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Illuminated gorilla statue with colourful lights and trees in a night zoo event. Text reads, "Wild Lights: Your zoo in a new light, 27 Nov - 23 Dec."

Wild Lights

at Bristol Zoo Project

27 November to 23 December

Brand new for 2026, Wild Lights will bring to life the beautiful features of Bristol Zoo Project through an awe-inspiring display of light and sound.

Just 30 minutes from central Bristol, with easy access from the M5, meet friends and family for a festive experience you won’t forget.

A child in a red coat and hat admires glowing insect sculptures in a purple-lit forest setting at night.

From 27 November, the zoo will transform into an immersive winter lights experience to delight all ages.

Follow the trail through towering trees and along winding pathways, uncovering new surprises at every turn.

With bright spectacles, interactive elements and plenty of surprises, Wild Lights offers something for everyone.

As you explore, enjoy warming drinks and festive treats, including black forest hot chocolates, burgers and sausage rolls (veggie and vegan options available).

Every ticket sold supports our vital conservation work in the UK and around the world.

Two people in winter clothing admire a large, illuminated gorilla sculpture at night, highlighted in vibrant pink and blue lights.
Tall brick tower illuminated by colorful lights, surrounded by trees, set against a dark night sky.
Couple in warm clothing holding drinks beneath a large illuminated swan sculpture at night, with festive lights in the background.
A large, illuminated butterfly-shaped sculpture glows in blue and orange hues at night, set against a backdrop of red-lit trees and a leafless tree.
A family of four silhouetted against a vibrant purple forest with illuminated insect shapes in the trees at dusk.
A couple in winter clothing smiles while holding hot drinks, with festive string lights glowing in the dark background.

Wild Lights: Know before you go

Please pre-book to guarantee entry and arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to your booked timeslot. We will not be able to admit you before your booked time.

We are a natural, outdoor site. Some of our paths are uneven and can get muddy during the winter – make sure you wear suitable shoes and dress for the weather.

Wild Lights is a winter lights trail, rather than a normal zoo visit. For animal welfare reasons, our animals will be off show and away from the lights. To see the animals, please book a standard day ticket in addition to your Wild Lights ticket(s).

Bristol Zoological Society members are entitled to 20% off tickets on Friday 27, Saturday 28, and Sunday 29 November only. All other dates are full-priced.

Wild Lights FAQs

Do I need to prebook Wild Lights?

Yes, we expect each night to be busy and have a strict capacity. Please pre-book online to avoid disappointment.

Do I need to stick to my booked timeslot?

Yes, each slot has limited capacity to ensure the best possible visitor experience. Please arrive no more than 10-15 minutes before your start time. We won't be able to admit you before your allocated time slot.

What time does Wild Lights finish?

Wild Lights will finish 1.5 hours after the end of the last time slot.

I am a member, do I get discount?

Yes, we are happy to offer our members 20% off for selected nights only, on Thursday 27, Friday 28, and Saturday 29 November. We regret that we’re not able to offer a member’s discount on any other nights.

Interested in membership? Find out more here.

Is there a discount for group bookings?

We can offer a discount for group bookings on selected nights, subject to availability. Email us at info@bzsociety.org.uk to enquire.

Will the animals be out?

Our animals will be in bed and out of sight for the duration of the night. If you'd like to see our animals, you will need to book a zoo day ticket in addition to your Wild Lights ticket and visit during standard opening hours (10am – 3pm).

Do Wild Lights tickets include access to the zoo during the day?

Wild Lights and day visits to the zoo are different experiences and are sold separately.

Day tickets are valid for zoo entrance during normal opening hours only. Wild Lights tickets are sold separately and the first entrance slot is at 4.30pm. If you have booked both day tickets and Wild Lights tickets, you will need to leave the zoo at closing time and return for your booked Wild Lights slot.

Is the trail route accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the trail is fully accessible. We also have wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to borrow. They are free to use but need to be booked in advance and mobility scooters require a £25 refundable deposit.

Please email info@bzsociety.org.uk to reserve one in advance of your visit.

Will there be relaxed or sensory sessions?

Yes, our relaxed sessions will run on Thursday 10 December and Thursday 17 December from 4.30pm to 6pm.

During this time period, there will be a reduced number of guests on site, offering a more relaxed experience.

Places are limited, book now to avoid disappointment! Please be sure to select the correct date and time.

More information about Wild Lights accessibility

We believe Wild Lights will be suitable for all guests, including those with sensory needs.

The experience has been carefully designed to consider both the needs of our guests and the animals and wildlife that Bristol Zoo Project is home to. This means that sound and light will be at a level that’s appropriate for our natural site with animals, while also offering a magical experience for guests.

The number of guests per time slot is limited to a maximum of 100 every 15 minutes (this reduces to 75 during relaxed session timeslots), to ensure the trail doesn’t become overcrowded, and give guests time to spread out over the large event route.

Nearer to the event, we can provide detailed descriptions of the light and sound installations, so visitors can make an informed decision whether the event is suitable for them.

We take accessibility seriously and will monitor visitor feedback throughout. If you have any feedback or questions for us, please email events@bzsociety.org.uk.

Will Wild Lights go ahead if it’s raining?

The event will still go ahead in wet weather, so wrap up warm and wear waterproofs to keep dry. We’re sure you’ll have a brilliant time, no matter the weather. Refunds can only be given in the case of cancellation due to extreme weather conditions. If a night is cancelled, we will contact you to rearrange your date or organise a refund.

Are dogs allowed to attend?

Only assistance dogs are allowed on site for the safety and welfare of our animals. Please do not leave any animals in cars, as we may have to intervene if deemed necessary.

Can I purchase food and drink?

Yes, there will be festive food and drink for you to purchase on the night, including snacks, treats and full meals.

Are there toilets on the route?

Yes. Our main toilets, including baby changing and an accessible toilet, are situated near the main entrance and festive village. Two more sets of toilets are available further along the route.

Will this trail impact wildlife?

The event’s impact on wildlife has been carefully assessed and will continue to be monitored throughout. The trail covers a small area within over 100 acres of natural landscape, during the time of year with least wildlife activity. Many protected species such as bats are hibernating, and the trail route doesn’t affect known nesting areas.

A family of four silhouetted against a vibrant purple forest with illuminated insect shapes in the trees at dusk.

Become a member

For exclusive access, discounts and benefits, become a member of Bristol Zoological Society and get 364 days of amazing animals!