Dublin Zoo's Wild Lights
Visitors journey through nine immersive zones featuring handcrafted lanterns, dazzling lights, music, colour, and movement. Displays showcase global celebrations and traditions including Diwali, Día de los Muertos, Venetian Carnival, West African masquerade, and Seoul's K-Pop culture. Guests can also explore Celtic legends and Irish folklore alongside a Nordic Christmas world complete with playful elves and huskies.
What to Expect
Nine immersive lantern zones celebrating global traditions and cultures.
Event Details
Duration
There is no set visit duration: visitors can enjoy Wild Lights at their own pace until the event closes at 9pm.
Ages
All ages
Organizer
The Zoological Society of Ireland
Food & Drink
The event offers a wide array of food and beverage options, including themed food and festive market vibes.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples and friends
Vibe
Immersive, festive, colourful
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Children aged 3–15 use a Child ticket; visitors aged 16 and over use an Adult ticket, or a Student ticket if applicable. Children under 3 can visit free but need a valid ticket booked free of charge. One carer per booking can attend free of charge. Special Annual Pass Holder ticket prices are available for eligible products. – Get tickets
- Hours: Opens 5pm and closes 9pm; last entry is 7:30pm. Visitors can stay at their own pace until closing. Flexible ticket holders may arrive between 5pm and 7:30pm.
- Parking: There is no designated parking for Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park; parking is first-come, with suggested locations depending on the time slot: 5–6pm Upper North road, Garda Headquarters and Married Quarters; 6–7pm Lords Walk car park and Citadel Pond; 7–8pm North Road.
- Accessibility: The route was planned with accessibility in mind, and mobility scooters can be rented at the main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Zoo or Wild Lights. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are also not permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Dress for a winter evening outdoors in warm layers and sturdy, comfortable shoes, because you walk all nine zones outside.
- Bring only a small bag no bigger than A4, because every bag is searched and larger bags aren't allowed except for medical needs or children's items.
- Book a free ticket for children under 3, because they go free this year but still need a valid ticket to get in.
- If your dates aren't fixed, buy a Flexible ticket and choose any open weekday later, but note that it doesn't include Santa's Grotto.
- Arrive in time for your booked entry slot, then explore the nine zones at your own pace, because there's no time limit once you're inside.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory-Friendly Wild Lights Night on 1 December, with reduced noise, softer lighting, limited capacity and quiet spaces; book Wild Lights only or a bundle with sensory-friendly Santa.
- Sensory-friendly Santa's Grotto sessions every Saturday and Sunday morning from 21 November, music-free with smaller groups, as part of a bundle.
- Glow Ho-Ho! bundle: Santa's Grotto with a festive gift plus Wild Lights in one evening.
- New this year: Flexible Wild Lights tickets for any open Monday–Friday, with the date chosen later; Santa not included.
- Early Bird offer until 12 October: book Wild Lights and get a free daytime Zoo family visit, or 20% off an Annual Pass renewal for pass holders.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see animals during Wild Lights?
It is unlikely you will see many animals, as most will be inside their warm indoor habitats during the evening hours.
Do children need adult supervision?
Yes, children and visitors under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and teenagers may be required to show ID.
Can I bring alcohol into the event?
No, alcohol brought in from outside is strictly prohibited, though alcoholic beverages may be purchased on-site to consume in designated areas.
Will food and drink be available at Wild Lights?
Yes, there is a wide array of food and beverage options available, featuring themed food and festive market vibes.
What size bags are allowed into the event?
Only small bags up to approximately A4 size (21cm x 29.7cm) are permitted, with exceptions made for medical requirements and children's items.
More Christmas Events Near Dublin
More Christmas Events near Dublin
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.