EMBRACE the wonder of wildlife this winter, with a festive day out for the whole family to enjoy at Whipsnade Zoo.
On selected dates from the 22 November to 24 December, merry visitors can dash through nature’s very own winter wonderland, with events including festive animal talks, with the chance to bag a festive goodie, post their letters to Father Christmas at the conservation zoo’s Elf Express post boxes and follow the 12 animals of Christmas trail – where visitors will discover fun facts about Whipsnade’s animals and make their own version of the classic Christmas tune.

Free with standard Whipsnade Zoo entry, visitors can also learn how Santa trains his reindeer for the big flight on Christmas eve, as well as visit the conservation zoo’s own reindeer. Events with an additional charge include Christmas ceramic-painting crafts, indulging in mulled wine and toasted marshmallows, and Meet Santa*.
For those wanting to make their winter day out extra magical, Whipsnade Zoo offers a range of amazing animal experiences, including meeting the Zoo’s herd of five Asian elephants, or feeding the colony of African black footed penguins their lunch.**
With 2025 proving to be a bumper year for animal births at the conservation zoo, visitors can look out for Ivor the baby camel, Hattie the red panda cub, and seven rambunctious African lion cubs who’ll be celebrating Christmas for the first time this year at the UK’s largest zoo.
With over 600 acres to explore, a visit to Whipsnade Zoo and the 11,000 animals that call the wild wonderland home is the perfect day out this December. Every festive visit helps to support ZSL’s science and conservation work to protect and restore wildlife around the world. To find out more and book, visit: Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo | Whipsnade Zoo
More to Explore in the Leighton Buzzard area
- Things to do in April
If you are looking for Easter school holiday events have a look at the Easter Egg Hunt Guide 2026 there’s more than eggs! This monthly… Read more: Things to do in April - Leighton Buzzard fundraiser takes on 1,000km running challenge for The Air Ambulance Service
A Leighton Buzzard man is putting his best foot forward in 2026 by taking on an incredible 1,000km running challenge to raise vital funds for… Read more: Leighton Buzzard fundraiser takes on 1,000km running challenge for The Air Ambulance Service - Wheel Power Tour de Vale 2026 Charity Bike Ride
Enter Now Entries are now open for the 2026 Bucks Radio Tour de Vale Charity Bike Ride, which will take place on Sunday 7th June.… Read more: Wheel Power Tour de Vale 2026 Charity Bike Ride - What’s Inside the April Edition of Bee Local
The latest edition of Bee Local Magazine is now out and being delivered across Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding villages. If you’ve already spotted it… Read more: What’s Inside the April Edition of Bee Local - £7.7 million for Bedfordshire Crime Ops
Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard has secured an extra £7.7 million to tackle serious and organised crime. Commenting on the news, he said: “This… Read more: £7.7 million for Bedfordshire Crime Ops - Leighton Linslade Schools Join Forces for 2026 Run 4 Fun
Hundreds of local youngsters dashed into action as part of the annual Leighton Linslade school games fun run at Astral Park Sports and Community Centre.… Read more: Leighton Linslade Schools Join Forces for 2026 Run 4 Fun - Local Filmmakers Hit Big Screen as Buzz Cinema Festival Returns
Buzz Cinema film festival returns to Leighton Buzzard this May, featuring a strong line-up of films by local filmmakers from across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire.… Read more: Local Filmmakers Hit Big Screen as Buzz Cinema Festival Returns - NEW DRIVING TEST RULE CHANGES TO CUT WAITING TIMES WELCOMED BY LOCAL MP
Changes to driving test rules to beat the bots and tackle test touts will come into force later this month, in a move welcomed by… Read more: NEW DRIVING TEST RULE CHANGES TO CUT WAITING TIMES WELCOMED BY LOCAL MP - Midge Ure Comes to Milton Keynes
Man of Two Worlds Tour at Milton Keynes Theatre 4th June Acclaimed musician, producer and songwriter Midge Ure is set to embark on his visionary A Man Of… Read more: Midge Ure Comes to Milton Keynes - Walking Groups Around Leighton Buzzard
Whether you would like a leisurely stroll, a fitness yomp, a chance to talk or something in between. Here are some suggestions for you in… Read more: Walking Groups Around Leighton Buzzard - 2026 Spring Summer Save the Dates
Don’t Miss Out on Leighton Buzzard’s biggest events of the year Before you book your holidays here are some of the big events happening near… Read more: 2026 Spring Summer Save the Dates - 42K for GOSH
Sam Weston has previously taken on big fitness challenges, including a 90km walk for Great Ormand Street Hospital (GOSH) but he is aiming to take… Read more: 42K for GOSH - Central Beds Budget AgreedBudget agreed to manage £17 million funding shortfall means 5% increase in Council Tax Central Bedfordshire Council has agreed a budget for 2026/27 that: For… Read more: Central Beds Budget Agreed
- Easter Egg Hunts Beds and Bucks (2026 Guide)
Looking for Easter egg hunts and events in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire?This guide is updated every year with the latest family-friendly Easter trails, egg hunts and… Read more: Easter Egg Hunts Beds and Bucks (2026 Guide) - Things To Do In March
Here is your guide to all the best of what’s on in March in the Leighton Buzzard area. This guide forms part of The Leighton… Read more: Things To Do In March






