The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo

Perfect for families and kids this Christmas & New Year Looking for things to do with kids over the Christmas break? Look no further – London Zoo has got you covered. Explore over 8,000 animals and feel the Christmas magic at London Zoo from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Wander through our magical Christmas forest and be transported to the North Pole HQ! In our HQ, you will find a host of festive activities to enjoy throughout your visit. Little ones can write a personal note to Santa and share all their Christmas wishes, or get creative decorating and filling their very own Christmas cracker, complete with a party hat and joke, ready to make you roar with laughter on Christmas Day. You’ll also find even more arts and crafts activities, like Christmas card decorating, or festive origami. Don’t miss our cheeky elves, who will be hosting their very own game shows every day. Will you be the lucky winner of a very special prize? There’s plenty more entertainment too! On peak days*, you can also join Mrs Claus' Storytime, hearing not only your favourite Christmas stories, but her own adventures in the North Pole too. The old saying goes, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, so there will also be a live musician, singing everybody’s favourite Christmas tunes – new and old – over lunch. Head to HQ for the full programme of entertainment on the day of your visit. But most importantly, we will be joined by Santa himself, and he'll be making his way through the Zoo each day over lunch on his special zoo Santa-Mobile. Make sure you line the pathways to give him a big wave as he and Mrs Claus drive by. Keep an eye out across the zoo for our festive animal talks, where our expert keepers are adding a seasonal twist to some of their favourite talks. Amongst others, you could join ‘Bah Humboldt’ to uncover the secrets of our Humboldt penguins, discover more about our beautiful capybaras at ‘Capy Christmas’, or find out how our otters are getting into the festive spirit at ‘It’s Beginning to Look a L-Otter Like Christmas’. Don’t forget to get your festive selfies, ready to send to all the family with our giant festive photo ops in Barclay Court.