Chester Zoo Lantern Festival Is Back For Christmas 2019

The Lanterns is returning to the zoo for 2019 and we can hardly wait.

The incredible spectacle sees the zoo transformed into a magical wonderland, with lantern animals illuminating the space.

Guests will go on The Great Christmas Expedition where they discover exotic illuminated wildlife and animals in nine amazing worlds, from traditional festive scenes to colourful animal-inspired illuminations.

This year, there's an updated route which includes new worlds such as Underwater, where guests will be transported to the bottom of the sea and come face-to-face with a huge lantern octopus.

Other worlds include Tropical Dreams with "a dramatic centrepiece, complete with new beautiful lanterns" and Night Sky Adventure where you'll "travel through the clouds and stars, under the moonlight."

Ideal for kids, the event will also feature snow and even a possible sighting on Santa Claus himself. On site, visitors will be able to buy festive hot food and drinks.

Chester Zoo, also a registered conservation and education charity, knows how to do events.

On Friday 30th August guests tasted and smelt some of the zoo's home grown plants within its 125 acres of zoological gardens, before tasting specially-created botany inspired gin cocktails and canapes.

Last month, Chester Zoo began recruiting for someone to look after its elephants. As per the job description, the successful candidate would take home a salary of £21,356.63 working 40 hours per week spread over 10 days out of 14.

"We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Keeper to join us on the Elephant section," the job posting explained online. "For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a breeding family unit of Asian elephants."