The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
With London Zoo’s Christmas Sleigh Trail, Christmas magic isn't reserved just for reindeer. From our strong and agile Asiatic lions to tiny-but-mighty leaf cutter ants, all our 15,000 animals are gearing up for Christmas and we’re giving them a chance to show Santa what they're made of! Imagine Santa’s trusty reindeer can’t help with present deliveries this year… follow our Christmas sleigh trail around the zoo to discover the animals’ amazing skills and abilities. Then it’s up to you to decide which animal is the best Rudolph replacement!
The family sleigh trail is just one part of the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo this year. We've got everything you need (including seasonal food and drink to keep you fuelled-up) for a jam-packed family day out!
Meet Santa at London Zoo*
Little ones will get a sprinkling of Christmas magic as they learn what it takes to become one of Santa’s helpers in our elf school, before meeting Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of the Zoo. Every child will receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home.
3 - 4 December and 10 - 24 December.
ZSL Gold Member, Fellow, and Patron exclusive dates: 26 and 27 November.
SEE ALL MEET SANTA TICKET OPTIONS
All visitors will need a valid Zoo ticket or ZSL membership, in addition to any Meet Santa ticket, in order to enter the Zoo. Members, Fellows and Patrons will be granted Zoo entry on arrival simply by showing their membership card.
Giant Animal Advent Calendar
Every day from 1 - 24 December at 11am and 1.30pm, join Santa's cheeky elves as they open the Giant Advent Calendar and reveal a different animal to celebrate each day at the Zoo. With fun animal crafts and special Christmas-themed animal talks, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to join us celebrating the animal of the day!
Send your Christmas letter to Santa
The Polar Post Room is working overtime at this time of year, ensuring Santa receives all his mail. Write your own letter to Father Christmas, telling him all about your perfect present. The Chief Elf will make sure your letter is signed, sealed and delivered to the big man ahead of the big day!
Christmas-themed animal talks
We'll be spreading lots of festive joy and enrichment to our animals this Christmas - check out the What's On board when you arrive to find out more about the talks and timings throughout the day.
Secret Santa
Keep your eyes peeled for the big man himself, as Santa will be popping up around the Zoo throughout the day to feed some of our animals and if you're lucky, you might just spot him!
Tasty treats*
Warm up with a delicious hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows from our outlets in the heart of the Zoo, or check out the range in our main restaurant.
All tickets must be booked online in advance. The below ticket link is for Zoo entry tickets only. All visitors will need a valid Zoo ticket or ZSL membership, in addition to any Meet Santa ticket, in order to enter the Zoo. Members, Fellows and Patrons will be granted Zoo entry on arrival simply by showing their membership card.
*Additional charges apply.
For an extra special Christmas treat, you can now experience our London Zoo Lodges with a magical twist. Be transported from the extraordinary surroundings inside the heart of our Land of the Lions to our very own festive Winter Escape. You will enjoy the luxuries of our award-winning lodge experience, be immersed amongst twinkling lights and snowy decorations and some extra Christmas treats!
Exclusively between 18-30 December.
