When the sun sets over the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals, doesn't just close; it transforms! Every October, the park trades its daytime conservation mission for a season of spook and wonder, offering unique after-dark experiences that require advance booking above your regular zoo ticket. Here is your essential guide to what to expect, focusing on the zoo's signature Halloween atmosphere.
What to expect at Edinburgh Zoo during Halloween
Pumpkin enrichment & carving for animals: The zoo provides pumpkin enrichment displays and invites guests to Carve a Treat pumpkins (while stocks last).
After-dark trails & illumination: Spooky trails with ghosts, skeletons, and ambient lighting on select evenings provide an eerie stroll through the park.
Wicked Encounters & creature talks: In October, guests can enjoy “Wicked Encounters” with themed animal interactions and talks.
Adults-only Halloween night: The zoo's Skulls and Snakes Supper on October 31 offers a unique and spooky alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Get a rare, intimate experience with the zoo's residents and a two-course Halloween-themed meal.
Edinburgh Zoo Halloween events
Carve a Treat
Dates: October 25–26, 2025 Timings: 10am–2pm Location: Lemur Lodge Included with admission: No, extra cost £3.50 per pumpkin Age restrictions: Suitable for families/children
Make your weekend spooky and meaningful by carving special treats for the animals! Learn all about behavioural enrichment and give the animals a terrifyingly tasty treat they can enjoy.
Wicked Encounters
Dates: October 11– November 2, 2025 Timings: 10am–12pm Location: Budongo Trail pop-up area Included with admission: Yes Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages
Swing by the Budongo Trail to learn spooktacular facts at the pop-up Wicked Encounter sessions! Engage directly with knowledgeable keepers and expert rangers, offering hands-on interactivity with some of the friendlier species.
Skulls and Snakes Supper
Date: October 31, 2025 Timings: 6pm–8:30pm Location: Halloween Mansion Included with admission: No (£55 per adult) Age restrictions: Adults only
This is an exclusive adults-only event that blends animal encounters with fine dining. Led by expert discovery rangers, see bones and even meet some resident snakes! Round off with a delicious 2-course Halloween-themed evening meal inside Mansion House.
Plan your Edinburgh Zoo Halloween visit
Wicked Encounters: 10am–12pm (October 11– November 2, 2025)
Carve a Treat: 10am–2pm (October 25–26, 2025)
Skulls and Snakes Supper: 6pm–8:30pm (October 31, 2025)
By car: Via W Approach Road Nearest parking: Edinburgh Zoo (£4)
Restrooms: Accessible public toilets are located throughout the zoo grounds. This includes a dedicated Changing Places Toilet situated close to the popular Penguin Enclosure.
Lockers: Lockers are available for hire at the main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis (a fee applies). They are generally suitable for small luggage, but availability is limited.
Gift shop: The main gift shop is near the entrance/exit and is open daily, closing about half an hour after the zoo. It sells a wide variety of souvenirs, including special Halloween-themed merchandise during the Spooky Season events.
Water fountains/refreshments: Water refill stations are available. For dining, look for two main restaurants (Grasslands and The Gannet), one café (Penguins Café), and seasonal kiosks and ice-cream parlours throughout the park.
Dining: Several restaurants and cafés are open during regular hours. For special events like the Skulls and Snakes Supper, dining is provided in the historic Mansion House.
Accessibility: The zoo is built on Corstorphine Hill, meaning some areas are steep, but wheelchair access is available throughout most of the park via ramps and step-free routes.
Service animals: Only fully trained, accredited assistance dogs are permitted, and their access is restricted in some indoor or animal-intensive areas.
Wheelchair rent: Manual wheelchairs are available for free hire from the main entrance upon arrival (a £10 refundable deposit is required). A limited number of electric mobility scooters are also available for hire.
Photography is allowed, but avoid flash in nocturnal or illuminated sections
Children should remain with supervising adults at all times
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Zoo Halloween events
Yes, many events, like Carve a Treat and the Skulls and Snakes Supper, require separate booking beyond zoo admission.
Yes, most ticketed Halloween events at Edinburgh Zoo have limited capacity and may sell out.
Yes, most are family-friendly, including carving, illumination trails, and Wicked Encounters, though some may be spookier than others.
Some elements (outdoor trails, carving) may be weather-dependent; the zoo may cancel or adjust plans.
No. Members often get discounted rates, but non-members can also book these events.
Some animals will not be visible at night; these trails are more about ambience, lighting, and character encounters.
