Lanterns Grotto

Budongo Trail Building

Saturday 6 – Wednesday 24 December | Selected dates

16:45 - 20:00

Price(s): From £19

santa claus in front of blue icy background
Santa in the Edinburgh Zoo Grotto

We’re pleased to confirm with the North Pole that Santa will be at the zoo on select evenings of Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns event in December. We recommend securing your Lantern Grotto slot before purchasing your event tickets as these slots will fill fast!  

Make your little one's evening at Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns extra special this festive season. Meet Santa Claus at our Christmas Grotto, which will be inside our Budongo Trail building!

The grotto will be available to book on selected evenings in 10-minute time slots starting at 5:15pm and ending 8:45pm. 

Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns can be enjoyed before or after your visit with Santa depending on your booked timeslot. Entry for Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns is available from 4:45pm with last entry at 8pm. The event closes at 9pm.

Contact us for more information

As the grotto is on the event route, access will be through our main admissions building. Please present your Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns ticket to our admissions team. Your Lantern Grotto ticket does not need to be presented until you arrive at the grotto, where our elf will check you in.

You'll receive a reminder email and map to pinpoint where to find the grotto on the event route ahead of your visit.

 

Dates and prices

Saturday 6, Sunday 7, Saturday 13, Sunday 14, Wednesday 17, Thursday 18, Friday 19, Saturday 20, Sunday 21, Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December.

  • £19 for one (1) child
  • £34 for two (2) children
  • £50 for three (3) children
  • £67 for four (4) children

Book your Lanterns Grotto slot now!

More information

Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns FAQs

Check our frequently asked questions to find helpful information that will make your experience even more enjoyable and stress free!

What to expect

Frequently asked questions
Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns

We recommend securing your Lanterns Grotto slot before purchasing your Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns event tickets as these slots will fill fast!

Book your Giant Lanterns ticket

Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns
Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns terms and conditions

Before you visit, take a moment to read the terms and conditions. They'll ensure a smooth, magical experience and help you avoid surprises!

Be informed

Terms and conditions