Lanterns & Light returns to Chester Zoo with adults-only evenings
By Dherran Titherington 28th Sep 2026
This year's winter light trail at Chester Zoo will feature a redesigned route and adults-only evenings.
From 13 November to 3 January 2027, Lanterns & Light will transform the zoo after dark 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 trail has also been redesigned, with new installations including the 'suspended jellyfish' underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy and 'floating feathers'.
Chester Zoo will also host two adults-only evenings for the first time on 19 November and 8 December, giving adults 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: "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."
Visitors can also enjoy marshmallow fire pits, festive food and warming drinks, alongside a funfair at the entrance.
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."
Tickets are available now and are £19.50 for children and £27.50 for adults (babies under 12 months go free).
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