safari park christmas 2023

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Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Holiday tunes set the mood, and seasonal food treats tempt you throughout your journey.

Select Nights

November 25–26; December 2, 3, 9, 10,  16–23, and 26–31

Neighborhood: North Inland

San Diego Zoo Safari Park 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027-9614

Contact Info

619-718-3000

Date & Time

Nov 24 - Dec 31, 2023 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Please check our website for current hours.

Free with Safari Park admission.

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Join us for Legacy Week at the USS Midway Museum, the centerpiece of Memorial Day celebrations in San Diego. Legacy Week is a heartfelt tribute to our military's valor and sacrifices, offering a series of events designed for everyone to experience the spirit of honor, remembrance, and celebration. From the exhilarating Top Gun Maverick Party & Movie Night and exclusive encounters with aviators with their aircraft to a solemn Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony, Legacy Week encapsulates the essence of Memorial Day weekend.

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Join the Del Mar Village Association for the next “Keep Del Mar Green” community cleanup! We will spread out throughout the downtown and beach areas to pick up trash that would otherwise end up in our precious waterways. We are encouraging locals to participate in this great opportunity to help keep our community clean alongside the Del Mar Village businesses and organizations that will be helping at the cleanup.

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Eat, Drink, and Be Wildly Merry This Holiday Season

It’s beginning to look—and taste—a lot like the holidays at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. From spectacular lighting displays to jolly entertainment, the Zoo and the Safari Park are decked out in their festive seasonal finery and are ready to spread the spirit of the season—and the joy of celebrating wildlife conservation. 

AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO

Jungle Bells , proudly supported by California Coast Credit Union, takes place on select days in December and January 1, 2024. The merriment begins just inside the Zoo entrance, where  Jingle Brass  sets the holiday mood with seasonal tunes on the Front Street Stage. The interactive fun of  Reindeer Games  also takes place at Front Street Stage for holiday activities and dances.

Since all that fun works up an appetite, it’s a good thing the nearby Sandwich Company will feature  Chicken Pot Pie Soup  and Safari Kitchen is cooking up  Comet’s Chicken Sandwich  to help quiet those rumbly tummies. Front Street’s Kettle Corn offers the sweet-and-savory  Rudolph’s Red-Hot Popcorn ; and Busy Bee Cafe will certainly be busy, serving tempting  Santa Sweet Heat Wings  and cocktails like the  North Pole Breeze .

With its whipped cream vodka and blue curaçao mixed with pineapple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup, the North Pole Breeze is holiday spirit in a glass. Since you’re this close to Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, take the time to revel in gold, copper, turquoise, and green lighting throughout, oversized ornaments hanging in the trees, holiday wreaths at the area’s entrance, and the appearance of a giant snowflake projected on the water globe. Watch for the prince of winter—our  Jack Frost Juggler —as he shows off amazing skills juggling snowballs and icicles, bringing humor, fun, and a little magical winter chill.

More seasonal merriment awaits near Urban Jungle and Australian Outback, where light displays and festive décor offer the perfect backdrop for holiday photos. Enjoy an  Apple Cider   Spritz  at the Boardwalk Beer Garden or a  Pomegranate Salad  from Sydney’s Grill while experiencing the hundreds of lights that cover the Boardwalk stage—as well as jolly entertainment including photo ops with costumed characters  Dr. Harry and His Holiday Friends ; the a cappella tunes of  The Tinseltones ; and the exciting acrobatics of  Toy Shop Hop . Still hungry? Sabertooth Mexican Grill’s  Snowdrift Churro  and  Holly Jolly Quesabirria  are sure to please the palate, as are Treetops Bistro’s  Gingerbread Churros . What goes nicely with those treats? Treetops’  Specialty Hot Chocolates , and drinks like a  Peppermint Mocha  or  Gingerbread Latte  from Zoo Brew. Albert’s Restaurant is brimming with holiday spirits—such as its  Polar Bear Express Martini,  which mixes vodka with a white chocolate liqueur, sprinkled with crushed candy cane. Another special sippable is Albert’s  Ostrich OrnaMINT  cocktail, a combination of maple bourbon, coffee, and simple syrup.

Make sure to find the way to Lost Forest, where  Gingerbread Landing  offers gingerbread-themed ornaments adornments and a gingerbread house complete with fun cookie décor pieces that make for festive holiday photo spots. Munch on a  Gingerbread Churro  available in the area. And no holiday excursion would be complete without a visit to  Santa’s Factory  at the Price Education Center, where the jolly ol’ elf himself awaits to hear wishes and take photos. This is also the place to hear classic seasonal songs by our strolling  Holiday Troubadour .

Over at Africa Rocks, the Rady waterfall is cascading festively, accented with projected color-changing lights and snowflake effects. The Africa Rocks Stage is the setting for  Dr. Zoolittle’s One Wild Night Before Christmas  (you’ve never heard the story quite like this!), and the nearby  Rocks Box  snackery will have yummy, warm apple spice churros available. But save energy and room—the sights, sounds, and flavors of Aurora are coming your way! 

The  Aurora Pathway Experience  (encompassing Upper Center Street, Africa Rocks, and Lower Center Street)presents Aurora’s friendly sprites, symbolizing three elements of nature—wind, water, and ice—inhabiting these three areas of the Zoo pathways, engaging guests with spirited goodwill. Music, lighting, and special effects on these themed pathways lead guests to Hua Mei Plaza and the Aurora spectacular, where the fun—and delicious fare—continue. Sip  Santa’s Cocktail  (cranberry juice, Sprite, and vodka, with a touch of grenadine, topped with a maraschino cherry) at Bamboo Bar; or feast on  Holiday Harvest Beef and Broccoli  at Hua Mei Café.

The evening’s main event—the  Aurora  winter spectacular—brings lights, sound, live performers, and 3D video projection images, as it highlights the beauty of wind, water, and ice during two mesmerizing performances nightly. Families can get dinner at Hua Mei Café and enjoy the amazing performance. An Aurora VIP dining experience is also available.

AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK

Running select dates in December,  Wild Holidays  brings festive, seasonal fun and culinary delights to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Throughout Safari Base Camp, guests can get in the spirit via contemporary and classic holiday songs played by  Safari Park Radio 197.2 . This area is also home to the  Wild Holidays Celebration Tree , and its sparkling lights and wildlife-themed decorations. Multiple times each evening, the village comes to life with seasonal merriment, as lights dance to a choreographed holiday music soundtrack for  Light Up the Holidays . Ready for a treat? The Congo Kitchen has what is perhaps the pinnacle of seasonal sweets—a  Holiday Churro  with whipped cream, strawberry drizzle and festive sprinkles. Not to be outdone, Safari Coffee Outpost is ready to go nosh-to-nosh with any eatery, serving  Holiday Nitro Brew ,  Peppermint Bark ,  Holiday Mini Doughnuts , and a variety of  Gourmet Hot Chocolates . Of course, no holiday extravaganza would be complete without the man in red— Santa  will have his spot in Safari Base Camp for photos up through December 25, and then it’s back to the North Pole for another year! 

