Lanterns & Light 2026
Discover the wonders that await you at Lanterns & Light
From glowing tunnels and interactive puppets to joyful rides, festive treats and unforgettable memories.
Experience the magic
Our partnership with Sony Music returns this year, so expect another larger-than-life experience, in full sound and colour. Whether you’re skipping through a twinkling tunnel, interacting with playful puppets, or enjoying the warmth of a hot chocolate in your hands, you’re in for an unmissable treat.
- Immersive walk-through illuminations
Walk through suspended glowing jellyfish, fibre optic tunnels and floating glistening feathers - new installations designed to surround you with colour, movement and light.
- Magical moments made to share
Capture unforgettable memories with photo opportunities at every turn, and enjoy fairground rides, festive food and joyful experiences for all ages.
- And that’s just the beginning...
Look out for the cathedral of light, fire gardens, laser-lit trees and plenty more surprises as you follow this enchanted light trail.
Interactive animal puppets
Look out for brand new animal puppets and old favourites returning - created just for Chester Zoo and brought to life by skilled performers.
Families from across Cheshire, Liverpool, Manchester and beyond return year after year to experience Chester Zoo’s magical Christmas light trail.
Just a short journey to the magic
Getting to Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo is easy, wherever you're coming from.
We’re just a few miles from Chester and Bache train stations, with great transport links from across the region. If you’re arriving by car, we’re close to the M56 and Chester city centre, with free on-site parking available every night.
- 35 minutes from Liverpool
- 50 minutes from Manchester
- 50 minutes from Crewe
- 1 hour 40 minutes from Birmingham
From sketch to spotlight: The making of our Lanterns & Light puppets
Go behind the scenes to see how our snow leopard puppets were imagined, designed and brought to glowing life for Lanterns & Light.
From early sketches and sculpted faces to handcrafted fur and hidden lights, discover the creativity and teamwork that turn an idea on paper into something truly magical on the trail.
Can’t decide on a day or time slot?
Our Anytime Tickets are here to make things easy.
With an Anytime Ticket, you can arrive whenever it suits you - any time between the first and last entry slot on your chosen date.
No rush, no pressure, just the freedom to enjoy Lanterns & Light at your own pace.
Whether you’re coming straight from school, meeting friends for a festive evening, or just want a little flexibility, an Anytime Ticket gives you the freedom to plan your night your way.
If you want even more freedom, our new Anytime Any Date Ticket allows you to visit Lanterns & Light on any date and time slot you like.
Quiet hour at Lanterns & Light
On selected dates, we’re offering a quiet hour at 4pm - designed to create a calmer, more accessible experience for those who prefer a quieter visit.
Visitor numbers will be limited during this time to support a more relaxed environment across the trail.
Frequently asked questions
We are currently working on something magical for Lanterns & Light 2026. Tickets aren't on sale just yet, but check back soon to be the first to know when they go on sale.
