Chester Christmas Markets or Zoo Lantern & Lights

Create lasting memories on a Christmas light trail like no other

Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonder of the season at Chester Zoo’s Lantern and Light event this winter!

Join Reays for an unforgettable journey along a spectacular illuminated trail filled with breathtaking displays that will fill your heart with festive cheer.

Or Why Not Visit Chester Christmas Markets?

Why not enjoy a festive day out at Chester Christmas Markets? Set against the stunning backdrop of Chester’s historic city centre, the markets offer a wonderful traditional Christmas atmosphere. Wander around the charming wooden chalets, browse a variety of unique Christmas gifts, decorations and handmade crafts, and enjoy delicious festive treats, warming drinks and seasonal street food. While you're there, take time to explore Chester’s beautiful historic streets, famous medieval Rows and magnificent cathedral. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak up the Christmas spirit, enjoy some festive shopping and discover everything this charming city has to offer.

Package includes:

- Luxury coach travel and services of an experienced tour driver

- Half day entry to Chester Zoo

- Lanterns & Lights Walk at 4.00pm

- Or Visit the Chester Christmas Markets (Travel Only)

Itinerary

We’ll depart in the morning and head to Chester, where we’ll drop off our Christmas shoppers in the city centre, giving them time to explore the wonderful Christmas markets and enjoy some festive shopping.

We’ll then make our way to Chester Zoo, arriving in time for a 12:30pm daytime visit. Enjoy exploring the zoo before experiencing the magical Lanterns and Light Trail, which is due to begin at 4:00pm and finish at approximately 6:00pm.

After a wonderful festive afternoon, we ask all passengers visiting the zoo to be back on board by 6:15pm.

We’ll then return to Chester city centre for a 6:30pm pick-up, ready for our prompt departure home after a fantastic day of Christmas shopping, wildlife and festive magic!

Think you’ve seen it all before? Think again. Our 2026 Lanterns & Light winter experience promises to be the best yet.

This isn’t just about the colours, lights and sounds. Or even the illuminated animal puppets. Lanterns & Light is an immersive winter wonderland designed to amaze you every step of the way.

Step into a world of wonder where you'll meet brand-new puppets, along with some returning favourites. Follow the glow through new mesmerising light installations, wander through a fibre optic tunnel, look up to a stunning pea-lit canopy, and discover suspended jellyfish and floating feathers.

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

Experience the magic

Immersive walk-through illuminations

Walk through suspended glowing jellyfish, fibre optic tunnels and floating glistening feathers - new installations designed to surround you with colour, movement and light.
Magical moments made to share

Capture unforgettable memories with photo opportunities at every turn, and enjoy fairground rides, festive food and joyful experiences for all ages.
And that’s just the beginning...

Look out for the cathedral of light, fire gardens, laser-lit trees and plenty more surprises as you follow this enchanted light trail.

And that’s not all! Along the way, you can indulge in festive food markets filled with tasty treats and meet Father Christmas, making it the perfect outing for everybody!

Don't miss out on this extraordinary festive experience! Its time to create lasting memories as you wander through enchanting lands filled with colour and joy.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Aspatria 1	Bus Stop outside Library Car Park Market Square, Aspatria CA7 3HB
Bigrigg	Bus Stop Opposite The Old Captains House Springfield Road, Bigrigg CA22 2TT
Carlisle / Lowther Street	In front of Club Britannia Carlisle CA3 8EJ
Carlisle / Wigton Road 2	Bus Stop Outside Horse & Farrier Inn, Wigton Road Carlisle CA2 7EZ
Cockermouth, Aldi	Aldi Cockermouth, Low Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 4HH
Egremont	Market Place bus stop, opposite Heron Foods, Egremont CA22 2AA
Flimby, Railway Station	Bus Stop outside Railway Station Flimby, CA15 8QN
Harrington GallopingHorse	Galloping Horse Inn, 95 Main Road High Harrington, Workington CA14 4NQ
Keswick	Booth's Store, Bus Station Tithebarn Street, Keswick CA12 5EA
Maryport, Curzon Street	B&M Store, Curzon Street Maryport CA15 6DA
Penrith	Castle Gates bus stop / opposite Penrith Train Sta Ullswater Road, Penrith CA11 7JQ
Thursby	Bus Stop, Village Green Thursby, CA5 6PE
Whitehaven	Bus Stop on Lowther Street (by Wilkinsons) Whitehaven, CA28 7DG
Wigton	Bus Station, King Street Wigton CA7 9EP
Wigton Depot	Reays Coaches Depot, Strawberry Fields, Syke Park Wigton CA7 9NE
Workington, Jane Street	Bus Stop Jane Street Workington Jane Street