Nairobi Village is brimming with holiday cheer, beginning with the Safari Park’s own Safari Parker, who will share his “ Twas the Night Before Wild Holidays ” with guests in the Village Playground. In the mood for a festive sing-along? Our  Holiday Troubadour  and his acoustic guitar, also at the Playground, will add to the holiday feel. At Flightline Plaza, our violin duo—the  Turtle Doves —will wrap seasonal music up with a “bow.” Keep your eyes open—and looking up—around Flightline Plaza and beyond, as the mesmerizing  Firefly Stilt Walkers  move about, casting their magical glow. The Enchanted Lagoon lives up to its name nightly, as Mombasa Lagoon comes to life with sparkling, flickering, floating holiday lights, adding seasonal ambience to the beauty of the lighted waterfall.

Holiday merrymaking is thirsty—and hungry—work, and there are plenty of delicious treats to enjoy around Safari Base Camp. Tuck into creamy  Porcini Mushroom and Black Pepper Bacon Mac and Cheese ; accompanied by  Gourmet Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at Thorntree Terrace . Or, savor the crunchy-and-creamy  Onion Ring and Black Pepper Bacon Poutine  and  Gourmet S’mores Hot Chocolate  at Mombasa Cooker. And for the ultimate sweet tooth’s sweet spots, the Oasis Deli is offering  Festive Fresh Fudge,   Peppermint Bark, and Gourmet Gingerbread Hot Chocolate ; as well as  Specialty Cocktails .

Spanning Safari Walk Bridge, the  Bridge of Lights  is a spectacular immersion of holiday glow and music that leads you into  The Spirit of the Season , an immersive experience of lighted trees, holiday décor and magical touches at Tiger Trail, Sambutan Longhouse, Walkabout Australia, Zuest Woolshed, World Gardens, and Condor Ridge, offering spots for that perfect photo. At nearby Macan Market,   you’ll forget all about sugarplums as you nibble delicious  Peppermint Bark  and  Festive Fudge Cups ;   complemented by a cup of  Gourmet Peppermint Hot Chocolate . Arbor Walk’s  Forest of Color  is another merry adventure, with its glistening lights, music, and amazing view of Condor Valley. More scenic photo spots await in the World Gardens’  Baja Garden , aglow with lights and holiday cheer. Guests strolling Walkabout Australia and World Gardens can catch a performance by  Sweater Weather , a touring guitar-and-percussion duo playing fun, imaginative renditions of holiday favorites. Want to sip in between songs? Walkabout Australia’s Sheared Sheep is ready to serve you festive  Specialty Cocktails .

Besides having a flair for celebrating the holidays, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park have a lot in common, including a dedication to making every season special for the wildlife we care for. And you, our guests, are making this a wonderful time of year, as every one of your purchases helps support conservation and the Alliance’s efforts toward a world where all live thrives. For more information, visit  www.sdzwa.org .

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'wild holidays' 2023: san diego zoo safari park, escondido.

Event Details

Wild Holidays 

Select dates, Nov. 24–Dec. 31, 2023 - 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA

From San Diego Zoo Safari Park :

"Celebrate the season in wild style at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with the return of Wild Holidays. 

"The annual event invites guests to experience the wonders of the Safari Park with a special holiday twist.

"Go on a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow, shine and twinkle with holiday cheer.

"Fanciful characters, musical entertainment, storytelling and culinary treats create family fun and put everyone in the holiday spirit!

"Santa at Safari Base Camp:

• November 24–26 and December 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, and 18–23: Noon–8 p.m.; December 24: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; December 25: Noon–5 p.m.
• Safari Base Camp

"Have your photo taken and visit with the jolly old elf himself, before he travels back to the North Pole.

"Light Up the Holidays"

"The area comes to life when the Village lights up in a choreographed display to a holiday soundtrack.

• Carol of the Bells Medley – 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m.
• Jingle Bells and More Medley – 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.

'Twas the Night before Wild Holidays:

• 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. (20 minutes)
• Village Playground

"Join Safari Parker—adventurer extraordinaire—for interactive fun and surprises as he reads his original holiday story, ’Twas the Night before Wild Holidays , ending in a wintery finale.

"Forest of Color:

• 5 to 8 p.m. (Continuous)

"See the forest aglow with beautiful holiday light, as Condor valley glistens with seasonal magic.

"Baja Gardens:

• World Gardens

"Explore the amazing Baja Gardens, festively illuminated and glowing with seasonal cheer.

"Wild Holidays activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership.

" *On December 24 and 25, there will be no Wild Holidays events or entertainment, and the Safari Park will close at 5 p.m. Guests can still visit Santa at Safari Basecamp on these dates before he dashes away to finish his route. "

MORE INFO & TICKET LINKS HERE

--Image Credit: Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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Let us answer your questions and help create your day at the San Diego Zoo!  Search our extensive FAQ, or chat with our 24-hour virtual assistant.  

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

From Interstate 5 (Los Angeles and Orange County), take the Pershing Drive exit and follow the signs. From Interstate 15 (Escondido and Riverside), take State Route 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo parking entrance is off Park Blvd. at Zoo Place.

From Interstate 5 (Mexico), take the State Route 163 north exit, then the Zoo/Museums (Richmond Street) exit and follow the signs to the Zoo parking lot.

From State Route 94, proceed into downtown San Diego to 11th Avenue. Turn right on 11th Avenue and proceed north to A Street. Turn right on A Street, and then make a quick left onto Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo parking entrance is off Park Blvd. at Zoo Place.

Parking is free in the lot in front of the Zoo. Additional free parking is available throughout Balboa Park.

It’s easy to get here on public transit. Rapid 215 and Route 7 stop at the Zoo and are an easy connection in downtown from Amtrak and COASTER trains at the Santa Fe Depot, downtown hotels, the Cruise Ship Terminal, Blue, Orange, and Green Line Trolleys and other MTS bus routes. For fare and schedule information, call 511, or visit sdmts.com.

Families Save on MTS Family Weekends! On Saturday and Sunday, two children (12 and under) ride MTS Bus and Trolley routes FREE with a paid adult (18 and over)!

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Apple iOS download here ▸ Android download here ▸

Visiting the Zoo has never been easier, with the San Diego Zoo app! Discover dining, activities, and more with the GPS-enabled map. Get ready for your visit by importing tickets and memberships to the digital wallet, adding your must-see wildlife to the day planner, viewing today's schedule, and much more.

View the San Diego Zoo's classic illustrated map on your mobile or desktop browser. Find your favorite wildlife, plan your visit, and check out all the San Diego Zoo has to offer.

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Our Guest Services booth is located inside the Zoo, to the left of the Bus Tour entrance. Open daily to closing.

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The San Diego Zoo welcomes all guests. We have several services to help our guests with disabilities enjoy their visit. The Zoo provides dedicated parking, restrooms, and access to experiences, tour buses, and habitat areas for guests with disabilities. Please note there are steep grades in parts of the Zoo.

