Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns trail returns with 1,000 glowing displays
The Giant Lanterns trail features over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns and 15,000 LED lights.
Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns trail has officially launched, inviting visitors to explore an illuminated “space safari” of handcrafted displays while supporting wildlife conservation.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed the return of the popular winter attraction, which attracted more than 96,000 visitors last year.
This year’s experience is set to be the biggest yet, featuring more than 1,000 handcrafted lanterns and 15,000 LED lights across 60 nights.
Running from Friday November 13 until Sunday February 21, the trail, which has a “space safari” theme, will invite visitors to embark on an out-of-this-world adventure through a glowing universe.
But beyond the illuminated displays, the event also aims to raise vital funds for conservation projects in Scotland and around the world.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support RZSS’s work to protect threatened species, including its Saving Wildcats project, which is working to return wildcats to the Scottish Highlands and restore populations of the critically endangered species in the wild.
The money will also contribute towards the organisation's goal of reversing the decline of at least 50 species by 2030.
RZSS is also inviting seven charity partners, including Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Child First and Places for People, to experience the trail.
The initiative aims to make the event more inclusive and accessible by offering opportunities to people who might otherwise face barriers to attending.
RZSS deputy chief executive Ben Supple said: “We are so happy to welcome everyone back to see Edinburgh Zoo truly glow once again.
“Giant Lanterns are incredibly special. It’s not just a winter light trail, it’s a lifeline for vital conservation work that is only made possible thanks to the support of our visitors.
“Last year our conservation work was able to protect threatened species not only just in Scotland but around the world.
“We hope Giant Lanterns will inspire our visitors to see the natural world in a new light and leave knowing that their visit has helped make a difference to wildlife, both here in Scotland and further afield.”
Tickets are available now through Edinburgh Zoo’s website, with entry open from 4.45pm and the last admission at 7.30pm.
Ticket prices may vary depending on whether visitors choose an off-peak or standard night.