Chester Zoo’s Lanterns & Light returns with new route, animal puppets and adults-only evenings

Chester Zoo’s popular Lanterns & Light trail will return this winter with a redesigned route, spectacular new installations, and a host of new animal puppets.

The festive after-dark experience will run for 42 nights from November 13, 2026 to January,3 2027, transforming the zoo with colourful lights, wildlife-themed displays and interactive entertainment.

This year’s trail will feature an expanded cast of life-sized animal puppets, including parrots, dolphins and a giant polar bear, brought to life by specialist performers.

Visitors can also explore a redesigned route featuring new installations such as the dazzling Suspended Jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy and Floating Feathers.

For the first time, Chester Zoo will host two adults-only evenings, taking place on November 19 and December 8.

The special nights will give grown-ups the chance to enjoy the festive trail, lights and entertainment without children.

Lanterns & Light has become a popular fixture in the region’s festive calendar, with more than 140,000 people visiting last year.

Gemma Wright, head of guest experience at Chester Zoo, said the team had listened to feedback from returning visitors when developing this year’s event.

“There’s something very special about seeing Chester Zoo transformed after dark and we can’t wait to welcome families, friends, and, for the first time, adults looking for a festive night out without the kids.”

Alongside the new attractions, several popular features will return, including the walk-through Cathedral of Light and atmospheric Fire Garden.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in a snowy setting, while marshmallow fire pits, festive food and warming drinks will be available throughout the evening.

A funfair will also be located at the entrance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Lanterns & Light is more than a festive attraction, with money raised through ticket sales helping to support Chester Zoo’s conservation work around the world.

The zoo supports projects protecting threatened wildlife and restoring habitats in more than 20 countries, as well as conservation work involving endangered species at the zoo.

Gemma said: “Every ticket helps support Chester Zoo’s work to prevent extinction – from protecting threatened wildlife in the places where it lives to caring for and breeding endangered species here at the zoo.”

Tickets are priced at:

• Adults: £27.50
• Children: £19.50
• Babies under 12 months: Free

The trail runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

🎟️ Book Chester Zoo Lanterns & Light tickets

With new displays, larger-than-life animal puppets, a redesigned route and the introduction of adults-only evenings, Lanterns & Light promises to bring a different experience to Chester Zoo after dark this winter.