Our ADA shuttle service is available on an on-call basis for our guests with mobility-related disabilities and can accommodate all standard wheelchairs and the types of electronic conveyance vehicles (ECVs) allowed on grounds.

Contact any Zoo team member or volunteer to request service and get directions to the nearest pickup location. Space is limited and reserved for those who need it most. Guests who use mobility assistive devices may also refer to the Zoo map for ADA pathways and elevators.

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Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017

The Safari Park is the San Diego Zoo’s sister park to the northeast in Escondido. Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles. Please allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time.

Purchase a two-visit pass ▸

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Picture Your Special Day at the Park!

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Get ready for an experience you’ll always remember!

Want to get up close and personal with your favorite wildlife, sit back and relax, or tackle a challenging adventure? Choose your safari!

Butterfly Jungle Safari

• $15 per person

Visit Butterfly Jungle in an all new way! Learn about the butterfly life cycle on your way into the Hidden Jungle aviary, then become immersed in the wonder of colorful, fluttering butterflies.

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Travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck into our expansive savanna habitats, with an expert guide.  

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These Safaris are guaranteed to thrill and amaze! Your guide will escort you to a variety of locations around the Park to see animals up close and share stories of wildlife care and conservation.  

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• $60 & up per person

Sit back in the comfort of a Safari cart, as you enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Park’s spacious African or Asian savanna habitats, led by one of our knowledgeable guides. 

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• $90 & up per person

Come join us at the Safari Park to see what happens before we open our gates to visitors, including watching a cheetah run at top speed!  

Ultimate Safari

• $710 & up per person

Enjoy a custom safari experience of a lifetime! The Ultimate Safari is your key to exclusive areas, wildlife interactions, and the very best in personalized service.

Roar & Snore Safaris

• $160 & up per person

Pack up your “trunk” for a sleepover adventure at the Safari Park! Choose from several age-appropriate sleepover categories with their own themes.  

Flightline Safari

• Ages 8 & up
• $81 & up per person

Soar as high as 130 feet above the ground, with a spectacular bird’s-eye view of rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife in the savanna habitats below you.

Celebrate everyone who means mom to you

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Safari Park Wild Holidays Guide and Review 2024

Where is the Safari Park Wild Holidays

Wild Holidays is hosted at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, San Diego North County, about 35 miles away from the San Diego Zoo (which is located near Downtown San Diego).

It’s not that far of a drive from downtown San Diego, but if there’s traffic it can take around 45 minutes. I recommend following our carsick hacks if you or your little ones get motion sickness on road trips.

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

When is the Safari Park Wild Holidays

Safari Park Wild Holidays is on select nights during the holiday season .

Stay Tuned for Safari Park Wild Holiday Dates for 2024.

Safari Park Wild Holiday Dates for 2022: November 25–27; December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17–23, and 26–January 1

Wild Holidays in 2021 was on select nights from 11/26/21-1/2/22, 4 pm-8 pm .

Check back for Wild Holiday times for 2024 . Once the times are released by the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, I will add them here.

What is included in the Safari Park Wild Holidays

The Wild Holidays event at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is included in the admission to the park .

There are various holiday entertainments, lights, music , and decorations spread throughout the park during the holiday season.

If you’re looking for an adventure to get your whole family into the holiday spirit, the Wild Holidays event at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park does not disappoint.

Be sure to print out a Travel Journal for your kids so they can record the adventure.

Wild Holidays Entertainment 

• Safari Parker (kid’s story time)
• Holiday Troubadour (guitar)
• Firefly Stilt Walkers
• Turtle Doves (violins)
• Sweater Weather (guitar & percussion)
• Photos with Santa (Note: may not be available after 12/25)

If you do anything during Wild Holidays, see Safari Parker .

There was surprise snow at the end of Safari Parker’s “‘Twas the Night Before Wild Holidays,” a fun interactive story for the kids.

Our girls were mesmerized and we had bubbles all over our hair and Christmas sweaters!

The Firefly Stilt Walkers were super fun to see. We were talking with one Firefly, and he said his sister’s name was Evangeline (a subtle nod to the Princess and the Frog).

Our toddler preferred them from a distance, but still enjoyed their lights and wings. Try and get pictures with them before it gets too dark, but make sure to swing back around and see them fully lit up at night.

As for photos with Santa , there was no line when we went. This could change depending on the day and visitor count, but it seemed to be the pattern for Wild Holidays in 2021.

Santa was so helpful with getting the girls to smile for the photos and gave them each a candy cane after.

There was no cost to meet Santa during Wild Holidays, but pictures were available for purchase.

We got the package that included the print & digital downloads so we could have all of the photos and different border options.

Wild Holidays Music to Lights Shows

• Nairobi Lantern Walk
• Light up the Holidays
• Bridge of Lights

If you’re someone who loves Christmas lights , the Safari Park Wild Holidays music and light shows are a must.

The Bridge of Lights was absolutely stunning! The whole bridge to the tigers was lit up and synced to a variety of Christmas songs.

This is a long bridge too, so it’s not like a little tunnel that you quickly exit out of. The Safari Park light tunnel spans the entire length of the bridge leading up to the Tiger Trail and Walkabout Australia exhibits.

Plus, you need to go through it again to get back to the park entrance, so it’s set up very well to thoroughly enjoy the attraction.

The Safari Park Nairobi Lantern Walk was very pretty.

I was expecting it to just be some lights and background music, but the music was queued up to the flickering of the lanterns for a very holiday-filled ambiance.

Another light display I wasn’t sure about was Light up the Holidays , but it was super fun & got us all dancing! 

You just never know if something like this will be just music or a one-song wonder. Different holiday music played from Safari Park Radio 197.2 while the lights danced around. The result was a combination of different colors, different patterns, and multiple songs. It was so awesome and queued up perfectly to the beat.

Wild Holidays Lights & Decor

• The Spirit of the Season
• Journey of Light
• Baja Gardens

Beautiful decorations and great photo ops were everywhere in the Safari Park Wild Holiday areas.

There’s a large glowing “Wild Holidays” sign on the way to the Bridge of Lights. Again, I recommend taking your photo in the daylight but then swinging back around at night to see it all lit up.

If you head over to the elevator going down to the Lion Camp and African Loop enclosures, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful Christmas Tree and a stunning view of the Savannah.

Other glowing lights and decorations are scattered throughout the park, and the Baja Gardens receive their own special holiday lighting treatment.

Other Safari Park Wild Holidays Tips & Info

• Get there Earlier to see Animals During the Day
• Take Pictures before Dark
• Check the Schedule for Entertainment Times

The later Safari Park Wild Holiday hours are more for just the Christmas event areas, so get there early if you want to see more animals . 

We easily saw the tigers, kangaroos, and animals along the Nairobi Walk.

However, the entire area down by the elephants and Africa loop was closed off when it got dark.

Take pictures earlier then enjoy the scenery & lights at night .

