Back by popular demand, Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns have returned with a splash – an underwater theme of marine creatures.
Last staged in 2019, 22,000 tickets have already been sold, helping conservation of rare species, including Scotland’s own flapper skate. Visitors have sixty nights to wrap up and head outside for an uplifting, colourful and fun evening packed with numerous photo opportunities (including a couple of “put yourself in the picture” illuminations).
Some 600 lanterns big and small have been handmade in China (the same province that is home to the giant pandas, transported to the Zoo’s hillside location and strategically placed in a looping route through some of the animal enclosures. As Ben Supple, the Zoo’s Deputy CEO, explained: “The animals are where they need to be – cosied up and a lot will be sleeping. They are used to people.” An exception has been made for one of the newest arrivals, Domino the cheetah, with the trail avoiding her enclosure until she settles in.
Visitors may spot the odd animal – I saw flamingos, otters and goats, busy with nocturnal activities – however they’ll find it hard to take their eyes off the glowing lanterns depicting all kinds of sea creatures. Flapper skates, giant whales, sea turtles, orcas, multicoloured fish (Finding Nemo anyone?), dolphins and even a couple of mermaids perched on columns in an underwater Atlantis.
Everyone will have a favourite. It could be the giant walk-through whale, or the penguins on ice, a tiny tropical fish or quavering pink jellyfish. The highlight for me was a rocky animal enclosure cleverly transformed into the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth, complete with a stunning lighthouse, gannets with their striking colour schemes, cheeky puffins and a seal popping its head up as if to join the curious visitors to see what was going on.
Towards the end of the trail, I discovered a welcome pit stop where I was invited to toast my own marshmallows and warm up with a cup of mulled wine. Much needed after the torrents of rainwater that evening forming rivers down the slopes adding to the underwater theme.
The Giant Lanterns are good value for money (I spent 2 hours wandering the trail snapping away at the extremely photogenic creations) and it is a fantastic way to get out on a winter’s evening and entertain the kids with a unique experience.
The event runs until 22 February 2026 and ticket prices vary from off peak, standard and peak. A standard adult is £21.50, child £16 and under 3s go free.
More information can be found here https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/events-experiences/events/edinburgh-zoos-giant-lanterns