Festive fun at the zoo
WHILE popping in to see Santa to collect your present is an unmissable annual tradition, a full day out - packed with merry moments is far more memorable.
That’s why Twycross Zoo has created entire days of festive fun this season, beginning with an extra special launch event on November 17 when the Christmas lights are switched on at 5pm – and running on selected dates right up until Christmas Eve.
You can enjoy the amazing Great Brick Safari during your festive visit – it features more than 70 life-sized LEGO® brick animals from 27 different species, and loads more LEGO® fun.
And, of course, the highlight of every visit – the Twycross Zoo resident animals, including Apes, leopards, Giraffes, Penguins and Meerkats. Here’s a little look at what visitors can expect.
Christmas launch event, November 17
Festivities take place throughout the day from 10am including a festive market, Santa’s story time, Meet the Pets, Santa’s Donkey Walk and more - all leading up to the Christmas lights switch on around 4.30pm, by Santa.
Santa’s Story Time
Children are invited to sit back and relax while Father Christmas shares his Twycross Zoo tales and stories of William the donkey.
The stories are more than just fascinating fantasy though - Santa will share more about his conservation efforts around the world.
Santa’s Key Tree
If you don’t have a chimney for Father Christmas to pop down on Christmas night, then Twycross Zoo can provide a special key for your child to hang on Santa’s Key Tree, each with a special tag on which to write a name and a Christmas wish.
Meet the Pets
While snuggling up to a lion or making friends with a tiger are off limits at Twycross Zoo, children that visit this Christmas will have the chance to meet new furry friends in the Explorer Zone.
Rabbits and guinea pigs call this area home, and youngsters can stop by to give them a little stroke and spread the Christmas cheer.
Santa’s Donkey Walk
Walk around with Santa and find out more about the donkeys from William the Donkey’s keeper. There are plenty of other animals to encounter on the way.
Festive Arts & Crafts - Animal Gift Making and Giving
The Twycross Zoo’s Discovery and Learning Team will be on hand to help children to create enriching gifts for the animals, exciting their five senses. Participants will be able to watch as the animals receive and open their presents too.
Santa’s Sleigh
For the perfect photo opportunity, the whole family can climb on board Santa’s sleigh for a snap.
Lucky guests may even by joined by the man himself!
Great Brick Safari
The incredible brick animals are on show at Twycross Zoo until January 7.
Professional builders Bright Bricks have used 882,339 LEGO® bricks to make sculptures.
The following activities are available at Twycross Zoo with additional costs to your standard entry.
Breakfast With Santa
An elf will welcome you to the Windows on the Wild meeting room and you’ll indulge in a top feast at 8.30am. Guests can enjoy a Christmas singsong with Santa, share their wishes, play games, get a photo and a special Twycross gift before entring the zoo at 10am.
Supper With Santa
Meet Santa and his elves at the Windows of the Wild room at 4pm for a festive feast of turkey with all the trimmings, or a veggie option.
There’ll be songs, games, gifts and a chance to meet Santa and share all of your wildest wishes.
(Breakfast and Supper are each priced at £23.99 per person, with under-2s £5 and Twycross Zoo members paying £13.99)
Afternoon Tea
Filled with Christmas treats, from festive finger sandwiches to spiced apple crumbles, mince pies, yule logs and spiced sponges, it’s a fun twist on the traditional treat. (Priced at £17.95, children £9.95) There’s an opportunity to upgrade to a glass of mulled wine or a glass
of Prosecco.
Dates for the Christmas events
November 17, 18, 24 and 25; December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. Please note, there is Limited availability for Breakfast and Supper with Santa events, so book early. For best deals on tickets to Twycross Zoo, call 01827 883140, or book online at: