Chester Zoo’s Christmas light trail returns with new animal puppets, new route and adults-only nights

Chester Zoo’s popular winter light trail will return with a redesigned route, new animal puppets and adults-only evenings introduced for the first time.

Lanterns & Light will transform the zoo after dark for 42 nights from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with festive lights, colour and wildlife-themed displays.

New for this year, visitors will encounter parrots, dolphins and a giant polar bear among an expanded cast of life-sized animal puppets, brought to life by specialist performers.

The 2026 trail has also been redesigned, with new installations including the dazzling Suspended Jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy and Floating Feathers.

For the first time, the event will also host two adults-only evenings, on 19 November and 8 December, giving grown-ups the chance to enjoy the trail without children.

Produced by Chester Zoo in partnership with Sony Music and Culture Creative, Lanterns & Light has become a popular fixture in the region’s festive calendar. Last year, more than 140,000 people visited the trail. 

Gemma Wright, Head of Guest Experience at Chester Zoo, said: 

“Lanterns & Light has become a firm favourite with people across the Northwest of England and North Wales, and this year we’ve made some really exciting changes.

“We’ve listened to feedback from those who come back year after year, bringing back some of the installations they love, while adding new animals puppets, more opportunities to interact and a redesigned route to explore. 

“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 additions, much-loved features will return, including the walk-through Cathedral of Light and atmospheric Fire Garden, as well as the chance to meet Father Christmas in a snowy setting.

Visitors can also enjoy marshmallow fire pits, festive food and warming drinks, alongside a funfair at the entrance.

But Lanterns & Light isn’t just about Christmas - every ticket purchased helps fund Chester Zoo’s vital conservation work.

Funds raised from the event help to support projects protecting threatened wildlife and restoring habitats in more than 20 countries around the world.

Gemma added:

“Lanterns & Light is a chance to have a brilliant night out, but it also helps us do something much bigger. 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.

“So, while our visitors are enjoying the lights, puppets and festive atmosphere, they’re helping to give wildlife a brighter future too.”

Tickets are available now, and are £19.50 for children and £27.50 for adults (babies under 12 months go free).

For more details and to book tickets, visit: www.chesterzoo.org/lanterns