Chester Zoo: Lanterns & Light – The Festive Light Experience
Lanterns & Light transforms Chester Zoo after dark into a glowing winter wonderland of colour, light, and sound. The immersive outdoor experience is more than a trail; it's a journey through the zoo grounds featuring glowing tunnels, interactive puppets, and spectacular installations.
Visitor Information Details
Location Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire
Dates Thursday 13 November 2025 – Friday 2 January 2026 (More dates than ever before)
Times 16:30 – 20:00 (Entry slots available within this window)
Ticket Price Experience the magic from just £12 (Prices vary by date and time slot).
Purpose Every visit supports the zoo’s vital conservation efforts worldwide.
The Illuminated Attractions & Highlights
The 2025 event features new, immersive installations alongside returning favourites, all designed to amaze and delight:
New for 2025
- The Airquarium: A major new immersive installation, this area promises a glowing, underwater-themed experience brought to life with light and colour.
- Bubble Walk: A new walk-through illumination designed to surround you with movement and light.
- Submergence: Another new feature adding to the immersive, vibrant atmosphere.
Returning Favourites
- Glowing Walk-throughs: Drift through the Ribbon Tunnel and gaze at the dazzling Laser Garden and fire gardens.
- Interactive Animal Puppets: Look out for spectacular puppets of zoo animals—including snow leopards, zebras, peacocks, meerkats, and penguins—brought to life by skilled performers.
- Festive Fun: Enjoy joyful fairground rides for all ages and get a chance to wave to Father Christmas along the trail.
- Food and Drink: Savour seasonal street food, warming drinks, and festive treats available along the route.
Essential Visitor Advice
- Special Sessions: Quiet Hours are offered at 4:00 PM on selected dates (15, 21, 22, 27 November and 4 December) to provide a calmer, more accessible experience with limited visitor numbers.
- Tickets: Tickets start at £12. The most popular time slots sell out quickly, so advance booking is highly recommended. Anytime Tickets are also available for maximum flexibility.
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available every night.
- Member Discount: Chester Zoo members receive 10% off their ticket price.
- Weather: The experience is outdoors; visitors should wear appropriate warm and waterproof clothing.
You may also like the following events from Event Guide in United Kingdom:
- This month, 10th November, 04:00 pm, Regent Street Christmas Lights 2025 in London
- This month, 16th November, 11:00 am, Tesco Christmas Market Manchester 2025 in Manchester M20 5NP, United Kingdom
- This Thursday, 27th November, 04:00 pm, Christmas at the Botanics in Edinburgh
