London Zoo Christmas | Magic of Christmas Event & Meet Santa

What to expect at London Zoo during Christmas

Daily festive fun: Head to the official Elf Headquarters for engaging, interactive Christmas storytelling sessions guaranteed to bring holiday tales to life. Get hands-on and creative with daily crafts, making sure everyone takes home a handmade souvenir. Don't miss the spectacular, oversized Advent calendar, where the animals might even get a surprise treat!
A special grotto visit: Make a cherished memory with a private session to meet the big man himself! Santa's Grotto is located in The Cassons, where children can share their Christmas wishes and take home a special gift.
Festive animal pop-ups & enrichment: Keep an eye out for special seasonal touches added just for the residents of the Zoo! Listen in on special holiday-themed talks, where keepers share fun facts and festive anecdotes. Watch as Santa makes surprise appearances near certain habitats, bringing seasonal enrichment items for the animals!
After-hours festive stays: For the ultimate winter treat, book one of our festive Lodge Nights on select dates in December! This exclusive experience includes out-of-hours visits, dinner and breakfast included in your stay, and seasonal treats.

London Zoo Christmas events

The Magic of Christmas

Dates: Nov 22, 2025–Jan 4, 2026
Timings: 10am–4pm
Location: Throughout London Zoo
Included with admission: Yes (some activities have additional charges)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

A family-friendly festival trail with elf storytime, crafts, a giant animal advent calendar, festive animal talks, and a hiding-elves game with daily sticker prizes.

Meet Santa

Dates: Nov 22, 23, 29, and 30, Dec 6–7, 13–24
Timings: Based on type of ticket purchased
Location: The Cassons
Included with admission: No
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

A ticketed grotto experience offering crafts, a personal meet-and-greet with Santa, a gift for each child, with deluxe and VIP upgrades and relaxed sessions for reduced sensory stimulation.

London Zoo Lodges

Dates: Select nights between Dec 19–30, 2025
Timings: Multi-night packages (2-day entry and 3 exclusive out-of-hours tours)
Location: Zoo Lodges
Included with admission: No, but lodges include zoo entry as part of the package
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Festive silver-leaf lodges with dinner, breakfast, seasonal treats, campfire marshmallow toasting, exclusive tours, animal enrichment activities, and free parking.

Festive animal talks & Pop-Up Santa

Dates: Nov 22, 2025–Jan 4, 2026
Timings: 10am–4pm
Location: Various talk locations across the zoo
Included with admission: Yes
Age restrictions: All ages welcome

Short, family-friendly talks where keepers demonstrate festive enrichment and reveal winners of the animal advent calendar prize draw.

Plan your London Zoo Christmas visit

Christmas period: 10am–4pm
Last entry: 1 hour before closing

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or early afternoon on weekdays, for fewer crowds and calmer family sessions.

Address: Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY | Find on Maps

By Tube: Northern Line
Nearest station: Camden Town
By bus: Routes 88 and 274
Nearest stop: Prince Albert Road/Albany Street
By car: Via A4201
Nearest parking: Outer Circle (first-come, first-served at £16)

Restrooms: Restroom facilities are conveniently located throughout the zoo grounds to ensure easy access for all visitors.
Wheelchair hire: For guests requiring mobility assistance, the zoo offers limited manual wheelchairs, which can often be hired for a refundable deposit (£25). It is highly recommended that these wheelchairs be pre-booked online in advance of your visit. Mobility scooters may also be available for hire, with applicable fees and deposits.
Gift shop: Guests can find a wide variety of animal-themed gifts, books, and souvenirs at the on-site gift shops located within the Zoo. For those who wish to shop from home or after their visit, the official London Zoo online shop is also available.
Dining options: During the holiday season, several dining options are available to keep you fueled throughout your day. Terrace Restaurant offers hot food; Barista Bar is a great spot to grab quick hot beverages, coffee, and lighter snacks. Look out for festive pop-up kiosks during the Christmas run, which specialise in seasonal treats like mince pies, rich hot chocolate, and mulled drinks.

