Our Magic of Christmas activities have now finished - find out what's coming up at London Zoo.
Experience the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo, from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. From Christmas activities, festive animal talks and elf storytelling, to delicious food and drink*, there’s plenty to entertain the kids this season.
*Additional charges apply.
Incredible Christmas Activities for Families
The Magic of Christmas is here at London Zoo, jam-packed with entertainment for the whole family! Santa and the elves are celebrating a job well-done, so there's still plenty going on over the break.
From 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, join us every day for festive fun, cheeky elves, and plenty of seasonal surprises!
- Wild Elf Chase: Five of Santa’s mischievous elves have gotten so excited about being at London Zoo, they’ve run off to learn more about the animals! Can you help track them down? Discover where they’ve gotten to around the Zoo and earn a special sticker for helping Santa.
- Daily Prize Draw: Enter your name into our daily prize draw before 1.30pm at Elf HQ to be in with a chance of winning our jolly competition! At 2pm each day, join our two naughty elves in Barclay Court for the grand reveal and a sprinkle of festive cheer.
- Elf HQ: Head over to our cosy tipis on the main lawn (behind the Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians exhibit) for Christmas crafts, story time magic with our elves, Meet Santa Grotto Registration and full on festive vibes!
- Festive Animal Talks: Learn more about your favourite animals, like our Humbolt penguins or domestic Bactrian camels.
- Post Your Christmas Letter: Write your Christmas thank you letter and post it in our special magic post box. Our elves will make sure it gets to Santa.
- Merry’s Tiny Door Tour: Resident elf Merry and his elf friends have moved into London Zoo for the festive season, taking up residence in every nook and cranny they could find! Can you spot all of their tiny front doors around the Zoo?
- Sweet Treats and Festive Drinks*: Indulge yourself and your family with our delicious food and hot beverages, perfect to warm the cockles on a chilly winter’s day. Enjoy a tasty brie & cranberry or vegan cream cheese & miso sprout sandwich and sweet treats such as mince pie bakewell slices or cranberry, orange & pistachio blondies!
Gold member, Fellow & Patron golden Christmas pudding
Find the golden Christmas pudding at London Zoo
If you spot it, you’ll need to take it to a Christmas elf in Elf HQ on the main lawn in exchange for a little gift. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may be in for a cuddly surprise!
Perfect for families and kids this Christmas & New Year
Looking for things to do with kids this Christmas break? Look no further – London Zoo has got you covered. Explore over 8,500 animals, take part in festive crafts, engage with our resident elves and enjoy festive food and drink*. Feel the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
Experience THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
*Additional charges apply.
Festive nights are back at the London Zoo Lodges!
On select dates between 19 and 30 December, experience the ultimate Christmas getaway. Get all this included in our festive night stays:
- Festively decorated en-suite lodges surrounded by twinkling lights and cozy holiday charm
- 2 days entry to the Zoo
- 3 exclusive out-of-hours tours around the Zoo
- Dinner and breakfast, as well as seasonal treats and warm drinks like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and more!
- Toast marshmallows around our campfire
- Christmas-themed enrichment making and discover the animals’ favourite festive gifts
- Children aged 5–13 receive a special present on arrival
- Free parking
