First look at Chester Zoo's new Lanterns and Light trail as 'biggest and brightest' event opens for Christmas 2023

It's one of the most popular events in the festive calendar and this year's Lanterns and event has opened at Chester Zoo.

We were among the first to step inside and take a look at this year's offering, which even has a new name - Lanterns and Light - to reflect the new additions for Christmas 2023, which have made it the 'biggest and brightest' to date.

This year, for the first time ever, the zoo has partnered with music giants Sony Music / RGL and Culture Creative, to create the all-new light trail, with never seen before installations.

The fun starts from the moment you enter the attraction and are met by some very playful glowing interactive elephants.

Just a few minutes in and you'll find another of this year's new additions - a 15m-long 3D mammoth hologram - which had the crowds mesmerised. The darker the better for this though, so we returned to it at the end of our trail to make sure we saw Matilda in all her glory. It was worth the wait.

A team of 40 people have been working to set the magical trail around our 128-acre zoo, where the Lanterns have now been a festive staple for the last 12 years.

Other new features this year include new interactive animal characters, a walkway of giant pea-lit animals, illuminated dolphins emerging from waterways and a stunning fire garden.

While not a full-on grotto visit, little ones get the chance to see Father Christmas who will have a quick chat with them from his toy shop as they pass by.

You can take your own food along if you wish, but there's no shortage of festive fodder to fill the troops as you make your way around.

There's a dedicated Lanterns Food Village where you can get everything from burgers, sausages and Yorkshire wraps to sweet treats including some very delicious festive-themed handmade donuts, Christmas crumble, candy floss and popcorn.

Of course there are plenty of festive drinks too, including mulled wine and a range of hot chocolates. And there's the opportunity to toast some marshmallows en route too, with a range of flavours including caramel, vanilla and chocolate orange.

There is some indoor seating at the Food Village, as June's Food Court is open if you want to get out of the cold for a bit, and just behind it are a number of fairground rides for little ones including a carousel and swingboats.

With ultraviolet rainforests, an incredible walk-through pea-lit tunnel and puppets and lanterns at every turn, there's nothing not to love about this glorious trail.

The event is running on selected dates from now until December 31. Tickets, costing from £12 for children and from £18 for adults, are available online. Carers and little ones two and under go free.

Lanterns and Light is one of many festive light trails and events coming to the region this Christmas. See the full list here.