A zoo in south Cumbria is inviting everyone to come and soak up the festive atmosphere this December, as they host their first ever Winter Market.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis near Milnthorpe is getting ready to host a special evening of festive fun on Saturday December 7.

(Image: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis) The first Winter Festive Market will see the zoo close an hour earlier than normal, at 4pm, before reopening at 5pm.

Spend your evening watching the animals, browsing the stalls and soaking up the festive atmosphere.

The oasis will be filled with stalls from more than 25 local businesses and both the café and shop will be open, to serve food, offer mulled wine and mince pies.

(Image: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis) The Business Manager for Lakeland Wildlife Oasis Ruth Cooper said: “The zoo will be fully open, and decorated with lots of festive lights and the market stalls will be spread inside, outside, in our marquee and in the sheltered picnic area.

“Visitors can browse all the markets, soak up the festive atmosphere and see all the animals in a different light - with nocturnal animals awake and exploring whilst some of the other animals will be off to sleep.”

(Image: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis) While the market stalls offer a range of handcrafted products, you can watch the animals tuck into their festive themed enrichment treats.

There will be talks about the zoo’s inhabitants throughout the evening, visitors will be able to learn a bit more about some of our more elusive and festive species and see the animals dive into their Christmas presents.

Santa will be in his grotto from around 6:30pm, where each child that visits him will receive a small gift.

(Image: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis) “We have booked a large variety of stalls - all consisting of local people selling their handmade wares and crafts,” Ruth said.

“There will be soaps, cards, crochet, jewellery, face painting, jams, cheese, wooden decorations, and everything you ever needed for your Christmas shopping! All whilst supporting your local community.”

(Image: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis) The zoo is also getting ready to enjoy a visit from Santa, who will be available to meet visitors for breakfast or afternoon tea.

The experience will include animal handling, festive meerkat enrichment and watching the snow leopards being fed, before sitting down for some food and drink, then enjoying an individual chat with Santa and an early Christmas present.

Breakfast will be held at 10am on Sunday December 8, 15 and 22, with a choice between a full English Breakfast or a Tasty Stack of Pancakes plus a hot drink or a juice.

(Image: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis) Afternoon tea on Saturday December 14 and 21 will start at 2pm, and comes with sausage rolls, sandwiches, and home bakes, as well as a hot drink, juice or mulled wine for the adults.

Tickets to share a meal with Santa and some of his animal friends are priced at £20 for adults, £23 for children, and £13 for anyone under three years of age.

To book your place, email mail@wildlifeoasis.co.uk or phone 015395 63027.