Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns

Edinburgh Zoo's award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter, for the first time in six years, with a never-before-seen theme, featuring all things aquatic!

About Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns

	14th Nov 2025 to 22nd Feb 2026
	See event website for details
	Edinburgh Zoo 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh West EH12 6TS
	See event website for details
	Visit the event website here

Listed Under Christmas Events / Family and Kids Events / Nights Out Events

For the first time in six years, Edinburgh Zoo is bringing its Giant Lanterns event back with a splash this winter.

Back by public demand, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) will be lighting up the zoo from November 2025 to February 2026 with a never-before-seen theme, featuring all things aquatic.

Visitors can expect to be transported under the sea, where weird and wonderful creatures wander the waves in a mile-long nocturnal trail. Over 600 lanterns will shine a tide of light on incredible wildlife that is rarely seen, from shimmering jellyfish and playful dolphins to legendary beasts of the deep.

This immersive experience helps connect people with nature and raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats from coral reefs to sea birds and everything in between. Every visit helps support the charity’s vital wildlife conservation work in Scotland and around the world.

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!

Other Events at Edinburgh Zoo

Family and Kids

Friday Friends

25th April 2025 - 20th June 2025

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families.

Workshops

Nature Photography Workshop

Selected dates between 26th June 2025 - 2nd September 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Join renowned professional photographer Laurie Campbell for these Nature Photography Workshops at Edinburgh Zoo!

Family and Kids

Summer CAT

30th June 2025 - 25th July 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Summer CAT is based out of Edinburgh Zoo’s Wildlife Garden where children spend all day outside getting mucky and getting hands on with conservation!

Family and Kids

RZSS Summer School

30th June 2025 - 25th July 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Discover amazing animals and cultures from around the world and connect with nature at the RZSS Summer School at Edinburgh Zoo!

Workshops

Creep Calm Workshops

Selected dates between 7th September 2025 - 28th September 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Based on our previous ‘Spiders: Fight Your Phobia’ workshop, the RZSS have refreshed and re-worked this interactive session to help you get you closer to overcoming your spider fear.

Family and Kids

Autumn Explorers

14th October 2025 - 16th October 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Edinburgh Zoo's Autumn Explorer programme returns in 2025. It's a great opportunity to introduce your children to the wonderful world of wildlife at Edinburgh Zoo!

Similar events you might like...

Arthur’s Secrets

Selected dates between 14th January 2025 - 30th September 2025

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh East

Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Arthur's Seat's turbulent past, created by fire and ice!

Family Print Club

Selected dates between 26th January 2025 - 30th November 2025

Edinburgh Printmakers, Edinburgh East

Edinburgh Printmakers' Family Print Club is perfect for children as they explore lots of different printmaking techniques and have fun as well!

Portobello Local Market

Selected dates between 1st February 2025 - 6th December 2025

Portobello

Portobello Local Market is a much loved monthly event for truly local food, drink and crafts, held in Brighton Park!

Family Studio Saturdays

Selected dates between 22nd February 2025 - 21st June 2025

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh East

Studio Saturdays, at the The Palace of Holyroodhouse, are monthly hands-on artistic workshops for families who are interested in learning new ways to express their creativity.

West Linton Market

Selected dates between 1st March 2025 - 6th December 2025

West Linton

A monthly market for West Linton, held on the first Saturday of the month, showcasing artisan foods, produce and crafts!

Makers Market

Selected dates between 2nd March 2025 - 7th December 2025

Portobello Town Hall, Portobello

Come along to the Makers Market in Portobello Town Hall for a gorgeous selection of handmade products from local makers!

Fun Play in Mandarin - Language play date

Selected dates between 12th March 2025 - 2nd July 2025

Little Plaza, Edinburgh East

Looking for a fun and interactive way to introduce your little one to Mandarin? Then join us every Wednesday at Little Plaza!

Newhailes Market

Selected dates between 15th March 2025 - 21st December 2025

Newhailes House and Gardens, Musselburgh

Come along to Newhailes monthly market where you'll find a fine selection of handmade goods; from jams and chutneys to pies and candles!

German Messy Church for Kids

Selected dates between 16th March 2025 - 15th June 2025

German Church, Edinburgh South

Once a month during term time, the German Church in Edinburgh invites families with children of pre-school and primary school age to sing, play, craft and pray!