Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
Join us for a magical journey after hours…
30th November, 4th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 28th and 30th December 2024
Immersive Illuminations
Experience a whole host of illuminations along a designated route, featuring an immersive blue ice tunnel, magical rainbow light bridge and life-sized animal illuminations. Plus, you can control the magic with special interactive light zones, all put together by our creative in-house events team.
Festive Road Train
During the trail you’ll also enjoy dancing fountains and a ride on the festive road train to take the weight off your feet as you are transported to more enchanting sights!
Live Entertainment
After you’ve been truly dazzled, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a live musical performance!
Tickets
Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance for a specific time of arrival. Arrival times are staggered offering you the chance to experience the lights at a leisurely pace!
Important Information:
Children under the age of 3 years old are not required to pre-book and will be admitted free of charge on the evening of the event. Anyone under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by a responsible guardian over the age of 18 years old. We will not admit anyone unaccompanied under the age of 16 years old. Personal assistants will be admitted free of charge to accompany a guest with a disability but verification may be requested on arrival.
Food and Drink
Why not purchase a Meal Voucher for an additional £8.00 upon booking, for a festive meal deal along our Enchanted Trail of Light, so there’s no need to eat beforehand!
Refreshment Stop 1
Wrap & Roll Meal Deal: Christmas dinner or jackfruit wrap (V) & regular hot drink
Other food options: Christmas donuts, mulled wine
Refreshment Stop 2
Chip ‘n’ Mix Meal Deal: Crimbo combo chicken strips & chips & regular hot drink
Other food options: Luxury hot drinks
Refreshment Stop 3
Meerkat Hangout: Hot Christmas pastries, paninis, fresh cakes, sweet treats, ice cream, hot & cold drinks
End of Trail
Snack Shack: Marshmallows, toasties, paninis, sandwiches, sweet treats, ice cream, mulled wine, hot & cold drinks, alcoholic beverages
(V) – vegetarian Meal Deal available
All outlets will be CARD ONLY during our Enchanted Trail of Light event.
Meal Voucher Information:
Meal Vouchers can be redeemed for Meal Deal options ONLY. Other food options cannot be purchased using Meal Voucher. Meal Deals are exempt from passholder discount. Meal Deals can be purchased without a Meal Voucher for £8.50 on the night of the event. Hot drinks can be upgraded to luxury hot drinks for an additional £1.00.
Importance Notice
This evening event does not include access to The Santa Experience or any other activities taking place in the daytime during our Magic of Christmas event. Although this event is hosted by us here at Colchester Zoo and the trail is within the park, The Enchanted Trail of Light does not include animal viewing. If you wish to visit Santa, you must book a separate Santa Experience ticket AND you must have a Zoo Entry Ticket/Annual Zoo Pass to enter the Zoo during the day.
Please be aware that all activities, terms & conditions, dates, times and prices are subject to change.