I mentioned this earlier, but I can’t stress it enough. The lights are absolutely amazing, but if you want clear pictures and don’t have the best night photography skills (or kids who stay still during longer exposure times), then take the photos before dark and take the rest of the evening to just enjoy the holiday lights.

If you really want the lights to be on for your photos, you can get some decent pictures of the lights at dusk.

Many of the entertainment events are scheduled frequently throughout the night . I would pick which ones are a must-do and plan to be in that area around your preferred time (especially if you have a toddler who might start falling asleep).

Check-in with Santa Clause since he does have a break scheduled.

The Safari Park employees were very helpful in providing us with the info we needed. We made it to Safari Parker’s first performance and back to Santa before our toddler decided to take a nap .

Safari Park Wild Holidays Summary

Overall, the Wild Holidays experience at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a fun way to get into the spirit of the holiday season.

If you’re looking for Halloween fun, definitely check out both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park for more holiday-themed events. Sea World San Diego also has a great Spooktacular for September and October.

If you’re looking for additional experiences, then check out the Roar and Snore or read our review on SeaWorld San Diego’s Beluga Whale Encounter .

Does San Diego Safari Park have Christmas lights

Yes, and the Safari Park Wild Holidays is an amazing way to get into the holiday spirit. 

Entertainment, lights, music, and decorations are all included in the cost of admission. Prints or digital copies of photos with Santa are extra, but meeting Santa does not cost extra.

Is San Diego Safari Park open on Christmas?

Yes, the San Diego Safari Park is open every day of the year. Just be sure to check their website or app for updated park hours, as closing time varies on weekends, weekdays, and holidays. 

Be sure to catch the entertainment, lights, and music of Safari Park Wild Holidays included with admission.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: What to Read Next…

Ever wonder what it would be like to wake up and hear lions roaring? Now you can with this unique Roar and Snore sleepover at the San Diego Safari Park. Click to read our full review on the San Diego Safari Park Roar and Snore .

Travel Blogger

Family Travel Folio was created in 2019 by Katie to help and inspire parents to travel with their kids from Camping to Disneyland and everything in between.

Katie is a Disney obsessed bookworm who loves to explore with her husband and their 2 girls. You can find her learning fun facts about animals or eating sour candy while planning another fun adventure.

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Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation

At the 134th Rose Parade, we celebrated the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 50th anniversary, and the life-changing moments that happen here, which have transformed the future of conservation—and our world—forever. Unlike any other place on Earth, the Safari Park transports guests into sprawling landscapes and dynamic ecosystems teeming with wildlife, offering one-of-a-kind experiences with wildlife and unparalleled moments where authentic stories of nature and conservation come to life. These moments leave us better than we were before, and they change how we see the world. And it’s in these moments we realize that we can change it for the better.

Bringing conservation to life, and winning this year’s Animation Award, our float featured rhinos Neville and his mom Livia, Msituni the giraffe and her parents, African crowned cranes amongst vibrant landscapes, and team members from across the Alliance sharing stories of hope with more than 800,000 spectators along the 5-mile parade route—and more than 70 million people around the world—as they welcomed in the new year.

A Moment Can Change a Lifetime

Conservation starts with people and the Safari Park has inspired countless allies worldwide—reminding each of us that, together, hope for a better tomorrow is just around the corner.

The Rose Parade gives San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance an incredible opportunity to bring our conservation message of hope to a global audience, empowering viewers to join us in making a meaningful difference for wildlife, people, and the planet we all share. Through this larger-than-life storytelling opportunity, we spark the imagination and touch the hearts of countless allies around the globe, inviting them to save, protect, and care for wildlife worldwide and to join us in our commitment to a world where all life thrives.

At the front of the float is four-month-old  Neville   and his mom Livia, two southern white rhinos who bring enormous hope to the cutting-edge efforts to save their northern white rhino cousins. With only two northern white rhinos left on Earth—a mother and daughter pair—San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is combining groundbreaking conservation science with more than a century of world-class wildlife expertise to save them. In fact, Neville is the third rhino born as part of this revolutionary program at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—joining Edward and Future, who also made history as the first southern white rhinos born through artificial insemination in North America. The science is working—and as Neville and his saucer-sized feet continue to grow, so do the dreams for rhino conservation worldwide.

Standing tall on her 4-foot legs and looking for a cool drink from the flowing waterfalls is  Msituni   (see-TOO-nee), an 11-month-old giraffe whose name means “in the forest” in Swahili. Born unable to walk, a condition she would not have survived in her native habitat, Msituni required months of critical around the-clock care, along with several pairs of custom giraffe-sized orthotic leg braces, to support her while she gained the necessary strength and eventually learned to walk. Today, after making a full recovery, Msituni runs alongside dozens of other giraffes, as well as herds of wildebeest, impalas, rhinos, and Cape buffalo across the hills and grasslands of the Safari Park’s African savannas.

Four African crowned cranes meander through lush landscapes, giving us a glimpse into the Safari Park’s more than 1.3 million individual plants, which are cared for by dedicated teams of horticulturists. More than 3,700 plant species, and several accredited botanical gardens, are part of the Safari Park’s global conservation efforts. Hundreds of individual plants, delicately propagated and grown at the Safari Park, have been brought to Pasadena and are on the float, bringing the vibrant savanna grasslands—and this moment—to life.

From the back, and standing 15 feet tall, Msituni’s parents peek with curiosity into an open-air safari truck full of guests, immersed in this life-changing moment. The riders are the wildlife care specialists, veterinarians, and conservation scientists from the Safari Park who have dedicated their lives to caring for Neville, Msituni, and countless others in San Diego and around the globe. They are joined by Executive Director of the Safari Park Lisa Peterson and expert safari guides, as well as the next generation of conservationists, as they experience this one-of-a-kind adventure surrounded by the wonders of wildlife and intricate beauty of nature.

A moment can change a lifetime—and every moment at the Safari Park is a remarkable journey, with the opportunity to touch hearts and change the world. Conservation starts with people, and as the lyrics of “We Will Rise” remind us, with strength and bravery, together we will rise. From the brave and innovative efforts to save the northern white rhino through a first-of-its-kind surrogacy program, to the dedicated around-the-clock care giving the world’s wildlife a second chance, and the lifelong connections that make our world a smaller place—and unite us—these transformational moments happen every day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. And every time they happen, we turn the corner, bringing us one step closer to a world where all life thrives.

Conservation Hubs

• Explore the Hubs

Our approach to sustainable and effective long-term conservation all begins at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, fueling our efforts across eight conservation hubs around the globe.

In every conservation hub, we protect and restore biodiversity—which includes animals and plants—by working with partners, using science-based conservation strategies, and collaborating with local communities to safeguard nature and the planet we all share.

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Its the most wonderful time of the year

Experience the Holidays like never before! Come join us during the Holiday Season for festive lights, Santa, reindeer and so much more! Bring the whole family and join us in Holiday cheer.