Step-free routes: Much of the zoo is accessible, but some historic areas have steps or steep slopes. There are dedicated, well-signposted accessible routes to help you navigate smoothly.
Wheelchairs & scooters: Limited manual wheelchairs available to borrow, requiring a small refundable deposit (£25). We strongly recommend booking to ensure one is reserved for your visit. Mobility scooters are available for hire as well.
Relaxed sessions: For guests who prefer a calmer, low-sensory environment, the Christmas events offer a welcoming alternative. Look for "Meet Santa Relaxed" and "Deluxe Relaxed" sessions, designed with dimmed lighting, quieter sounds, and reduced sensory stimulation.
Accessible toilets & benches: Accessible toilets are available in all key areas of the Zoo. If you’re joining one of the festive crafting areas (like the Meet Santa Grotto pre-activity), dedicated benches are available.
Service animals: All registered assistance dogs are welcome to accompany their owners throughout the Zoo.

If you're booked for a Meet Santa session, please make a quick pit stop at the Experiences Entrance about 15 mins before your scheduled time.
Feel free to capture all the sights with your cameras! Non-commercial photography is always welcome. If you're a professional photographer, please check with the Zoo in advance, as there may be some restrictions on commercial use.
Always keep a safe and sensible distance from the habitats and listen carefully to any instructions given by the expert keepers. Occasionally, some animals might decide they need a nap or some quiet time, so they may be temporarily off display for welfare reasons.
To keep all our visitors and animals safe, you may be asked to participate in routine bag checks and security screening when you arrive.

The Terrace Restaurant: Need a proper sit-down break? The main indoor restaurant is the perfect spot for a hot, hearty lunch. Hot food service typically runs from 11:30am until mid-afternoon (closing around 2:30pmto 3:30pm).
Festive pop-ups & Barista Bar: For quick pick-me-ups and holiday cheer, seek out the kiosks and the Barista Bar. They are fully stocked during the festive season with warm mince pies, rich hot chocolate, and spiced mulled beverages (for adults who need a little extra Christmas spirit!).
Lodge guests (dinner included): For those lucky enough to book a magical festive night in the Lodges, your after-hours experience includes a delightful dinner, breakfast, and seasonal treats as part of your package.

Frequently asked questions about London Zoo Christmas events

Can I book tickets just for the London Zoo Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

Yes, Meet Santa tickets are sold separately and are valid for the grotto experience only; they do not include general zoo admission. Members should show their membership card for entry; non-members must buy a zoo entry in addition to any Meet Santa ticket.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, Meet Santa bookings limit three children per online booking (book multiple bookings for more children). For deluxe/VIP sessions, adult limits differ. General event areas operate within normal zoo capacity rules.

Are the London Zoo Christmas events suitable for children?

Absolutely! Magic of Christmas is tailored for families and children, with crafts, trails, elf storytime, and kid-friendly talks. Meet Santa includes child-focused sessions and gifts. Relaxed sessions are available for children who need lower sensory environments.

Can adults meet Santa?

Yes, people of any age are welcome to come and meet Santa! Anyone with a ‘Child’ ticket, regardless of age, will be able to enter the grotto, meet Santa and receive a gift.

Are the animals involved in the festive activities?

Yes! Keepers incorporate seasonal enrichment activities for the animals, such as special treats hidden in festive wrapping or decorations. Look out for the scheduled "Festive Animal Talks" for opportunities to see some of the animals receiving their seasonal surprises.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Many activities (like the grotto and some crafts) are indoors, but other elements are outdoors. The zoo may alter or move activities due to weather or animal welfare; check the zoo’s website and on-site announcements for daily changes. If the zoo cancels activities for welfare or safety reasons, it will advise ticket holders.

Are there relaxed or quieter sessions for children with additional needs?

Yes, Meet Santa Relaxed and Deluxe Relaxed sessions have dimmed lighting and quieter sound levels to provide a reduced sensory environment.