Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo

Kick-start your Christmas countdown at Chester Zoo and explore a magical festive wonderland that is bigger, better and brighter than ever. Chester Zoo and Sony Music present a light and sound experience that will surround you in festive magic. Give your family precious memories they’ll never forget; encounter new fantastical and colourful worlds, full of animal-inspired illuminations and traditional festive scenes that will leave you with a warm-fuzzy-feeling inside.

This year, get ready to discover a winter trail that promises to be better than ever. The reimagined winter trail is even longer, filled with brand new animal puppets and for the first time ever the trail will be open on New Year’s Day.

Set off on a magical evening of discovery where you will explore new captivating light installations and be transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity, where you can meet orangutans, lions, dolphins and woolly mammoths. Your evening will take you on a journey through new worlds that will have your imagination running wild.

Every ticket purchased will help with Chester Zoo's survival and ultimately their mission of preventing extinction.

Book via the 'Tickets' button above and create family memories that will last a lifetime.

Prices start from £18 Adult, £12 Child (children under 12 months and carers FREE), carers will need to take proof of entitlement which can be a PIP Letter or Blue Badge.

There will be Quiet Hours on certain days where capacity will be reduced for guests who need a quieter environment to enjoy the event with time slots at 4 pm.

Timed tickets give entry every 15 minutes from 4.15 pm to 8 pm with the last entry for The Lanterns at 8.15 pm and the zoo closes at 9.15 pm. The journey around the zoo takes approximately 60 minutes and there are lots of lovely festive feasts for you to enjoy as you travel around.

When you book online you’ll receive an email with your booking confirmation attached which you'll need to take with you on the night of your visit to get entry to the zoo.

There is ample FREE parking at the main entrance to the zoo.

Feel free to take loads of great pictures and share them on social media using #TheLanternsatCZ