Take in all of the lights and sounds as you journey throughout the park. 

With the park lit up, we promise you and your family a magical winter wonderland experience!!

Walk-Thru Holiday Lights

See specific days under park information price regular admission season passes pass holders enter at no additional cost.

Meet Santa in our Safari Pavilion beyond our Reindeer Barn, find the Grinch slinking around the park, LIVE ice carvings in our Swan Pavilion next to the Gift Shop, and a photo opportunity with a baby Kangaroo in our Reindeer Barn. Ask a staff if you need assistance!

Drive-Thru Live Nativity Scene

Closed until holiday season 2023.

Opening Times

What's in your stocking this Christmas?

We’ve got some great ideas for the animal lovers in your life – everything from animal adoptions to close-up encounters. Go on, bring the animal magic this Christmas!

Please note our last date for posting in 2022 will be Friday the 23rd of December.  Any orders placed after this date will be sent out when we return to the office on the 9th of January.

Christmas Gifts

Animal Experiences

Know someone who’s always wanted to shake hands with a meerkat, give a rhino a scratch or feed lunch to a giraffe? Then this is for you!  A Christmas gift they’ll never forget. We’ve got a whole range of up-close animal experiences for children, adults and family groups.

You’ll receive your animal experience voucher by email, so it’s perfect for a last-minute Christmas gift!

Adopt an Animal

A great way to help us care for the animals at the Safari Park and support our work to protect endangered animals in the wild. Choose your favourite animal from our adoption list and we’ll send you your very own adoption pack with 2 tickets to the safari park, an official adoption certificate and lots of other goodies.

Membership is a great gift for regular visitors as it allows you to visit time and time again throughout the year. It comes with some great VIP perks too – like our exclusive Members-only events and 10% off all refreshments, rides and gift shop purchases.

Give your friends and family a great day out at Blair Drummond with a gift card. Ranging from £20 to £100, gift cards can be used to buy tickets, refreshments, gifts and more. The convenient way to treat someone, and more exciting than socks!

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with latest park news, updates on the animals and events.

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Knowsley Safari Park Christmas Party

The roaring twenties themed xmas party, show trip builder.

Build your event...

Christmas Party : Liverpool Christmas Party at Knowsley Safari Park 2023 – LIV368

Liverpool christmas party at knowsley safari park 2023 – liv368, christmas party at knowsley safari park 2023, the roaring twenties.

It’s Chicago, 1922…gangsters and mobsters rule the streets and prohibition is in full force…you have just one chance to escape the city lockdown and party hard…whisper the secret password and the warehouse doors swing open to reveal the glamorous style and intoxicating atmosphere of our secret underground Speakeasy. Welcome to the hidden world of the Roaring Twenties… an era of decadence and indulgence… finally it really is time to party!

Choose the glitz of the Gatsby bar for a glass of prosecco or a classy cocktail, the vibe here is exclusive and exuding glamour. Relax with the laid-back soundtrack and admire the awesome aerial trapeze performances.

Alternatively, head into the hot, lively and jumpin’ jazz bar, where the atmosphere is charged and the music is pumping. Grab a beer whilst our Molls and Flappers entertain.

Take your seats under one giant, twinkling, star-lit ceiling, as our award-winning caterers serve three courses of delicious fine dining. Each dish is interspersed with dramatic bursts of entertainment from our spectacular cast.

With dinner served and the drinks now flowing, prohibition has only just begun…

With the dancefloor open, show off your moves! Throughout the evening there are two styles of music, choose between our signature, central dancefloor and our chic, silent disco zone.

Whatever your choice, we guarantee atmospheric floor fillers and absolute classics to dance the night away.

Enjoy a variety of exciting dessert stations, including giant doughnut walls, coffee and petit fours, creative live ice-cream theatre and our Christmas Crumble!

There are magnums of prosecco to be won every night in the glamorous casino, join us at the roulette table or try your luck with a hand or two of Blackjack. There is even more fun to be had as you jump on our exhilarating and world-famous dodgems!

As the clock strikes twelve, don’t miss our survivors breakfast whilst you ride, flutter, drink and dance the night away.

The Roaring Twenties offers everything your group could possibly wish for – Christmas Parties in Liverpool don’t get any better than this!

Sample Christmas Party Menu

Our chefs are busy preparing our 2023 Christmas menu. Please see an example of a menu below from a previous year.

We will accommodate any dietary requirements that we are notified of in advance. Vegetarian main course must be pre-ordered on your final balance date. Menus are subject to change.

Smoked Salmon, Citrus Cream Cheese, Blini Falafel Slider Mini Cumberland Sausage, Sweet Chilli Sauce

Starter Caramelised onion and cheddar tart, basil oil, shallot dressing, winter leaves (V)

Main Thyme roasted chicken supreme, dauphinoise potato, roasted roots and shoots, burgundy jus (GF)

Dessert Mini platters to be served at the tables to include: Mince pies Mini sugared doughnuts Plant based chocolate brownies (VE) (GF) (DF) Interactive Pan ‘n’ Ice station – cookies and cream ice cream (vegan ice cream available from the kitchen on request) Doughnut wall - selection of iced doughnuts

Breakfast Bacon or plant-based sausage baps (GF available)

2023 Dates and prices

Mixed group party nights.

Minimum group size is 10

Please contact the office with your preferred dates for prices and availability, please choose at least 2 different dates if possible.

All prices are per person. Dates are subject to availability at time of booking.

If you are a private individual you will pay the prices listed under the "Consumer Price" (including VAT) column.

If you are a business (VAT registered), you will initially pay the consumer price higher price but will then the company may be able to reclaim the VAT, therefore it is the price listed under the "Business Price" (excluding VAT) column that your company will end up having paid. (*please ask the accounts department to clarify your VAT position).

2023 DRINK PACKAGES & PRE-ORDERS

Drinks Wristbands These must be pre-ordered for all members of your party, and the same wristband must be ordered for all. Your guests will be provided with a wristband to show their entitlement. Spirits will be served as single measures where included.

All-inclusive Beers, House Wines, Prosecco and Soft Drinks Price: £41.50+VAT per person

All-inclusive House Spirits, Beers, House Wines, Prosecco and Soft Drinks Price: £52.50+VAT per person

All-inclusive Premium Spirits, Beers, Premium Wines, Prosecco, Soft Drinks and Cocktails Price: £57.95+VAT per person

Drinks Packages These must be pre-ordered for all members of your party, and the same package must be ordered for all.

Drinks Package A

Price: £23.50+VAT per person Half a bottle of good quality wine, half a bottle of water and 4 drink tokens per person.

Drinks Package B

Price: £33.95+VAT per person Half a bottle of good quality wine, half a bottle of water and 8 drink tokens per person.

Drink Tokens

Price: £2.75 +VAT per token One token valid for a soft drink. Two tokens valid for a bottle of beer or cider, a house spirit (single) and mixer, or a 175ml glass of house wine. Three tokens valid for a premium spirit (single) and mixer or a cocktail. Four tokens valid for a glass of Champagne. You can order any quantity to suit your group.

