Chester Zoo Lanterns & Light

at Chester Zoo All-Day Tickets
Cheshire Available until Sat 3 Jan

Weekday tickets only £12

Valid on weekdays after 18:15

Glow big or glow home - Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo returns bigger and brighter than ever

  • Get ready to watch Chester Zoo transform after dark into a glowing winter wonderland of light, colour and sound
  • Explore the 1.5-mile illuminated journey through the zoo filled with incredible installations & brand-new illuminations
  • Enjoy the North West's must-see festive light experience at Chester Zoo!
  • Wander through brand-new, walkthrough experiences & immersive light installations
  • Interact with puppets, drift through tunnels, gaze at stars & explore the Laser Garden
  • Ride on the fairground or dine on festive food & drink!

Spend Christmas at Chester Zoo & wander through wonder at the Lanterns and Lights Trail

  • Dates: Friday 14th November 2025 - Saturday 3rd January 2026
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages
  • Opening Times: 16:30-20:00
  • Location: Chester Zoo, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1LE
  • Tickets include: Access to Lanterns & Light trail, food vendors, entry to fairground
  • SEN-Friendly Sessions: 15th, 21st, 22nd & 27th November, 4th December. Designed for those who want to experience Lanterns and Light during quieter hours

Enjoy brand-new illuminations and installations with Lanterns & Lights at Chester Zoo

More than just a light trail, Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo is filled with laser beams, kaleidoscope dreams, festive feasts and incredible illuminations. Set in the heart of Cheshire, and just a short journey from Liverpool, Manchester and North Wales, it’s one of the region’s most spectacular festive events!

  • New for 2025: Fresh installations including Airquarium, Bubble Walk, and Submergence, adding even more magic!
  • Light Trail: Explore the 1.5-mile illuminated journey through the zoo 
  • Immersive Illuminations: Walk through glowing ribbons, rainbow arches and bubbles - brand-new installations designed to surround you with colour, movement and light
  • Interactive Animal Puppets: Look out for snow leopards, zebras, peacocks and penguins - created just for Chester Zoo, and bought to life by skilled performers
  • Laser Garden: Enjoy a mesmerising display of lasers and light effects that transform the landscape
  • Ribbon Tunnel & Kaleidoscope Stars: Walk through vibrant, glowing installations that offer truly magical photo opportunities
  • Musical Moments: Chester Zoo have partnered with Sony Music once again to bring you a seasonal light experience that’s more immersive and more interactive than ever
  • Fairground: Finish your festive evening with a trip to the fairground, filled with family-friendly classics and traditional rides
  • Festive Food & Drink: Enjoy seasonal street food, warming drinks, and sweet treats throughout the trail
  • Magical Moments: Capture unforgettable memories with photo opportunities at every turn!

Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished tradition, there’s always something new to discover on this glow trail experience - and every visit supports vital conservation, helping nature thrive, both in Chester and worldwide.

Book Lanterns & Light tickets today and discover Chester Zoo at Christmas! Tickets delivered instantly via email & SMS. 

Location

Chester Zoo

Chester,
Cheshire,
CH2 1LE
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How to find us

By car: 

Chester Zoo is well connected to the motorway and road network.

The main entrance is just off the A41 / Moston Road. The zoo is well signposted when you approach Chester, just look out for the brown tourist signs. Once you get onto the A41, stay on that road until you reach a roundabout with signs for Chester Zoo.

Please note: Do not turn down Flag Lane North as it’s a dead end.

Chester Zoo is:

  • 35 minutes from Liverpool
  • 50 minutes from Manchester
  • 50 minutes from Crewe
  • 1 hour and 40 minutes from Birmingham
  • 2 hours from Nottingham
Facilities
  • Toilets
  • Restaurant
  • Café
  • Food & drink outposts
  • Free and Paid parking
  • Picnic areas
  • Gift shop
More Info
What age is Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo suitable for?

Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo is suitable for everyone! Designed as a family-friendly Christmas event in Cheshire, the light trail features activities and experiences suitable for all ages. 

Is Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the winter light trail at Chester Zoo is wheelchair accessible. 

What are the opening times for Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo?

The opening times for Lanterns and Light 2025 at Chester Zoo are as follows:

  • To make Lanterns and Light as magical as possible, Chester Zoo are offering time tickets giving entry every 15 minutes
  • When you book, you will be able to select your preferred session time, from 4.15pm to 8pm
  • The last entry for Lanterns and Light is 8.15pm and the zoo will close at 9.15pm.
  • 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 and Light so the team 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
How does free entry for carers work at Chester Zoo this Christmas?

Chester zoo 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 the 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 and 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 and Light at Chester Zoo ticket already purchased. 

Which parts of Chester Zoo are open during Lanterns and Light?

Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo has a specific route around the site.

  • Indoor animal habitats will stay closed
  • Animals will be inaccessible during the event
  • Please ensure you stick to the route for your safety and to ensure the wellbeing of animals
Is there food and drink available at Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo?

Yes, Chester Zoo will host a fantastic range of hot and cold food, drinks, seasonal snacks and light bites. 

  • You are welcome to bring your own food with you if you'd prefer to
  • Please note: Do not bring any alcohol. Alcohol is not permitted within the event
What if the weather is bad on the day of my Lanterns and Light booking?

If Chester Zoo have to cancel Lanterns and Light due to extreme weather, you will be informed via email. 

  • Please dress warm and bring waterproof clothes

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