Sleepovers with the lions, an animal advent calendar, and the chance to meet Santa are all part of Christmas at London Zoo.
The iconic attraction in Regent's Park will be transformed over the festive season into a magical wonderland with fairy lights,decorations and the chance to become Santa’s little helpers - helping find a new team to pull his sleigh on Christmas Eve.
A Christmas sleigh trail card encourages them to explore the zoo and learn more about the 14,000 animals to discover which has the skills to do the job.
Throughout December they can help Mrs Claus open a door on the zoo’s giant Animal Advent Calendar, which celebrates a different animal each day as part of the Christmas countdown.
The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo also includes Christmas-themed crafts, animal talks and demonstrations, a Polar Post room where children can send letters to Santa, and even the chance to meet Santa in his grotto.
Those who find it hard to tear themselves away can stay overnight by booking the London Zoo Lodges’ Festive Experience - a limited series of sleepovers running between December 18-30.
Animal-loving families can check into a Christmas themed lodge next to the Land of the Lions where Asiatic lions Bhanu and Arya will be celebrating the season.
They will get after-hours tours along with delicious food, mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive fun, making Christmas presents for the animals, toasting marshmallows on the fire pit, and a behind-the-scenes peek into nightlife at the zoo.
They may find themselves awoken by roars - the Zoo’s traditional alarm clock - signalling time to enjoy a hearty breakfast and before the zoo opens for the day. Guests will deliver their presents to the animals on a morning tour, before spending the rest of the day exploring the zoo. The experience includes two full days zoo entry at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoo.
The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo runs November 25 until January 7.
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