Edinburgh Zoo visitors promised 'out-of-this-world space safari' as Giant Lanterns return

An out-of-this-world space safari awaits visitors to Edinburgh Zoo as this year’s Giant Lantern experience is prepared for lift-off.

Running across 60 nights throughout the winter, the display will transform the zoo into a glowing universe filled with spectacular illuminated displays, towering cosmic creatures and dazzling interstellar scenes.

Last year’s hugely successful return of the Giant Lantern trail, following a six-year hiatus, saw the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) welcome more than 96,000 visitors to the after-dark experience.

From November 13 to February 21, visitors can wander through glowing galaxies and immerse themselves in a luminous adventure brought to life by more than 1000 custom-made lanterns and 15,000 LED lights.

Each lantern is carefully crafted and painted by hand, with some of the trail’s more spectacular creations taking 220 hours to complete. The result is a dazzling collection of illuminated wildlife, cosmic creatures and larger than life displays, offering photo opportunities and interactive moments along the route.

New for this year – and set to be a standout sight of the winter experience – are walk-through planets spanning 12 metres, where visitors can glide through the galaxy and stand among animal giants, including an owl with a seven-metre wingspan.

Lindsay Ross, events and experiences manager at RZSS, said: “We were blown away by the response to Giant Lanterns returning. This year we are taking the experience to a whole new universe.

“This is our biggest lantern trail yet with glowing planets and sparkling constellations to incredible galactic beasts, every turn offers something unexpected. Whether you are visiting with family, friends or simply looking for a magical winter evening out there is something to inspire visitors of every age.

“From the species represented in the lanterns to the conservation work they support, we hope the trail will not only create a magical winter experience but also inspire visitors to learn more about the wildlife around us and the work being done to protect it.

“Every ticket sold helps support RZSS’s vital wildlife conservation work in Scotland and around the world making every visit even more meaningful.”

Tickets for Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns are on sale now at edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns. Ticket prices vary for off-peak and standard nights. Entry is open from 4:45pm with the last entry at 8pm.