Experience the magic of Christmas at London Zoo

If you’re looking for something to make Christmas extra special for your little ones this year, then why not spend a few hours journeying through the animal kingdom to meet Santa – and celebrate the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo?

Take it from a family who love this place, there are few more festive, cosy family nights out in the capital and, we think at least, none better than spending the evening at the zoo.

And this year, from November 25 until January 7, your merry little visitors can dash through the zoo’s fairy-lit festive wonderland to become Santa’s little helpers – helping find a new team to pull his sleigh this Christmas Eve.

Kitted out with a Christmas sleigh trail card, kids can explore the iconic conservation zoo, learning about more than 14,000 animals and their strengths and skills to see who is best for the job.

For those wanting to Meet Santa on select dates, Mr and Mrs Claus will be in residence for a range of magical experiences.

For an extra sprinkling of Christmas magic, families can Meet Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of the historic zoo, where kids can learn the ropes at Elf School before sharing their Christmas wishes and taking home a present for under the tree.

And for an extra special day out, parents can upgrade to storytelling with Mrs Claus, marshmallow toasting and an exclusive tour of the zoo, while early risers can enjoy a special VIP Breakfast with Mrs Claus before the zoo opens.

Plus, each day from December 1-24, visitors can help Mrs Claus open a door on the zoo’s giant Animal Advent Calendar, revealing which animal will be celebrated as part of the Christmas countdown, before learning fascinating facts at Christmas-themed animal talks and demonstrations.

They may even spot Santa as he helps zookeepers feed the animals throughout the day, including Critically Endangered Sumatran tigers and extinct in the wild Socorro doves – part of vital international breeding programmes designed to protect their species.

At the end of their magical day out, families can report back to Mrs Claus in the Polar Postroom, and send letters to Santa at the zoo’s Express Postbox – checked by the man himself every day as on his visit.

With heaps of festive fun to be had, The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo is the ultimate winter day out – with all proceeds supporting international conservation charity ZSL’s vital work for wildlife across the world. Find out more and book your tickets today at londonzoo.org.

Prices:

Meet Santa – £15.50: Weekends from December 2, then December 16-24

Storytelling Meet Santa – £40 Child / £15 Adult: Weekends from November 25, then December 16-24.

Meet Santa VIP Breakfast – £42.50 Child / £21.50 Adult: Weekends from November 25, then December 16-24.

Pictured top: Asim, a Sumatran tiger, enjoys Christmas early at ZSL London Zoo (Picture: London Zoo)