A MAGICAL christmas awaits visitors at Chester Zoo as a brand new video reveals the secrets behind festive event The Lanterns.

Now in its sixth year, The Lanterns at Chester Zoo has become a traditional occasion on the festive calendar and will start from November 24 and runs to December 30.

The event will see families invited into a lantern lit fairy tale world with an illumined journey through the zoo filled with theatrical performance, dance and live music.

Young visitors can even bring along their very own letters to Father Christmas and post them at the magical Sorting Office.

The brand new route will be filled to the brim with sacks of toys and presents and will see visitors venture through the zoo at night, under lights and past a whole host of illuminated life-sized animal lanterns.

Father Christmas and his helpers will also be at the zoo, hard at work ensuring that all of the Christmas wishes can come true.

Visitors will be able to journey through Antelope Narnia or relax at the Flamingo Lounge cocktail and mocktail bar.

A Spectacled Bear Airship and an Insect Orchestra are just some of the large scale additional displays at this year’s event.

This year’s edition has been revamped to be more magical than ever before – with a few new surprises along the way.

Head of discovery and learning at Chester Zoo Charlotte Smith said: “Christmas at the zoo is always very special, but this year it’s going to have an extra sparkle as we’ve created a brand new trail through the zoo, which will be transformed into a world full of illumination and spellbinding adventure.

“Families will have the opportunity to explore and discover new colourful characters in an animal-inspired fairy tale, revealing the charming story of the zoo’s magical Sorting Office.

"Be sure to bring along your own letters to Father Christmas.

“We’ve released more tickets and dates than ever before to give families the chance to experience The Lanterns as it’s the perfect festive treat for all generations.”

Early booking online is recommended.

Tickets range from £12 to £17.50 for adults and £5 to £15 for children, infants aged two and under are free, book online www.chesterzoo.org/lanterns