Family Friendly |
Christmas |
Light Trails |
Christmas in Chester
Lanterns and Light
Lanterns and Light
Think you’ve seen it all before? Think again. Our 2026 Lanterns & Light winter trail promises to be the best yet. Tickets available now.
No visit to Chester Zoo is ever the same – including Lanterns & Light. Whether it’s the first or fifth visit, you’ll have an evening like no other.
This isn’t just about the colours, lights and sounds. Or even the illuminated animal puppets. Lanterns & Light is an immersive winter wonderland designed to amaze you every step of the way.
Step into a world of wonder where you'll meet brand-new puppets, along with some returning favourites. Follow the glow through new mesmerising light installations – wander through a fibre optic tunnel, look up to a stunning pea-lit canopy, and discover suspended jellyfish and floating feathers.
We’re also hosting exclusive adult-only nights this year, perfect for a magical date night or a festive evening with friends. This is a time for joy, laughter and togetherness. It’s the excited anticipation of what lies ahead. It’s the faces lighting up, in more ways than one.
Connect with your loved ones through shared wonder this Christmas. Let our lights guide the way as you meet our playful puppets and soak up the atmosphere of our enchanting soundscape.
You’ll find us in Cheshire, within easy reach of Liverpool, Manchester and North Wales. Tickets are on sale soon, with a new student ticket available, so register your interest today and get ready for an evening of wonder. Where magical lights bring winter nights to life.
And don’t forget every visit supports vital conservation, helping nature thrive here in Chester and worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
- How can I book my ticket to Lanterns & Light?
Lanterns & Light 2026 tickets are now available. Book early before the most popular slots sell out. Book your Lanterns & Light tickets here.
- What dates are available?
Lanterns & Light 2026 runs from 13 November to 3 January.
- What are the opening and closing times for this event?
To make Lanterns & Light as magical as possible we’re offering timed tickets giving entry every 15 minutes.
When you book you will be able to select your preferred session time, from 4:15pm to 8pm (times vary depending on your chosen date). The last entry for Lanterns & Light is 15 minutes after the final time slot each day, and the zoo will close 75 minutes after the final time slot each day.
If you’re visiting the zoo during the day you’ll need to go back to the main entrance at 3.30pm when the zoo closes and wait for your arrival time for Lanterns & Light so we recommend booking an earlier session time to avoid having to wait around. Please ensure you have bought a separate zoo admission ticket, or you have a valid member’s card if you want to visit during the day.
- Is Lanterns & Light suitable for children?
Yes. Lanterns & Light is a family-friendly Christmas event designed for all ages. The route is pushchair accessible, making it easy for little ones to enjoy the magic too.
- What is Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo?
Lanterns & Light is bigger, better and brighter than ever before! We'll have brand new captivating light installations, with all the magic of our beloved lanterns and puppets.
The journey around the zoo takes around 60 - 90 minutes and there are lots of lovely festive feasts for you to enjoy as you travel around.
- How much are tickets for Lanterns & Light?
Tickets start from just £12, depending on the day that you choose to visit.
Carers come free but please remember to book them a ticket. Please note, we do not accept blue badge as proof of care.
Children under the age of 1 years old come free. Children between the ages of 1 and 2 years old are £2.50 each.
- How does free entry for carers work?
We offer a free carer ticket for guests who require it, when booked with a full price adult or child ticket. You may be asked to produce documentation when you arrive at our admission lanes. This can be:
We offer a free carer ticket for guests who require it, when booked with a full price adult or child ticket. You may be asked to produce documentation when you arrive at our admission lanes. This can be:
Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16
Personal Independent payments for those aged 16-64
Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award
Carers must arrive and leave Lanterns & Light with the qualifying visitor and must be able to perform all requirements as needed, including assistance during an evacuation or other emergency. People attending on a carer ticket must be attending with a qualifying visitor who has a valid Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo ticket already purchased.
- How will I receive my tickets for Lanterns & Light?
If you book online then you’ll receive an email from us with your booking confirmation attached. Bring this booking confirmation with you on the night of your visit to get entry to the zoo.
- I’m a member, do I get discounted tickets for Lanterns & Light?
Yes, Chester Zoo members get a discount on Lanterns & Light tickets. Members do not need to log in or provide a discount code to receive their member discount. Simply select member tickets when booking Lanterns & Light, and these ticket types have a discount automatically applied. If you have purchased member tickets for Lanterns & Light, each attendee will need to present a valid membership card on the date of your visit.
Become a member to enjoy an exclusive discount on Lanterns & Light tickets, plus unlimited entry to the zoo and lots of other benefits.- What are the parking arrangements?
There is ample FREE parking at the main entrance to the zoo.
- Which parts of the zoo will be open?
Lanterns & Light follows a specific route around the zoo and our indoor animal habitats will stay closed. You won’t be able to see any of our animals during the event. Please ensure that you stick to the route for your safety and to ensure the wellbeing of animals.
- What if the weather is really bad?
Wrap up warm and bring your waterproof clothes and we’re sure you’ll still have a wonderful time and make precious, lasting memories.
If we have very extreme weather, we may need to cancel the event or close certain elements of the trail.
If we need to cancel the event completely or delay opening, we’ll be sure to be in touch with you by email. You can find out more about this in our terms and conditions.
- Can I bring my own food?
We’ll have lots of delicious food and drink options available to buy on the night but you are more than welcome to bring your own if you would prefer to.
We just ask that you don’t bring any alcohol to the zoo with you.
- What is the best way to get to Chester Zoo?
You can find all the directions and options for getting to the zoo here.
- Will there be strobe lighting at Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo?
There will be lighting sequences created within the lighting design that will have some flashing lights contained within them, however, these will not be strobe lighting. We have worked to guidelines on photosensitive epilepsy and will adhere to the industry standard of synchronising effects and locking the sequences to ensure that lights do not operate at more than 4 flashes per second.
- Can i stay nearby?
Yes you can stay onsite in one of the new Lodges at the Reserve