Vodka Drinks Chest

Price: £181.50+VAT per chest Kick off your after-dinner celebrations in style with a bottle of house bubbly and a 70cl bottle of house Vodka accompanied by mixers, all delivered to your table with glasses.

Gin Drinks Chest

Price: £181.50+VAT per chest Kick off your after-dinner celebrations in style with a bottle of house bubbly and a 70cl bottle of house Gin accompanied by mixers, all delivered to your table with glasses.

A Bucket of Beers or Ciders

Price: £48.95+VAT per bucket 10 Bottles of Lager or Cider, placed on your table in an iced bucket. You can order any quantity to suit your group.

Group Dodgem Tokens

Price: £3.50 + VAT per person These must be pre-ordered for all members of our party. These will be price at £5 on the night.

Where is Knowsley Safari Park?

• Grand Marquee
• Knowsley Safari Park

How to find the party

The parties are held in the Grand Marquee at Knowsley Safari Park. Knowsley Park is Junction 2 off the M57.

Follow brown signs for Knowsley Park and our AA signage for Christmas Party Extravaganzas.

For sat-nav purposes, the address is Knowsley Park, Prescot, Merseyside L34 4AN.

To avoid confusion please let all guests know that the party is at the Safari Park, not at the main Knowsley Hall. You will not be able to access the event via the Knowsley Hall entrance.

There is plenty of free on-site car parking for both cars and coaches on hard standing ground. You are not required to pay any entry charges to Knowsley Park.

Vehicles can be left overnight, but at the owner's risk. We do have 24 hour security, however, we cannot be held responsible for the loss of or any damage to your vehicle whilst on Knowsley Park premises. Gates re-open at 8am the following morning for vehicles to be collected. If you end up having a few drinks, please be safe and take a taxi.

WHAT’S THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE I CAN BOOK FOR?

As we always seat groups on their own tables, the minimum number of people you can book for is 10 for shared parties. Exclusive party events will depend on the venue contract.

WHAT SIZE ARE THE TABLES?

We have several sizes of tables available from 10 to 13, please do call us if you wish to discuss arrangements for the number in your party.

The venue reserves the right to maximise table space, for groups over 10-13 the group may be split between tables although these will of course be next to each other.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

Please see the menu tab for this years delights!

Dietary requirements

We have designed delicious menus alongside our main menu for those guests who are vegetarian, vegan or have an allergy to dairy, gluten or nuts. We can also cater for Halal meals.

Please note that these alternative meals must be ordered in advance of the party.

Please note that we are not unable to provide Kosher meals, however, you are welcome to arrange for the venue to receive a Kosher Meal on the day of your party and they will cook this in their ovens and serve (still in the tray) to your guests at their tables. There is no additional charge for this service; however neither does the guest receive any discount for not having one of our own meals.

CAN I CHANGE MY BOOKING?

Please note that should you wish to add guests to your booking, this is subject to our availability. If you wish to reduce the number of people in your party, any deposits already paid are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Any final balances are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY FOR MY PARTY?

The initial deposit is due upon booking. The rest of the balance for your booking is due no later than 8 weeks before the date of the party.

Any additional items such as drinks packages and dodgems tokens must be paid for on your final balance date.

The balance of your booking can be paid on our website, by bank transfer, or debit / credit card. All details can be found on your booking confirmation email.

Business / Consumer Price – claiming back VAT

All customers pay the Consumer Price to book their party.

If you are a VAT registered business you may be able claim back the VAT – through your business like any other business expense, so you end up paying the advertised Business Price. *if applicable, your accountants will advise you on this and we will not be held responsible for any errors caused.

HOW DO I PRE-ORDER DRINKS?

We have several drinks packages available, complete your drinks order form you received upon booking and pay for your whole package including your drinks on your final balance date.

In addition to drinks packages, you can also pre-order wine and water by the bottle and individual drinks tokens.

Should your group not wish to pre-order drinks, you can of course use cash and debit/credit cards to pay for drinks at the party.

Please note that we cannot run bar tabs at any of our events, however should you wish to provide some drinks for your group you can pre-order drinks packages, wine by the bottle or drink tokens.

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR VENUES?

What is a marquee?

Our marquees are semi-permanent structures with a spirit-level, carpeted, fully-suspended floor. The structure would be unaffected by even a severe storm.

Is there an age limit?

Our parties can only be attended by guests who are over 18 years old.

Are the venues all accessible?

All of our venues are accessible to wheelchair users, or with limited mobility. Should any of your guests have such please do call us on 01273 858206 so we can do our best to ensure their requirements are looked after during the event.

Dance floor

Please note that some of our venues have a raised dance floor, which is not always accessible to those people in wheelchairs.

Is there a cloakroom?

All of our venues have a complimentary cloakroom for guests, please note that there is no charge and that all items are left at the owners risk.

Are the venues heated?

Yes, we have Multi-Thermostatic Heaters throughout the venue, including cloakrooms, reception areas and toilets -these are more than capable of making the marquee really toasty on even the coldest December night.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PARTY NIGHT?

How do I get there?

Once booked the lead booker can forward confirmation details to each of the guests in your party, which they can view on any mobile device or print it which details the venue’s locations as well as directions to the venue.

Is there parking at the venue?

Most of our venues do have car parks adjacent to them, we are not responsible for any parking on the night.

What time do the parties start?

Most parties open between 6.30pm- 7.00pm, and so we recommend arriving at this time.

What is the dress code?

We have a strict smart dress code, and as such do not allow guests to wear jeans or trainers to our events.

Can I dress up to match the theme?

You can of course get into the spirit of the party, as long as your outfit fits within our smart dress code.

Is there a table plan?

When you enter the venue you will see several table plans displayed around the bar area, which detail which tables have been allocated to your group. We do not set out tables plans or names within groups, however should you wish to compile your own you are welcome to pop name places etc on your tables from 6.30pm on the night of your party.

Are there photographs taken?

We have photographers at some of our venues, you can purchase and take home your photos on the night. Unfortunately, photographs will not be available to order after your event.

How do I purchase chips for the casino?

Some of our venues has a Charity Casino, which supports a nominated local charity each year. A member of our team will circulate during dinner giving you the option of purchasing a voucher which can be exchanged at the casino tables for chips. You can also purchase these from the bar following dinner. Please note that the profits from our casino is donated to the local charity, and as such guests play to win prizes, there are no monetary prizes.

Are there strobe lights used?

Yes, at some of our venues, the disco and entertainment may have bursts of flashing lights.

Where is the tea, coffee and cheese served?

The tea & coffee and cheese courses are served from 10pm from an ongoing station at the side of the dining room (if applicable).

This allows everyone to get up and dance, have a ride on the dodgems or try their hand at the casino. Those who wish to have cheese or tea & coffee to do so from the end of dinner service until 11pm. The DJ will announce where the station this on the evening, as well as when it is opening so please listen for this or ask a member of our team if you have any questions.

