Tickets are now on sale for Knowsley Safari’s Enchanted event, which returns this Christmas with a brand-new wildlife-inspired light trail and immersive festive experiences.
Running from 20 November to 23 December 2026, Enchanted will transform the safari after dark with illuminated installations, a Winter Village, specially composed music and a chance to meet Santa.
This year’s completely reimagined trail takes inspiration from Knowsley Safari’s natural surroundings and wildlife, promising bigger installations, bespoke designs and an original soundtrack created especially for the event.
From 4pm, visitors will begin their festive adventure beneath a huge illuminated moon before making their way through trees covered in thousands of twinkling lights.
Glowing tiger paw prints will guide guests towards the Tiger Trail, which will be transformed into an illuminated forest for the occasion.
While Knowsley Safari’s Amur tigers Yuki, Akira and Makari can normally be spotted here during the day, Enchanted visitors will instead be challenged to look out for glowing tiger eyes hidden along the trail after dark.
The experience continues with a giant insect hotel featuring enormous bees and dragonflies before visitors enter a colourful display of shimmering disco balls, colour-changing light arches and spectacular chandeliers standing six metres high.
Nature remains at the heart of Enchanted for 2026, with festoon-lit rhododendrons and a huge Christmas tree decorated with lights and baubles providing a festive photo opportunity for families.
Visitors will also be able to spend time in the Winter Village, where The Bus Yard will be serving seasonal food and drinks.
The menu will include loaded Yorkshire pudding wraps, churros, candyfloss and festive hot chocolate alongside seasonal cocktails and the return of the popular marshmallow-toasting experience.
Anyone booking Enchanted tickets before 1 November will receive marshmallow-toasting tickets free of charge.
Santa will also return to Knowsley Safari this Christmas with an enhanced festive grotto.
Guests who pre-book the experience will be welcomed by Santa’s elves before meeting Father Christmas himself as part of a separate festive encounter.
Knowsley Safari’s rides and amusements will also be illuminated and open during Enchanted, adding to the entertainment available throughout the evening.
A dedicated SEN-friendly Enchanted evening will take place on Wednesday 9 December.
The event has been designed to provide a more comfortable experience for neurodivergent visitors and guests with disabilities, with reduced capacity alongside softer sound and lighting effects.
Rides will not operate during the SEN-friendly evening to help create a calmer environment.
Head of Marketing & Sales at Knowsley Safari, Helena Berry, says:
“We are so excited about this year’s new Enchanted experience. The design is true to the Safari’s values of putting nature and wildlife at the heart of everything we do. We’ve successfully blended natural landscapes, iconic wildlife, conservation – and of course, family entertainment.
“Enchanted is an opportunity for families and friends to slow down and spend real time together, where young and old alike share the same wonder, and where everlasting memories will be made.”
Enchanted runs from 4pm until 9pm from 20 November to 23 December 2026 inclusive.
Tickets start from £9.95 per person, with additional charges applying for rides, amusements and marshmallow toasting. Visitors booking before 1 November will receive free marshmallow-toasting tickets.
Tickets for Santa’s Grotto start from £21.50.
For more information and to book, visit the Knowsley Safari website.
