- Light Trails
- All Ages
Illuminations at Five Sisters Zoo
Five Sisters Zoo · West Calder, Edinburgh and Lothian · 20th November to 23rd December 2026
About this event
Illuminations 2026 lights up the whole of Five Sisters Zoo at Gavieside, near West Calder in West Lothian, on selected evenings from 20 November to 23 December 2026. In November it opens 17:00 to 21:00 on Friday to Sunday, and in December from 16:00 to 21:00, Thursday to Sunday from 3 to 20 December plus 21, 22 and 23 December. Entry is by a timed slot chosen when you book.
The lighting is designed and made by Blachere Illumination, with illuminated pathways, light displays, colourful installations and photo spots across the zoo. The route is mostly flat and suits wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies, and the few steeper hills have marked alternative paths, shown on the map you are given on arrival.
There are food and drink outlets, a heated bar and a Christmas market with craft stalls. Children's rides run weather permitting and are paid for with tokens from the Token Booth. Santa's Grotto is a separate ticket and sits outside the zoo in the car park, so you can leave and come back in by showing both tickets. Each visit lasts about five minutes, with a small gift for every child.
Two ASN evenings, for visitors with additional support needs, are listed for Wednesday 2 and Monday 14 December, with reduced music volume and capacity. Parking is free across three on-site car parks, with a courtesy shuttle from an overflow car park on the busiest nights.
The whole zoo lit up
The lights cover the whole of Five Sisters Zoo, with illuminated pathways, light displays, colourful installations and photo spots designed and made by Blachere Illumination. Pick up the map on arrival to plan your route.
Buggy friendly, with free parking
The route is mostly flat and suits buggies, wheelchairs and scooters, with marked paths around the few steeper hills. Parking is free across three on-site car parks, with a courtesy shuttle from an overflow car park on the busiest evenings.
Market, heated bar and Santa
A Christmas market with craft stalls, food outlets and a heated bar sit alongside children's rides paid for with tokens. Santa's Grotto, booked separately, is in the car park, with about five minutes with Santa and a small gift.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
20th November to 23rd December 2026
November 17:00 - 21:00 on 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 November 2026
December 16:00 - 21:00, Thursday to Sunday from 3 to 20 December, plus 21, 22 and 23 December
ASN evenings on Wednesday 2 and Monday 14 December
Entry by timed slot chosen at bookingAges
All Ages
Getting there
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
