The Enchanted Trail of Light returns!
28th, 29th & 30th November, 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 28th & 29th December 2025
Immersive Illuminations
Enjoy a magical journey along a 1 mile route, featuring a BRAND NEW 40m light tunnel with over 20,000 lights, and NEW animal sculptures, all put together by our creative in-house events team! PLUS, appearances along the route by a special guest from the North Pole on dates prior to Christmas!*
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!
Refreshment Zones
Along your journey, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some tasty festive treats from our Refreshment Zones located along the route at our food outlets including Gourmet Sausage, Wrap and Roll and Chip ‘n’ Mix Stop.
*Special guest appearances cannot be guaranteed on dates after Christmas.
Booking information below.
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.
Please be aware that mobility scooters and wheelchairs will not be available to hire during our Enchanted Trail of Light event.
We plan to go ahead in all weather conditions, unless the team feel that it is unsafe to do so. If we are unable to open due to adverse weather, a member of our team will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
Food & Drink
Don’t forget to stop off at our Refreshment Zones and enjoy a festive meal so there’s no need to eat beforehand!
Gourmet Sausage
Hot Dogs & Chips Seasonal Hot Drinks including Mulled Wine & Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
Wrap and Roll
Christmas Dinner or Pulled Jackfruit Wrap Seasonal Hot Drinks including Mulled Wine & Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
Chip n’ Mix Stop
Chips & Chicken Goujons Seasonal Hot Drinks including Mulled Wine & Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
Snack Shack
Sweet treats Seasonal Hot Drinks including Mulled Wine & Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
All outlets will be CARD ONLY during our Enchanted Trail of Light event.
All food outlets are subject to change and may close due to unforeseen circumstances without prior notice.
Allergen information is available at each outlet. Please speak to a member of the team regarding any allergen concerns.
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 Zoological Society 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.