QUESTIONS AFTER YOUR PARTY?

How do I send my feedback to you?

We always love to hear how much you have enjoyed our parties, and of course if you have ideas which may help us improve – please do email us and remember to include your party reference, all complaints will be dealt with directly with the venue. Any decision will be at their sole discretion.

I have unused drinks tokens

Each venue has different policies, if refunds are available they will be dealt with directly by the venue. We do not offer any refunds whatsoever.

I have unused dodgems tokens

Please note that dodgems tokens are non-refundable.

Itinerary for the Knowsley Park Christmas Party

• 6.45pm Doors open and bar service begins
• 7.00pm Entertainment commences
• 8.00pm Call to dinner
• 9.40pm Disco, dodgems & Casino
• 12.00am Survivors Breakfast
• 12.15am Last Orders
• 12.30am Last Orders
• 1.00am  Time to hit the road!

Entertainment at Knowsley Safari Park:

• Free car-parking and helpful security team
• VIP entrance with photo opportunities
• Free Cloakroom and on-site First Aid provision
• World class entertainment to excite and amaze
• Spectacular instagrammable themed parties
• Award-winning fine dining
• Feature LED table-centres
• Interactive dessert stations and survivor’s breakfast
• Fully stocked bars
• Exclusive cocktail bars
• State of the art lighting
• Thrilling dodgem rides *
• Blackjack and Roulette casino with proceeds going to charity*
• DJ and signature dancefloor

* Small charges apply on the night of the party

Other Liverpool & Manchester Christmas Party Ideas

Thornton Manor

Tatton Park

Manchester Central

“All marvelous, really well organised and we all thoroughly enjoyed it!”

See all testimonials

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Our magical lights experience will return in Winter 2024

Discover the enchantment of our stunning Christmas lights extravaganza as Knowsley Safari undergoes a dazzling transformation into an illuminated wonderland.

This year, we’re delighted to introduce our new rainbow road and you may even notice some talking trees! We’re also excited to reveal new animal installations at this year's event, keep your eyes peeled for our illuminated hippo submerged in our natural water features, whilst Enchanted favourites return, such as light-up giraffes, penguins, zebras, and polar bears.

Our Winter Village is back for its second year, journey through our technicolour light tunnel and watch as Santa’s elves prepare for the big day at his workshop – don’t forget to write and post your Christmas wish list to the big man himself.

Not forgetting our famous toasted marshmallows by the fire, we know how much our younger (and older) guests enjoy this tasty treat. There will also be plenty of pitstops along the way where you’ll be able to enjoy festive foods throughout the trail and then jump on our thrilling rides to complete your adventure*.

With so many photo opportunities for the whole family, this year promises to be our best yet. Make enchanted memories with us this winter on an unforgettable illuminated adventure. 

*Refreshments and rides are not included in the admission price.

Tickets for Enchanted will go on general sale this Friday 25th August at 10 am, sign up for our newsletter for priority booking.

Day to Night tickets grant access to Knowsley Safari from 1:00 pm and entry to the Enchanted Light trail at 4:30 pm. 

Enjoy the Safari Drive (last entry 3pm) and Foot Safari (last entry to Tiger Trail 3.30pm) and our amazing Sea Lion (1:30pm & 3:00pm) and Bird of Prey displays (2:30pm weekends) before being one of the first group of guests on to our Enchanted Light Trail.

If you are also booking a Santa Experience ticket for the evening, please do not choose a time slot that clashes with the Enchanted Trail, allow at least 30 minutes before, or 1 hour to complete the trail before visiting Santa.

Please note our amusement rides are not running during the day on weekdays in November and December.*

*Except School holidays over Christmas

No, rides are not included in the admission ticket. Ride tickets can be bought individually.

The Santa Experience is a separate event and needs to be added to your booking. This can be added at checkout when booking your tickets to Enchanted.

Book your Enchanted visit, pick your timeslot and you'll be prompted to add the Santa Experience onto your booking.

Please leave enough time in between your experiences.

If you're visiting Santa first, we recommend leaving 30 minutes from your Santa experience to go and see the Enchanted lights illuminated trail.

If you're going on the Enchanted trail first, we recommend leaving around an hour before booking your Santa ticket.

Santa tickets are also available during the day on select dates. Find out more here.

You can visit Enchanted on selected dates between Saturday 18th November and Saturday 30th December 2023

You can visit Knowsley Safari for the Enchanted event from 4pm. Please arrive at the entrance to the Enchanted light trail within your 15-minute time slot. If you arrive after this time we cannot guarantee entrance onto the trail. The Light Trail, rides and the Foot Safari will close at 8pm.

Please note that if you are visiting Knowsley Safari during the day, you will need a separate ticket for Enchanted in the evening. The Foot Safari will remain open so you don’t need to leave and then come back in. However, the animal sections and the rides will close at 3.30pm. Rides reopen again at 4.00pm ready for Enchanted.

Yes, we have plenty parking and all for free!

If you have a Rides Membership or still have a Gold Membership, you will get your usual benefits inside the park.

When you book online, you will receive an email with your booking confirmation details. Bring this email with you on the day to show at the entrance kiosks and on the entrance to the Enchanted light trail.

There is no need to print anything off. If you have proof of booking on your mobile device or have written the booking reference down, this is all we will need.

​​Enchanted takes place on our Foot Safari only. The Safari Drive will be closed from 3pm.

The rides will be open for Enchanted. If you wish to purchase a wristband or ticket you can do so on the evening at the ride ticket office.

Our food outlets and restaurant will be open with meals and snacks available.

The entire Enchanted light trail route is accessible for wheelchair users and there are rest points on the trail if you would like to take a moment to sit down.

No, not at all. Our restaurants, coffee shop and parts of the Foot Safari will stay open throughout the day and evening. 

The animal sections of the Foot Safari will be closed from 3.30 pm to get ready for the evening event.

Rides close for 30 minutes between 3.30-4 pm.

As this event is after dark, the animals are not visible.

Enchanted is an outdoor event. So, get your best winter outfit on, bring your waterproofs, and prepare to have a wonderful time with your family and friends, whatever the weather.

In the event of strong winds requiring us to close Enchanted, we will contact you as soon as possible to arrange a refund or alternative date.

Our Enchanted tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Yes please do! We love seeing your photos so be sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #EnchantedatKnowsley

If you would like to bring your own food you are more than welcome.

Hot and cold food and drinks are available to buy on the night, including some festive favourites. We will have our restaurant, coffee shop and outdoor stalls and grill areas open if you would like to eat out with us.

Everyone deserves the right to a fun evening out and that shouldn’t come at an extra cost to carers. That’s why one carer goes free with a paid disabled entry ticket. Any additional carers are required to pay for a full-price ticket. 

Valid proof of carer status is required. E.g Carers Allowance, PIP, DLA, Access card.

