Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire
Festive Animal Fun and Holiday Surprises!
23 November - 6 January (additional charge for meeting Santa!)
Suitable for 0-100 years
Perfect Family Day Out at Whipsnade Zoo this Christmas!
Bring your friends, kids and family to Whipsnade Zoo this Christmas for a fun-filled festive experience! There’s plenty of seasonal cheer and exciting activities waiting for everyone, from family and kid friendly activities to festive animal fun, Christmas-themed animal talks, and plenty of holiday surprises. Santa is also back at the Santa grotto! Join them to discover the spirit of Christmas while exploring the zoo and create memorable moments with your loved ones.
Christmas Activities for the Whole Family
The Lost Pudding Hunt
Join the search for our hidden Christmas pudding! Every day from 23-24 Nov and 30 Nov to 6 Jan, one lucky family has the chance to find our lost pudding somewhere around the zoo and exchange it for a festive prize bag with full of surprises.
Letter to Santa
Let the little ones get creative with festive letter writing and colouring sheets, available at several locations across the zoo. Drop off letters in the Visitor Centre’s Christmas post box, set up beside the Christmas tree, and enjoy the holiday cheer.
Pop-Up Mrs. Claus
Stop by the reindeer enclosure for a surprise encounter with Mrs. Claus! Capture a festive photo with her against a giant present backdrop and create cherished holiday memories.
Reindeer Talks
Join our knowledgeable reindeer team for engaging talks throughout the day. Learn all about these fascinating creatures, their habits, and what makes them special during the holiday season. Perfect for curious minds and animal lovers alike!
Festive Bingo
Play along in our fun Festive Bingo sessions. Held near the farm area, this lively game includes a few surprise prizes, and everyone is welcome to join! Available on 23-24 Nov, 30 Nov to 1 Dec, 7-8, 13-18, 21-24 Dec at 12pm and 2pm.
Christmas Animals Talks
Celebrate our festive animal talks, featuring a different animal each day. Catch these Christmas-themed talks on 23-24 Nov, 30 Nov to 1 Dec and 7-24 Dec with spot prizes available for participants. Keep an eye out for the daily talk schedule near the Visitor Centre.
Can You Spot Santa’s Reindeer?
Discover Santa’s reindeer hidden around the reindeer enclosure! Find all nine miniature reindeer, and claim a festive reindeer sticker from our friendly volunteers or the ticket elf nearby.
Christmas Cracker of a Joke Competition
Think you’ve got the best Christmas joke? Join our festive joke competition by scanning the QR code on-site and submitting your joke from 23 Nov to 6 Jan. Our head comedy elf will choose the winner in January, with an exclusive animal experience up for grabs! *T&Cs apply.
Meet Santa at Whipsnade Zoo!
Join us this Christmas at our cosy Lookout Lodges, as Santa returns to Whipsnade Zoo! This year, choose from Meet Santa, Meet Santa Animal Gift-Giving and Meet Santa VIP Breakfast sessions. We also have relaxed sessions available.
What Meet Santa sessions are available this year at Whipsnade Zoo?
Meet Santa
30 November and 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December
Santa is stopping by at Whipsnade Zoo’s cosy Lookout Lodge this year. Little ones can join in festive crafts before meeting Santa in his magical grotto and receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home. This experience is £17.50 per child.
Meet Santa Relaxed
1 and 18 December
These sessions include the same experience as standard Meet Santa sessions, but with dimmed lighting, quieter sounds and other reduced sensory stimulation to make the area feel more relaxed, specifically designed for those with additional needs. This experience is £17.50 per child.
Meet Santa Animal Gift-Giving
23, 24 & 30 November and 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 24 December
For only £22.50 more per child*, join our elves to make tasty gifts for some of our Zoo residents and then head on a tour to deliver your gift and watch the animals get stuck in. And of course, every child will meet Santa in his grotto and take away a Christmas gift.
Most suitable for ages 5 and over.
Meet Santa VIP Breakfast
23, 24 & 30 November and 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December
For only £25 more per child*, start your day with a little extra Christmas sparkle as you join Mrs Claus and the elves for crafts, activities and a delicious continental breakfast buffet. Afterwards, your little ones will head over to feed our penguins their breakfast with the help of our animal experts. And of course, every child will meet Santa in his grotto and take away a special Christmas gift.
Come to enjoy a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and festive fun at Whipsnade Zoo with family and kids !
LittleBird Top Tip
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Address and Contact Info
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU6 2LF
Nearest Park: Sallowsprings Nature Reserve
