Merry and Wild: Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project
Saturday 29 November - Sunday 4 January
Join us this Christmas for the Big Gift Hunt! Find the gifts, solve the riddles and enter the festive prize draw!
Festive fun for the whole family
Along the way, enjoy a host of festive fun, sparking curiosity and merry memories this season. Merry and Wild is filled with playful activities and heart-warming animal moments for all the family...
It's the Big Gift Hunt!
Christmas isn’t just for people, it’s for the animals too! Join our festive trail to find the giant presents across the zoo, solve the riddles and match them to the animals. Discover what special treats our animals have been given, from festive snacks to enrichment surprises.
Win festive prizes!
Once you’ve completed the Big Gift Hunt, hand in your answers for your chance to WIN a gift of your own. With top prizes, you could win a day ticket, membership, premium cuddly toy, goodie bag, or even an animal experience!
Festive feeds
When you've guessed the gifts on the trail, see the animals receive their treat from our keepers! Animal festive feeds are scheduled daily for you to see them enjoying their merry treats!
Elves’ Post Office
Write a wish for wildlife in your letter to Santa at our magical posting office (available at weekends and school holidays).
Ultimate Christmas photos
Step inside a giant snowglobe, Santa’s sledge, giant hanging bells and the Tipi Grotto. Can you find them all?
A Taste of Christmas Magic
Warm up after your winter walk at Courtyard Café*, with a steaming hot chocolate, mince pie, or festive treat! Or head to Base Camp Pizzeria** for delicious pizzas, hot dogs and fries.
*Open daily, 10am - 4pm
*Open weekends and school holidays, 10am - 3pm
Conservation at Christmas
By joining us for Merry and Wild, you’re not just celebrating Christmas, you’re also helping us protect animals big and small through vital conservation work. Together, we can make this festive season a time of joy, wonder, and care for the natural world.
*Festive prizes T&Cs
See the full list of Terms and Conditions here.
What to expect from your visit...
An unforgettable day out
Dive in to feel-good family fun discovering amazing animals from around the world. Get face to face with giraffes on the raised walkway, watch cheetahs prowl and meet lemurs in the walkthrough, with no barriers between you and the animals!
Space to play
Find places to play as you explore the zoo, including the brand new Explorers Basecamp and the much-loved Barefoot Trail — a treat for toes of any age! Tower Meadow offers acres to roam, perfect for picnics and play.
Tasty treats
Tuck in to stone-baked pizzas oozing with cheese, fresh sandwiches, gooey brownies and crumbly cookies and cakes. Treat yourselves to an ice cream from local supplier Marshfield Farm – will it be decadent chocolate, heavenly honeycomb or succulent strawberry?
All-year-round fun
If you enjoyed your visit then why not consider a membership? From only £42 for a child membership, you can visit as often as you like, plus free entry to other UK zoos and exclusive member events.
Plus, if you decide to become a member on the day you visit, we will refund the cost of your day ticket.
Location and admission
Find us at Junction 17 of the M5, next to Cribbs Causeway. Under 2s and carers go free!
