Lanterns and Lights Trail at Chester Zoo Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Kim Bickerdike
The Lanterns and Lights trail has returned to Chester Zoo for 2023 and this year claims to be bigger and better than ever before. Lanterns and Lights will take place on various dates between the 17th November 2023 and 31st December 2023. The trail starts as soon as you enter the zoo and guests are immediately greeted by sparkling trees and larger than life, illuminated elephants. These puppets are interactive, and the puppeteers were great in ensuring all children got their turn to stroke and engage with the elephants.
As the trail continues, you are led through the dark zoo, but each path is well lit and around each corner there is another spectacular light display waiting for you, from dolphins leaping through the water, birds flying through the trees and a huge 3D projection of a woolly mammoth. This is sure to capture the imagination of any children within the guest party.
A highlight for me was the flickering fire garden. This attraction was accompanied by classical Christmas themed music that really created an enchanting atmosphere. Immediately after leaving the garden, you arrive in a festive village, which is great a place to stop, with plenty of food options catering to all dietary requirements. This is a great place to refuel with a meal and a hot chocolate or mulled wine before continuing with the trail. There are also a couple of fairground rides aimed at younger visitors.
The second half of the trail was the most magical! As soon as you leave the festive village, you enter the sparkling forest of light which is animated to music. The whole trail is pram and wheelchair friendly, but this section is particularly good as the entire forest, from the floor all the way to the treetops, is lit with brightly coloured, dancing lights. To add to the spectacle, there are some amazing ultraviolet, illuminated animal statues, which emit an ethereal glow, as well as puppets to see and interact with during this section.
It’s time for another stop as you leave the forest and enter the toasting marshmallow station. Grab your chosen flavour of marshmallow and gather round the firepits to toast them. This is also a great place to warm your hands on a cold winter night and makes a fun and unique addition to the trail.
The next light display, the towering winter cathedral, really has the wow factor and is the perfect place to stop, admire the thousands of twinkling lights and take plenty of photos to remember this special night.
Overall, the Lanterns and Lights trail is a magical and memorable way to celebrate the festive season. It is aimed at families with younger children but can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Please check the weather before you set off as there aren’t many places to hide from the elements, so weather appropriate clothing is advised.
Tickets start from £12 and are available here Lanterns and Light | Chester Zoo
https://www.chesterzoo.org/news/our-magical-christmas-event-returns
Rating: 4.5