Giant Lanterns set to light up winter with conservation and community at its heart
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has officially launched Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns trail. Visitors are invited to embark on an out-of-this-world adventure through a glowing universe of handcrafted lanterns while helping to protect wildlife and support local communities.
Last year, the award-winning event attracted more than 96,000 visitors, with this winter set to be the biggest experience yet. Beyond the spectacular displays, Giant Lanterns has a greater purpose, with proceeds from ticket sales helping to support RZSS’s vital conservation work in Scotland and around the world, alongside its commitment to making a positive difference in the community.
As part of this commitment, RZSS is inviting seven charity partners including Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Child First and Places for People to experience the trail who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. The initiative aims to make the event more inclusive and accessible, creating moments of wonder, excitement and enjoyment for people who may face barriers to taking part.
Proceeds will also help support vital conservation work, including the Saving Wildcats project led by RZSS. The project works on returning wildcats to the Scottish Highlands, helping to restore populations of this critically endangered species in the wild.
By visiting Giant Lanterns, visitors are helping RZSS work towards its ambitious goal of reversing the decline of at least 50 species by 2030, supporting vital work to give threatened wildlife a brighter future.
Running across 60 nights from Friday 13 November until Sunday 21 February 2027, the space safari trail will feature more than 1,000 handcrafted lanterns and 15,000 LED lights.
RZSS deputy chief executive Ben Supple said: “We are so happy to welcome everyone back to see Edinburgh Zoo truly glow once again. Giant Lanterns are incredibly special. It’s not just a winter light trail, it’s a lifeline for vital conservation work that is only made possible thanks to the support of our visitors.
“Last year our conservation work was able to protect threatened species not only just in Scotland but around the world. We hope Giant Lanterns will inspire our visitors to see the natural world in a new light and leave knowing that their visit has helped make a difference to wildlife, both here in Scotland and further afield.”
Tickets are available now at edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns.
Entry is open from 4:45pm, with the last entry at 7.30pm.
Ticket prices vary for off-peak and standard nights.
