WITH school holidays approaching and festive cheer on the rise in Colchester, families are looking for the perfect seasonal day out.

Colchester Zoo is one of the most popular attractions to visit in the city - but what is it like at Christmas? I headed there to find out.

It was a Friday morning when I made the trip to the zoo. It was a quiet day, with not many people at the entrance when I arrived.

There were many Christmas decorations in the entrance to the zoo, including a large, ceiling-high Christmas tree with minimalistic decorations.

Gazette: Entertainment: singing penguins and bearEntertainment: singing penguins and bear (Image: NQ)

There was also an electronically powered singing penguin and a group of bears, playing classic festive songs.

This structure was surrounded by curious youngsters enjoying the robotic animals singing and rhythmic dancing.

I entered the zoo through the electronic gates and began wandering around the large site.

There were little festive decorations throughout the zoo, but majority of the Christmas spirit was captured at the entrance and exit of the site.

There are some hints of Christmas, however, which include the zoo’s road train being decorated with Christmas lights and a red post box for children to post their Christmas list letters to the North Pole.

Gazette: Entrance: leafy decorations at the zoo entranceEntrance: leafy decorations at the zoo entrance (Image: NQ)

These little touches definitely bring the festive spirit alive but I did feel like there could have been more decorations spread out around the zoo to really tie it together.

This didn’t take away the magic of the experience of going to the zoo, however, as the majority of animals remained on display until they were led inside just before the zoo closed at 4pm.

We were slightly disappointed the Humbolt penguins could not be seen due to their enclosure, the Inca Trail, being refurbished.

As we left the gift shop, staff were making final amendments for the enchanted trail of light event, which starts at 4.30pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends and school holidays.

A large lit-up sign also came to life with rainbow colours in celebration of the 60-year anniversary of the zoo.

Gazette: Festive: large colourful Christmas tree at the zoo exitFestive: large colourful Christmas tree at the zoo exit (Image: NQ)

Hints of the enchanted trail of light taking place in the zoo could be seen by the average zoo entrant, as switched-off light displays were present around parts of the site.

Overall, it was a great trip to see the range of animals at the zoo. The enclosures are spacious and the regular feeding times are fascinating to watch.

It’s definitely a great day out for families around Christmas time and there are plenty of photo opportunities near the entrance and exit of the zoo which capture the Christmas spirit.