- Light Trails
- All Ages
Wild Lights at Bristol Zoo Project
Bristol Zoo Project (Previously Wild Place Project) · Bristol, Somerset and Bristol · 27th November to 23rd December 2026
About this event
Wild Lights is new for 2026 at Bristol Zoo Project, the zoo's site off the M5 at Blackhorse Hill, about 30 minutes from central Bristol. It runs from 27 November to 23 December 2026, with the first entry slot at 16:30 and timed arrivals every 15 minutes. Each slot is capped at 100 guests, so the trail has room to spread out. The first Saturday is already sold out.
The trail winds through towering trees and along the zoo's paths past fairybell trees, star arches and light tunnels, neon animals and glowing moonscapes, lanterns and neon hives, a giant stained glass butterfly and UV dragonflies. A carpet of colour frames Tower Meadow, the mansion house is illuminated for the first time, and the Explorers Basecamp playground is fully lit.
This is a lights trail rather than a zoo visit. The animals are off show and away from the lights all evening, so you need a separate day ticket to see them, and day tickets do not include Wild Lights. Along the way there is festive food and drink to buy, including black forest hot chocolate, churros, burgers, hot dogs with veggie and vegan options and potato tots, and a fire pit for toasting marshmallows.
The zoo says the trail is fully accessible, and wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be borrowed free if booked in advance. Relaxed sessions run from 16:30 to 18:00 on Thursday 10 and Thursday 17 December, with slots reduced to 75 guests. The site is natural and outdoor, and some paths are uneven and muddy in winter.
Brand new for 2026
This is the first Wild Lights, with the mansion house lit for the first time, a carpet of colour around Tower Meadow, neon animals, a giant stained glass butterfly and the Explorers Basecamp playground fully lit after dark.
Capped slots and room to roam
No more than 100 guests enter every 15 minutes, dropping to 75 in the relaxed sessions on 10 and 17 December, so the route does not get crowded. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are free to borrow if you book them ahead.
Churros and fire pit marshmallows
Festive food and drink is on sale along the way, from black forest hot chocolate and churros to burgers, hot dogs with veggie and vegan options and potato tots, and there is a fire pit for toasting marshmallows on the walk round.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
27th November to 23rd December 2026
27 November to 23 December 2026
First entry slot 16:30, then every 15 minutes
Wild Lights finishes 1.5 hours after the last slot
Relaxed sessions 16:30 - 18:00 on Thursday 10 and Thursday 17 DecemberAges
All Ages
Parking
Parking is free
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.