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• Cast & crew

Thabo and the Rhino Case

Thabo (11) wants to become a private detective. If only his home, the small African village, was not the most peaceful Savannah paradise. But things take a sudden turn when a rhino is murder... Read all Thabo (11) wants to become a private detective. If only his home, the small African village, was not the most peaceful Savannah paradise. But things take a sudden turn when a rhino is murdered in the safari park for its horn. Thabo (11) wants to become a private detective. If only his home, the small African village, was not the most peaceful Savannah paradise. But things take a sudden turn when a rhino is murdered in the safari park for its horn.

• Mara Eibl-Eibesfeldt
• Ursula Gruber
• Martin Gypkens
• Litlhohonolofatso Litlhakayane
• Ava Skuratowski
• Kumkani Pilonti
• 10 Critic reviews

• Aunt Agatha
• (as Nhlakanipho Lindokuhle Manqele)
• Inspector Gwebu
• (as Zimkhitha Letlotlo)
• Mr. Winterbottom
• Mrs. Modiba

• Sipho Godbless
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Christmas gift guide to Moscow surroundings

Visitors from America and Western Europe might be surprised to discover that Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7th. That’s because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. After the end of the Soviet Union, some Russians have begun celebrating Christmas on December 25 in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. But many Russians still observe the tradition of fasting on January 6th, breaking the fast with a large feast on Christmas Eve after the first star has appeared in the sky.

During the Soviet era, Christmas and religious traditions were banned in Russia. Santa Claus was replaced by Ded Moroz, or, Grandfather Frost, an old man with a long white beard who would bring gifts to children on New Year’s instead of Christmas. According to Russian tradition, Ded Moroz is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps him on his journey to give presents to children.

Although the tradition of having a Christmas tree, known as a yolka in Russian, was also banned during Soviet times, Russians got around this by having New Year’s trees from which they hung homemade decorations. Today, the restrictions of the Soviet Union have faded into history, and during the Christmas season visitors to Russia can even purchase Christmas ornaments in the shape of matryoshka dolls, or religious icons that depict nativity scenes.

Heading counterclockwise around the Golden Ring this holiday season, northeast of Moscow, your first stop will most likely be the city of Vladimir, home to some of Russia’s most striking churches and cathedrals. The Vladimir region is known for its fine crystal. Stop by the Crystal, Lacquer Miniatures, and Embroidery Museum ( 2 Bolshaya Moskovskaya ) for an overview of traditional crafts before visiting the gift shop in the museum to browse the crystal selection. Vladimir Chic ( 2 Dvoryanskaya ) also sells local glass and crystal work.

Typical souvenirs are also for sale in Vladimir’s old town, especially by the Golden Gate, a triumphal arch and defensive tower that is one of the last-remaining parts of the wall that once surrounded ancient Vladimir and a sure stop on any tour of the Golden Ring.

Just 63 kilometers from Vladimir lays the nearby city of Gus-Khrustalny , the ‘Crystal Goose,’ also home to a rich glass and crystal making tradition. You can visit the glassmaking factory in Gus-Khrustalny and buy gifts ranging from plates and vases to decanters, or visit the outlet store back in Moscow ( 4 Ilyinka ) just east of the Kremlin.

North of Vladimir, you’ll arrive in Suzdal, one of the Golden Ring route’s more tranquil towns. Suzdal boasts a number of small bazaars and stands outside the main tourist sites where visitors can purchase local honey mead, called medovukha, along with traditional crafts, like a pair valenki, or Russian woolen boots, which make an ideal Christmas gift for friends and family back home. The shopping stands outside Suzdal’s Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life ( Ul. Pushkarskaya ) are also highly recommended. Market Square ( Torgovaya Pl ) houses a number of shops where visitors can search for arts and crafts.

Following the Golden Ring north of Suzdal, many tours will stop in the city of Kostroma, a former trading outpost on the immense Volga River. One of the city’s highlights is the Museum of Linen and Birchbark ( 38 Tereshkova ), where visitors can view exhibits on traditional Russian crafts woven from flax and bark. A gift shop in the basement sells tablecloths, napkins, baskets, linen dolls, and traditional clothing typical of the region.

South from Kostroma, stop in the city of Rostov-Veliky for enamel jewelry, a craft which allows artists to produce small paintings on metal that are then fired to produce a thin glaze over the image. Rostov became famous for its tradition of enamel work. Today, visitors can purchase rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and jewelry boxes in the gift shop of the Rostov Enamel factory ( 3 Borisoglebskoye Highway ).

While you’re in Rostov, visit the House of Crafts ( 16 Vtoraya Tolstovskaya Naberezhnaya ) for local pottery and the Souvenirs shop ( 5 Ul. Kamennyi Most ) for ushanka hats—Russian fur caps with earflaps—paintings, and samovars for tea lovers.

The last two stops on a tour of the Golden Ring are the cities of Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and Sergiev Posad. Pereslavl is most famous for its embroidery work, available at the Art Salon ( 12 Ul. Sovetskaya ) along with souvenirs made of wood and stone. Nearby Sergiev Posad is considered the place where Russia’s matryoshka dolls were first invented, and was the chief production center of the dolls before Soviet times. Visit the city’s Toy Museum ( 123 Pr. Krasny Armii ) to get a better sense of the birthplace of one of Russia’s most recognizable toys, then head over to the market alongside the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius—one of the city’s most important sites—to load up on matryoshka dolls, painted eggs, and icons before going home.

If you’ll be in the Golden Ring during New Years, the city of Vladimir hosts an impressive Christmas fair, with an iceskating rink and performances by local artists, in the main square ( Sobornaya Pl ). In most other Golden Ring cities you’ll find similar events in the center square as Christmas nears.

Most shops and markets in the Golden Ring are open year round. If you’re coming to Russia for a short period of time, whether in winter or summer, consider a trip to this stunning part of the country, and bring an extra bag if you plan to go shopping for Christmas gifts.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Park of Culture and Leisure, Elektrostal

Hotels near park of culture and leisure, property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance from Park of Culture and Leisure See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.

91. Garden Embassy Boutique Hotel

92. Starosadskiy Hotel

93. Garden Ring Hotel

94. chemodanov, 95. moss boutique hotel, 96. suschevsky by safmar, 97. hotel paveletskaya aero, 98. menshikov boutique hotel, 99. crowne plaza moscow - tretyakovskaya, an ihg hotel, 100. intourist kolomenskoe hotel, 101. ozerkovskaya hotel, 102. pr myasnitsky boutique hotel, 103. viva hotel, 104. sretenskaya hotel, 105. cosmos smart dubininskaya, 106. orchestra kolomenskoe, 107. kitai-gorod, 108. ibis moscow centre bakhrushina, 109. mercure moscow paveletskaya, 110. tsaritsino hotel, 111. hotel polesie, 112. adagio moscow paveletskaya, 114. lumiere boutique hotel, 115. sunflower avenue hotel moscow, 116. barin residence grand, 117. barin residence myasnitskaya, 118. minima kitay-gorod, 119. azhurny, 120. hotel business-tourist.