Dublin Zoo Wild Lights 2026: a lantern journey around the world

Handcrafted lanterns, music and celebrations from around the world will fill Dublin Zoo after dark when Wild Lights returns on 12 November. Running until 5 January 2027, this year’s Passport to Wonder theme brings nine themed zones into one winter evening.

The 2026 programme reaches beyond Christmas, pairing festive traditions with folklore and pop culture. For families, friends or couples looking for an evening out, familiar stories sit beside celebrations that may be new to you, all brought into the lantern displays.

Colourful lanterns and butterflies at Wild Lights, Dublin Zoo, December 2018. Photo: Stephen Judge / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Cropped for display.

From Irish folklore to Carnival

Dublin Zoo’s guide to the nine zones gives a flavour of the journey:

• India: displays inspired by Diwali and Holi.
• Brazil: Carnival themes from Rio and Bahia.
• Mexico: Día de los Muertos, marigolds and art.
• Venice: Carnival masks and costumes.
• West Africa: textiles, music and masquerade.
• Japan: cherry blossom and an oversized maneki-neko lucky cat.
• South Korea: Seoul’s K-pop scene.
• Ireland: Celtic legends, fairies and music.
• Lapland: Nordic Christmas traditions.

The Irish section offers a local thread through the international theme, while Christmas remains part of the evening rather than its only focus. A giant lucky cat, Venetian masks and Irish fairy tales give the trail a varied cast of characters.

Visitors explore a lantern-lined walkway at Wild Lights, Dublin Zoo, December 2018. Photo: Stephen Judge / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Cropped for display.

A winter evening at your own pace

Entry is timed, but the walk is self-paced: once inside, visitors can stay until 9pm. An earlier slot leaves more time for the lanterns. Food and refreshments will also be available.

Music is part of the programme too, from the West African zone to the contemporary sounds of Seoul. The nine zones bring these different traditions together through lantern-making and light.

Dates, tickets and getting there

• Season: 12 November 2026 to 5 January 2027, excluding 24–26 December.
• Hours: 5pm to 9pm; last entry 7:30pm.
• Location: Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.

The official booking page lists these standard prices as of 31 October:

• Adults, 16 and over: €26.50.
• Children, 3–15: €22.
• Under-threes: free, with a ticket.
• Students with valid ID and seniors aged 65 or over: €23.50.
• Carers: one free ticket per booking, with valid ID.

Two adults and two children aged 3–15 come to €97 at those rates. Annual Pass holders have discounted prices. Under-16s attend with an adult.

Tickets for the evening lantern trail are available through the official booking page, with full visitor information in the event FAQs.

Accessibility: the route accommodates wheelchairs and buggies. A sensory-friendly evening on 1 December offers lower capacity, quieter sound and softer lighting. Dublin Zoo’s accessibility resources include a map, planner and details of its Changing Places bathroom.

Heuston station and its Luas stop are about a 20-minute walk away. Drivers can use nearby Phoenix Park parking, including Lord’s Walk and the Cricket Grounds. The zoo’s travel guide has directions and public-transport links.

Featured image: The Wild Lights entrance at Dublin Zoo on 15 December 2022. Archive photograph: Sheila1988, via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0.

Event details and listed prices checked on 31 October 2026.