Christmas is fast approaching and I’m now feeling thoroughly in the festive spirit after a trip to Chester Zoo Lanterns and Light.

The Lanterns and Light trail is running from November 17 to December 31 and was an amazing opportunity for us to explore the zoo like we'd never seen it before.

Around every corner was a glowing animal, from elephants to lions, wolves and even a giant 3D woolly mammoth, all on the loose around the zoo and ready for us to meet.

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My 21 month old absolutely loved wandering around the different areas, which included up close and personal meet and greets with the spectacular light up puppet animals. And he particularly enjoyed when a naughty zebra took my hat off my head and trotted off!

This year Chester Zoo has teamed up with Sony Music and it was lovely wandering around the trail at our own pace listening to all the festive music. Tickets start from £12 and every ticket bought goes directly into creating a future where nature can survive and thrive.

Chester Zoo’s Lanterns and Light is back and this year it’s bigger and brighter than ever
Chester Zoo’s Lanterns and Light is back and this year it’s bigger and brighter than ever

As we wandered we came across a new addition to the lanterns this year which is the marshmallow toasting area. Families can choose from vanilla, caramel or chocolate orange flavours (we chose one of each because, hey, it's nearly Christmas) before huddling around the fire pits to toast them to perfection. There is also the Christmas market, full of festive food and drinks.

There’s loads of family favourites like the incredible light installations holograms and animal puppets and well as lots of new features
There’s loads of family favourites like the incredible light installations holograms and animal puppets and well as lots of new features

The trail spans right around the zoo with ultraviolet illuminated animals as well as puppets, plus there is a flickering fire garden and a sparkling forest of light which is animated to music. But no event this close to Christmas would have been complete without an opportunity to get a peek at the man himself - Santa Claus.

After we came through the spectacular Winter Cathedral tunnel of lights, and tried our hardest to get a usable family picture, Father Christmas was calling.

My toddler couldn't take his eyes off him and the falling snow as we posed for a picture and chatted away about what we hoped he may bring on December 25 - a heartwarming addition to an already lovely evening.

It really is a winter event like no other and every ticket purchased helps create a better future for wildlife.

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