We may still be just a little under six months away from Christmas, but it is never too early to start planning, right?
Chester Zoo has today unveiled its plans for its ‘biggest and brightest’ Christmas event to date and it sounds like it will be a must-visit for many families. Alongside a number of seasonal surprises and treats, the zoo will be decked out with a stunning Lanterns and Light trail with never-seen-before installations.
The special event will run throughout evenings in November and December and will feature, amongst others, a 15m-long 3D mammoth hologram, illuminated dolphins emerging from waterways, a walkway of gigantic pea lit animals and an impressive fire garden.
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The event is being held in partnership with music giants Sony Music / RGL, as well as Culture Creative, who have been behind popular worldwide events such as Christmas at Kew Gardens, Christmas at Blenheim Palace and Dark Spectrum.
Chester Zoo says the trail will combine elements from its long-running wintertime event, The Lanterns, which has been a popular attraction for the last 12 years. Ticket sales from the event will support the zoo’s crucial charitable efforts to help nature to survive and thrive.
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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.”
Tickets for Lanterns and Lights are available to buy now and start at £12.