All I want for Christmas... is a trip to the zoo

Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo has something to make everyone merry - from meeting Santa at his cosy lodge, decked to the halls with decorations, to helping the elves prepare Christmas treats for the 11,000 that call the UK’s largest zoo home.  

On select dates* from Saturday 25 November – Sunday 24 December, families can book to Meet Santa as he heads to the conservation zoo to visit his animal friends. Little ones can enjoy festive crafts with the elves before sharing Christmas wishes with Santa in his magical grotto, with every child receiving a special gift to take home. 

Early birds can start their festive day out at Whipsnade with a Breakfast Storytime with Santa –, enjoy extra craft activities, followed by a festive storytelling session with Father Christmas. 

As Christmas inches closer why not count down to the big day with Whipsnade Zoo’s 12 days of Christmas, where every day visitors can learn about a different amazing threatened species and what ZSL, the conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, is doing to help protect animals in the wild. 

Elsewhere, included in zoo entry, at daily Reindeer Talks, families can find out why reindeer are the best choice to pull Santa’s sleigh, and how the antlered animals prepare for Christmas Eve. Meet Santa’s trusty reindeer friends, Solen and Regnar - who have been cared for by dedicated zookeepers throughout the year – and learn what Whipsnade’s spirited duo most enjoy as a tasty snack. 

For the perfect Christmas day out this December, plan a magical visit to Whipsnade Zoo to celebrate the season surrounded by 11,000 animals. Every festive visit will help to support ZSL’s vital science and conservation work around the globe. To find out more and book, visit: www.whipsnadezoo.org/MeetSanta