Illustration of neighbours admiring a cottage yard full of lit snowmen and candy canes (Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo)
Christmas Lights

Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo

Follow an illuminated walking trail showcasing installations such as suspended glowing jellyfish, fibre optic tunnels, fire gardens, and laser-lit trees. Along the route, visitors can interact with animal puppets brought to life by performers and meet Father Christmas. The event also features fairground rides as well as festive food and drink.

Nov 12, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027 From £12.

Website / Tickets

Browse Christmas in Chester

Illustration of knitted snowman friends in red sweaters and hats holding mugs of cocoa near a fireplace and small tree Parties46 events Illustration of a small red house and a snowman in a red scarf among snowy trees with glowing warm string lights at dusk Lights5 events Illustration of a Christmas market stall with ornaments, wooden toys and a smiling vendor Markets7 events Illustration of a performer taking a bow under a spotlight between velvet curtains as the audience claps Shows14 events Illustration of a snowy town square with a lit Christmas tree, families in scarves and a snowman Unique & Unusual37 events MapNearby

Plan Your Visit

Hours

4:30pm - 8pm.

Ages

All ages (Adult only evenings for 18+)

Food & Drink

Festive food, drink and treats are available at the event.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and festive outings with friends

Vibe

Magical and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book early because popular time slots may sell out, and advance booking gives you the widest choice of dates and times.
  • Choose an Anytime Ticket if you want flexibility to arrive between the first and last entry slots on your chosen date.
  • Consider an Anytime Any Date Ticket if you want to choose any date and time slot for your visit.
  • Dress warmly for an evening walk along the illuminated trail, as visitors will be outside among the installations.
  • Choose a selected adult-only evening for a grown-up outing, remembering these sessions are for guests aged 18 and over.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Adult-only evenings on selected dates, for guests 18 and over, with their own tickets.
  • New Anytime Any Date Ticket: visit on any date and time slot you like.
  • Anytime Tickets let you arrive any time between the first and last entry slot on your chosen date.
  • New this year: a new route through the zoo, more interactive puppets and new walk-through installations.
  • The Sony Music partnership returns, bringing the trail to life in full sound and colour.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lanterns & Light good for children?

Yes. Most evenings are family-friendly, with fairground rides and experiences for all ages. Separate adult-only evenings on selected dates are for guests 18 and over.

What's new this year?

There's a new route through the zoo and more interactive puppets than ever before. New walk-through installations include suspended glowing jellyfish, fibre optic tunnels and floating glistening feathers.

What will we see along the trail?

Look out for the cathedral of light, fire gardens and laser-lit trees. Performers bring the animal puppet characters to life, and you can meet Father Christmas.

What if we can't commit to a time slot?

Get an Anytime Ticket. It lets you arrive any time between the first and last entry slot on your chosen date. The new Anytime Any Date Ticket lets you come on any date and time slot you like.

Does my visit support the zoo?

Yes. Every visit helps fund Chester Zoo's conservation work.

View More FAQs

Featured Video

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.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: