12 November 2025
Celebrate the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
Daily from Saturday 22 November - Sunday 4 January
Elves are descending on London Zoo this Christmas, as London’s wildest attraction prepares to celebrate The Magic of Christmas.
From Saturday 22 November to Sunday 4 January, our world-famous conservation zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland, where children and their families can find Santa’s hidden elves, enjoy a special elf Storytime and look out for surprise appearances from Santa himself.
London Zoo’s youngest visitors have an important mission to complete on their visit, tracking Santa’s elves. On the Wild Elf Chase, they’ll search for five mischievous elves and help get them back to the workshop – getting a sticker in return for their efforts.
A team of elves will be leading Christmas storytime sessions throughout the day, reciting yuletide classics as well as their own festive fables, and visitors can also enjoy a packed schedule of Christmas-inspired animal talks, including It’s Beginning to Look a L-Otter Like Christmas and Komodo-ho-ho.
Eagle-eyed children might spot cheeky elves wandering around the Zoo, or even see Santa popping up in unexpected places as he takes a break from sorting the naughty and nice list, and helps to feed the Zoo’s animals.
A giant advent calendar will take pride of place in the Zoo, and visitors who enter the daily prize draw will be in with the chance of winning a wild gift, in a fun-filled grand reveal ceremony orchestrated by two naughty elves.
Those looking to make the Magic of Christmas last even longer, can upgrade to enjoy a Christmas sleepover at the London Zoo Lodges. Between 19 and 30 December, lodge guests will enjoy talks from animal experts, and help them to make festive treats for the animals. The sleepover includes an exclusive nighttime tour of the Zoo, before returning to the Lodges for toasted marshmallows around the campfire, wintry treats and special gifts for children.
Tickets for The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo are included with your zoo entry. As part of global conservation charity ZSL, every festive visit to London Zoo supports ZSL’s science and conservation work to protect and restore wildlife around the world.