We regret to inform you that with high winds now forecast for tomorrow evening, unfortunately we have to cancel tomorrow’s Enchanted Trail of Light event (Saturday 7th December 2024).

If you have purchased tickets for our Enchanted Trail of Light tomorrow, our team will be in touch soon so please look out for an email from us. It will include everything you need to know about your booking and how you can move your visit to another date.

We do apologise for having to cancel your plans during this festive period. We have been doing everything we can to keep tomorrow’s event on as we know how much you were looking forward to enjoying a magical evening at Colchester Zoo. We hope you understand that ensuring everyone stays safe is our top priority.

The Zoo will remain open during the day as normal across the weekend so if you are visiting, please ensure that you wrap up warm.

Thank you for your understanding.

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 live musical performances from Tia the Pianist and Tendering Brass Band!

Please see below booking information.

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!

£12.50 per person

Off-Peak Dates: 30th November, 4th, 11th & 30th December

Book Now

£15.00 per person

Peak Dates: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 20th, 21st & 28th December

Book Now

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 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.