Review: Christmas At London Zoo

Light trail at London Zoo (Image: Archant)

London Zoo’s first ever Christmas light trail got underway with a spectacular illuminated walk around the Regent’s Park attraction.

Culture Creative, the people behind the annual Christmas at Kew lightshow, have worked their magic at ZSL, creating light tunnels, illuminated hanging sculptures, and installations from thousands of pea lights that carefully avoid disturbing the sleeping animals.

It was nippy out, so we picked up a warming mulled wine and hot chocolates before our mile-long festive walk, which took us past giant light sculptures of lions, giraffes and pelicans. We marvelled at a towering sculpture made out of sledges and strolled through a field of flowers to the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and a glade of trees ‘singing’ Christmas carols.

Many of the Zoo’s listed buildings were transformed, including the now disused Lubetkin penguin pool, lit up with fountains, coloured lights and Christmas music. You can sit and watch animated projections on the historic Mappin Terraces including a snowman ‘skiing’ downhill.

Along the way we encountered an elves’ village with toymaking workshops, played in a trance-like state with dancing lasers and dry ice - to the soundtrack of the Harry Potter film theme - and toasted marshmallows outside the BUGS house, while we wathed Santa and his helpful assistant thrash out the logistics of supplying presents to every girl and boy in the world.

The children loved their exhilirating evening, discovering a fresh surprise around every corner while tiptoeing past the sleeping camels. And if you have enough energy at the end there are traditonal fairground rides and festive food stalls in the main zoo courtyard.

Christmas at London Zoo runs on selected dates to Jan 1. Adult £16.50, Child £10.50 Family £52.00, christmasatlondonzoo.co.uk