Lanterns and Light

The North West’s must-see festive light experience returns for 2025 - with more dates than ever before, and even more magic to discover.

This winter, Chester Zoo will once again transform after dark into a glowing world of light, colour and sound. From immersive trails and walk-through installations to festive food, interactive puppets and joyful fairground rides, Lanterns and Light offers unforgettable memories for all ages. Chester Zoo has partnered once again with Sony Music to create a more immersive, more interactive and more unforgettable experience than ever before. Expect:

• Immersive walk-throughs 
• Magical moments to share 
• Interactive animal puppets 
• New installations – including a spectacular Bubble Walk

 And that’s just the beginning. Look out for suspended kaleido stars, glowing fire gardens, laser-lit trees, and more surprises along the trail. Highlights of the experience:

• New walk-through experiences 
• Interactive animal puppets 
• Immersive light installations 
• Festive food and drink 
• Fairground rides for all ages 
• Magical moments to share

From glowing tunnels and puppet encounters to seasonal treats and dazzling visuals - every turn reveals something new. Getting there Chester Zoo is easily accessible, with free on-site parking every evening.

• 35 minutes from Liverpool 
• 50 minutes from Manchester or Crewe 
• 1 hour 40 minutes from Birmingham 
• Close to Chester and Bache train stations, with great regional links.

Quiet hour 

On selected dates, visitors can enjoy a quieter experience during a special 4pm entry slot. Numbers are limited to create a calmer, more accessible visit across the trail. Quiet hour available on: 15, 21, 22 & 27 November and 4 December