Chester Zoo to host “biggest and brightest” Christmas event ever

Chester Zoo is set to sparkle like never before for Christmas 2023.

Plans are underway for what Chester Zoo says will be its “biggest and brightest” winter event ever. 

Chester Zoo is partnering with music giants Sony Music / RGL and Culture Creative, the team behind popular worldwide events such as ‘Christmas at Kew Gardens, Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Dark Spectrum and numerous other seasonal light trails, attracting over 10m attendees. 

Together they will bring, for the very first time, an all-new light trail; Lanterns and Light, with never seen before installations.

Among the many new additions will be a 15m-long 3D mammoth hologram, which will be making its UK debut, illuminated dolphins emerging from waterways, a walkway of gigantic pea lit animals and an impressive fire garden.

Organisers say it will combine elements from the zoo’s long-running wintertime event, The Lanterns, which has been a festive staple at the zoo for the last 12 years, with a host of “extraordinary” new features.

Dominic Strange, Chester Zoo’s Commercial Director, said:

“Everyone knows what a special place the zoo is by day. But this winter, by night, our new Lanterns and Light event will transform it into a spectacular, truly unique festive light trail that’ll be like no other.

“Building on the tremendous success of our previous annual winter evening event, The Lanterns, we’ve partnered with Sony Music and Culture Creative to create an extraordinary festive experience that promises to be bigger, better, and brighter than ever before.

“This will be a delightful fusion of the nostalgic and the new. While still honouring all of the charm and many old favourites from times gone by, such as our interactive puppets, animal lanterns and, of course, Father Christmas. Our fresh new look, and all of the many new elements we’re adding, will make Lanterns and Light an experience that truly is beyond compare. We can’t wait to share it with our visitors.

“Most importantly of all though, Lanterns and Light will not only give families the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas and create cherished memories, it’ll also support our charitable efforts to protect some of the world’s most threatened species.” 

The special event will run throughout evenings in November and December. Ticket sales from the event will support the zoo’s crucial charitable efforts to help nature to survive and thrive.

Jonathan Marks, Chief Development Director, Sony Music / RGL, added:

“The launch of Lanterns and Light has not only been an exciting opportunity for our partners at Chester Zoo and Culture Creative but also for Sony Music UK. 

“Supersizing Chester Zoo’s much-loved traditional Lanterns event into an entire winter kingdom of world leading light installations and beautifully selected soundscapes to echo the surroundings, has added an exciting new offering for attendees. We look forward to welcoming and wowing guests to Lanterns and Light this winter.”

You can get more info and book tickets here.

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