Chester Zoo’s popular Lanterns & Light winter trail is returning for Christmas 2026 with a redesigned route, new animal puppets and adults-only evenings for the first time.
The festive event will transform Chester Zoo after dark for 42 nights between November 13, 2026 and January 3, 2027, filling the attraction with lights, colour and wildlife-inspired displays.
Among the new additions for 2026 will be parrots, dolphins and a giant polar bear, joining an expanded collection of life-sized animal puppets brought to life by specialist performers.
Visitors will also be able to explore a redesigned trail featuring new installations including the Suspended Jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy and Floating Feathers.
For the first time, Chester Zoo will also stage two adults-only Lanterns & Light evenings.
Taking place on November 19 and December 8, the special nights will give adults the opportunity to experience the festive trail without children.
Produced by Chester Zoo in partnership with Sony Music and Culture Creative, Lanterns & Light has become one of the region’s biggest festive attractions, welcoming more than 140,000 visitors last year.
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 animal 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.”
Popular features from previous years will also return, including the walk-through Cathedral of Light and atmospheric Fire Garden.
Families will have the chance to meet Father Christmas in a snowy setting, while marshmallow fire pits, festive food, warming drinks and a funfair will also form part of the experience.
Money raised through Lanterns & Light supports Chester Zoo’s conservation work, including projects protecting threatened wildlife and restoring habitats in more than 20 countries.
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 on sale now here, priced at £19.50 for children and £27.50 for adults, while babies under 12 months can attend free.
