Radar: Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns (with early bird deal)

I fondly remember the ‘Chinese lanterns’ at Edinburgh Zoo, and this year, for the first time in years, giant lanterns are returning. The 2025 giant lanterns at Edinburgh Zoo feature a nautical theme and should make for a great evening out for kids and adults (or, in my case, a guy with a smartphone and an Instagram account).

Edinburgh folk! There’s a 10% discount on early bird tickets, and you can book now.

The giant lanterns will run from Friday, 14th November, all the way through to Christmas and the New Year (ideal if you’ve kids/school holidays to manage) and conclude on Sunday, 22nd February 2026.

I’ve pounced on an early bird, but you can also opt for a VIP package, which includes a full day of encounters, an evening meal, and access to Edinburgh Zoo’s ‘magical evening event’.

Now, speaking as someone who has done multiple lantern events at the Zoo before, I suggest that the time of day is more important than the weather. The lanterns look best with the right level of darkness, and I think getting there early is best for little kids and their bedtime. However, for people wanting to take videos or snaps, it’s best to go around or after dusk.

Edinburgh Zoo has mobility aids and a few lockers that a small wheelie might fit into. If you’re catching the train into Edinburgh, have bags, and don’t want to burn calories, consider renting storage space. In particular, if you’re coming in from Glasgow and getting off at Haymarket, then there are pay-and-store lockers where you could leave your luggage.

Ticket Links

• Tickets: Giant Lanterns.