The light festival returns on 12 November with the theme Passport to Wonder, featuring a celebration of Brazilian Carnival, giant lanterns, settings inspired by different cultures and special experiences for families. Running until 5 January 2027, the event turns Dublin Zoo into an after-dark attraction throughout the festive season.
Wild Lights is back at Dublin Zoo with an experience that goes beyond traditional Christmas decorations. For the 2026/27 edition, the theme is Passport to Wonder, a journey through nine themed areas showcasing celebrations, landscapes, traditions and stories from different parts of the world. The experience combines enormous handcrafted lanterns, lighting, music and colourful displays spread throughout the zoo after dark.
The event opens on Thursday, 12 November 2026, and runs until Tuesday, 5 January 2027. It takes place daily, except on 24, 25 and 26 December, when the festival closes for Christmas. Opening hours are 5pm to 9pm, with last admission at 7.30pm. Once inside, visitors can explore the displays at their own pace and do not have to complete the route by a particular time.
Nine illuminated worlds in one night
This year’s concept takes visitors on an international journey without leaving Dublin. Each of the nine areas is inspired by a destination or cultural tradition, with settings ranging from street celebrations and Venetian masks to Japanese cherry blossoms and Christmas traditions in northern Europe. The aim is to create distinct environments along the route, featuring large-scale installations designed to be enjoyed up close and photographed.
One of the highlights is Rhythm, inspired by Brazil, which celebrates the music, colour and energy of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. For Brazilians living in Ireland, it is one of the most interesting parts of the programme: a celebration of Brazilian culture within a winter event in Dublin. It also gives the festival a special connection with the Brazilian community, who may recognise familiar elements among the international displays.
The route also includes Enchantment, inspired by Lapland, with its Nordic Christmas imagery; Spirit, inspired by Mexico, with references to Dia de los Muertos; and Radiance, inspired by India, showcasing the lights of Diwali and the colours of Holi. Pulse highlights the energy of Seoul and K-pop, while Folklore takes visitors into the world of Celtic legends, fairies and traditional Irish stories.
Japan features in Fortune, with illuminated cherry blossoms and references to the maneki-neko, the famous lucky cat. Vibrance celebrates the textiles, masks and music of West Africa, while Intrigue transports visitors to the Carnival of Venice, with masks, costumes and an atmosphere of mystery. Nine distinct environments come together in one evening experience.
How much do Wild Lights tickets cost?
Tickets are sold online, with prices varying by category. The 2026/27 ticket prices listed are €26.50 for adults, €22 for children aged 3 to 15, and €23.50 for students and visitors aged 65 and over. Children under three enter free but still need a reserved ticket. A standard Wild Lights ticket provides access to the evening event only and does not include daytime admission to the zoo.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, age 16 or over | €26.50 |
| Child, age 3 to 15 | €22.00 |
| Student | €23.50 |
| Senior, age 65 or over | €23.50 |
| Child under 3 | Free, with a reserved ticket |
| Eligible carer | Free, one per booking, subject to conditions |
Prices may change, and availability depends on the date and time selected. It is therefore advisable to check the official ticket portal before planning your visit. The zoo is also advertising a 15% discount for visits from Monday to Thursday between 12 and 30 November, using the code MIDWEEKWONDER, subject to availability and the promotions terms and conditions.
An option to combine with EPIC and other Dublin attractions
Another option is Dublin Double, a partnership between Dublin Zoo and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. The package combines a daytime visit to the museum with Wild Lights in the evening, offering a 15% discount on the combined price. The offer is available for visits between 12 November 2026 and 5 January 2027, subject to booking conditions. It could be a good choice for anyone planning a full day of sightseeing in the capital.
Santa Claus and special family experiences
Dublin Zoo will also offer a Santa’s Grotto experience from 21 November to 23 December. A visit to Santa is not sold separately: visitors must choose a package combining the experience with Wild Lights in the evening or daytime zoo admission. The evening package, called Glow Ho-Ho!, includes a visit to Santa and access to the nine illuminated areas.
The event will also host a quieter sensory evening on 1 December. This special Wild Lights session will have reduced capacity, less noise, adapted lighting and quiet spaces, offering an alternative for visitors who prefer an environment with fewer sensory stimuli. Specific sensory sessions at Santass Grotto will also take place on selected weekend mornings.
What to know before you visit
Wild Lights is an outdoor event, so warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. The route has been designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and mobility scooters are available to hire for a fee, subject to availability. The zoo recommends booking tickets in advance, particularly for popular dates and times.
Visitors planning to drive should consider parking carefully. Dublin Zoo does not have a dedicated visitor car park, and spaces in nearby areas of Phoenix Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Public transport may be more convenient; bus routes serving the area include the 26, 68, 69, 46A, C5 and C6. Check timetables before travelling, particularly for the journey home after the event.
It is also worth setting expectations: Wild Lights is an evening experience featuring lanterns and illuminated installations, not a conventional visit to see the animals. According to the zoo, visitors are unlikely to see many animals during the event, as most will be in their indoor habitats overnight. Even so, ticket sales support Dublin Zoo’s conservation work. The zoo cares for more than 400 animals and supports over 30 conservation partners in Ireland and internationally.
A trip around the world without leaving Dublin
With references to Brazilian Carnival, Mexican traditions, Japanese cherry blossoms, South Korean pop culture and Irish folklore, this year’s Wild Lights offers a varied programme. The combination of handcrafted installations, music and illuminated settings makes it an option for families, couples and groups of friends looking for something different to do during the winter.
For Brazilians in Ireland, the area dedicated to Carnival will be an extra reason to visit the 2026/27 edition. And for anyone who has not experienced the festival before, Passport to Wonder promises to turn an evening walk through Phoenix Park into a journey through different cultures, without leaving Dublin.
Information and bookings: official Wild Lights website | Tickets and available times.
