Thoiry Lumières Sauvages 2025-2026, immerse yourself in the enchanted dance of spirits.

Every winter, light trails multiply in Paris and the Île-de-France region. The light festival at Thoiry Zoo is back for its eighth edition, offering a completely new experience. This year, theBal des Esprits awaits us for a nighttime experience that combines the fantastical worldof Halloween with the shimmering colors ofMexico'sDía de los Muertos. 

Rest assured, this is not a scary walk, but a lively and joyful celebration. It feels like diving into a magical tale to discover cultures from around the world. 

Head to Yvelines, 45 minutes from Paris, to discover Thoiry Lumières Sauvages, which will be open from October 17, 2025, to March 8, 2026, for a 3-kilometer illuminated walk lined with nearly 3,000 light sculptures. Please note that admission is included in the park ticket. Now is the time to discover the largest light festival in the region.

We set off to discover this unique trail, which explores the link between animals and ancestral beliefs from around the world. Depending on the culture, these creatures become messengers of destiny, protectors of the afterlife, or spiritual companions. This luminous ballet transforms fear into wonder, combining respect and joy in a celebration where death dialogues with life.

What we really loved this year was the musical atmosphere that punctuates the trail and makes it magical. This immersive soundtrack plunges us into the world of fairy tales and legends. We find ourselves loving learning more about the animals and cultures of different countries. From the moment we enter, the estate's maze transports us into this captivating atmosphere. We willingly lose ourselves among these illuminated silk structures, the mystery gradually setting in at every turn.

A world tour of spiritual traditions

This year's trail takes us on a journey through four destinations representing the continents and their traditions:

• the South Pacific,
• South Asia,
• Central Africa
• and Latin America.

As you might expect, each stage features mythical creatures and spirits unique to each culture, all illuminated in a way that honors ancestral beliefs and traditions.

• To be read
• This Week's Best Deals in Paris and Île-de-France, December 15–21, 2025
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

The walk ends with a finale that is well worth the detour, a symphony of light like fireworks for my Mexican celebration.

For families looking for an original outing in the Île-de-France region, this night-time stroll through the heart of the Wow Safari Thoiry is a wonderful discovery. The 3-kilometer route is accessible to all, whether you're using a walking stick or a stroller. We love this wide open space in the heart of nature, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Allow around two hours to cover the whole circuit while taking your souvenir photos.

In short, if you're looking for a great way to get away from it all and enjoy an original, immersive experience, head for the Yvelines to discover the Bal des Esprits, which celebrates both Halloween and el Día de los Muertos in an extraordinary setting of lights.

What you need to know

Wow Safari Thoiry offers two packages. With the full package, Thoiry Lumières Sauvages is included in your day ticket (Safari and walking park) at no extra charge. The night-only package gives you access to the light trail from 6pm if you just want to enjoy the show.

On the budget side, expect to pay €22 for adults at the start and end of the season (October 17-December 19, 2025 and January 5-March 8, 2026). During the holiday season (December 20, 2025-January 4, 2026), the rate rises to 24€. Children pay 19€ for the whole period, and it's free for children under 3. Don't forget to check the opening calendar before your visit.

Located 45 minutes from Paris, Thoiry Zoo is accessible by car via the A13 Porte d'Auteuil freeway towards Rouen, then the A12 and N12 towards Dreux, exit Thoiry, then follow the D76 and D11. On the downside, it's not really possible to get there by public transport, so if you're interested in going, you'd better have a car.

The animal park continues its ecological efforts with LED bulbs and optimized lighting management to reduce energy consumption, while respecting the tranquility of the animals.

In short, even more magic awaits us this year, and we can't wait to discover the renewed Thoiry Lumières Sauvages light trail, which will undoubtedly take us into fantastic worlds.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.