Christmas in Kent: Family Lantern Tours and Wildlife Adventures at Hemsley Conservation Centre

✨ Children’s Christmas Lantern Evenings – Back with a Festive Twist! ✨

It’s that time of year again - twinkling lights, cosy evenings, and the sound of excited little voices getting ready for Christmas! We’re so excited to announce that our Children’s Christmas Lantern Evenings are returning to the Hemsley Conservation Centre for 2025… and this year, they’re even more magical.

🌟 A magical evening for the whole family

Our Lantern Evenings are all about making Christmas memories that last. The evening begins with children designing and decorating their very own festive lanterns - a fun and creative way to start the night. Once their lanterns are ready, it’s time to write a special letter to Santa. Each one is posted before the adventure begins, and (with a little Christmas magic) every child receives a personalised reply from Santa to take home.

Then comes the really special part - the lantern-lit walk through the zoo. As the sun sets and the paths glow with warm light, families get to see the zoo in a whole new way. Our keepers share enchanting stories and fascinating animal talks that you won’t hear during the day, making the whole experience feel truly unique.

Afterwards, it’s time to warm up in our cosy Rainforest Tearooms, where you can enjoy hot chocolate, festive treats, and a well-deserved sit-down.

🎁 Event details

• Perfect for: Children aged 5–10 years

• Tickets: Each child ticket includes one free adult. Extra adults are £9.99 each

• Members: Don’t forget to enter your membership number at checkout for 10% off

• What to bring:

  • Warm clothes (it can get chilly after dark!)

  • Waterproofs (just in case the weather decides to be extra festive!)

Spaces are limited every year - and they go fast - so we recommend booking early to avoid missing out.

🦁 Why we love this event

There’s something really special about exploring the zoo after dark. The lanterns flicker, the animals settle down for the night, and there’s a peaceful kind of magic in the air. It’s a lovely chance for families to slow down together during what can be a very busy season, while learning more about the incredible animals that call HCC home.

Plus, every visit helps support our conservation work - so by joining in the fun, you’re also helping to protect wildlife around the world.

☕ A few handy tips

• Arrive a little early so you’ve got time to get settled and decorate your lantern.

• Encourage your child to think about what they’d like to tell Santa - it could be a Christmas wish, or even something they’d love to share about their favourite animal!

• Wrap up warm, bring a torch if you’d like, and take a moment to enjoy the peaceful, lantern-lit paths.

  
  

🎅 Make this Christmas one to remember

Whether it’s the glow of the lanterns, the excitement of posting a letter to Santa, or the thrill of exploring the zoo after dark, this evening pro

mises to be full of smiles, wonder and festive magic.

Join us for a heart-warming night that celebrates Christmas, wildlife, and the joy of being together.

Book your lantern-lit adventure today through our website and get ready to make some unforgettable Christmas memories at the Hemsley Conservation Centre.