, snow leopards and red pandas against a backdrop of breath-taking installations like magical fire gardens and glowing cathedral-like tunnels filled with light. There will also be festive funfair rides designed for big and little kids alike.
The opening weekend also featured the presence of Father Christmas himself, who could be viewed toiling over toys for children in his workshop on the trail aided by his faithful elves. A wide selection of food and drinks stalls are stationed along the route, featuring a brand-new seasonal menu so trailblazers can fuel up.
Sales from the light trail will support the zoo’s tireless efforts helping to protect animals at risk of extinction all over the planet. The Lanterns and Light Trail will be open on selected evenings between 4.15 pm and 8 pm up until New Year’s Day. Tickets are available starting at £12.
