Christmas arrives at Bristol Zoo Gardens   

The festive season arrives at Bristol Zoo Gardens this weekend (November 27th 2010) as a host of seasonal fun begins in the run-up to Christmas.

From tomorrow (Saturday), and over the coming weekends, visitors can meet Santa in his grotto, visit his elves in Elf Hollow and take a ride around the Zoo on the Santa Express.

Christmas trees also go on sale from tomorrow from the Zoo’s west car park. A selection of trees are on offer – from locally-sourced sustainable trees, to the popular, needle-retaining Nordman firs from northern Denmark. Christmas trees available vary from 2ft to 15ft, with prices from £15.

This year Bristol Zoo is also offering two magical evenings of festive frolics as it holds its first Fantabulous Christmas events on Monday, December 20 and Tuesday, December 21 from 5.30pm – 8pm.

Visitors will be able to join in with carol singing, experience the enchanted Elf Hollow, meet and feed Santa’s reindeer and make a Christmas wish at the wishing tree at the event.

Visitors to the event will also be treated to performances by a steel drum band, story-telling around the bonfire and Rag Morris Mummers will be presenting their new traditional Christmas play, with a zoo-themed twist.

As well as enjoying the festivities, visitors will be able to meet Santa in his spectacular grotto and visit the animals in the heated Aquarium, Reptile House and Bugworld. The Zoo grounds will be lit up by stunning animal-shaped lights, which can be admired whilst warming yourself by the fire, enjoying mulled wine and a hot mince pie.

Bristol Zoo’s head of Marketing and PR, Heather Holve said: “This is a great event for the whole family as there is something for all ages and the audience can participate throughout the evening.”

She added: “Make sure you keep an eye out for our cheeky runaway Christmas tree fairy and Christmas pudding who will be roaming the Zoo entertaining visitors. It’s sure to be a fantabulous event!”

As Christmas draws closer, Santa’s reindeer will be bringing extra magic to Bristol Zoo when they fly in on December 18. Visitors will be able to get up close to the reindeer and stroke their velvety noses to make a Christmas wish, or feed them their favourite food – lichen.

The two new arrivals, called Jingle and Belle, will be at the Zoo from Saturday, December 18 until December 29, 2010 (excluding Christmas Day when the Zoo is closed).

For full details of what’s on at Bristol Zoo this winter, and to book tickets for Bristol Zoo’s Fantabulous Christmas event, please visit the Zoo website at www.bristolzoo.org.uk/christmas-treats or call 0117 974 7300.

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