Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
If you’re looking for a magical winter experience in Dublin, I highly recommend visiting Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo. This award-winning night-time spectacular opened to the public yesterday with this year’s theme as ‘The Enchanted Zoo’.
We were lucky enough to get a sneak peak into the experience before opening night, with thanks to 98fm, and what a magical evening it was. The experience is immersive and takes you on a journey through an enchanting world of magic and wonder. You’ll start your journey at the Zoo entrance where you’ll be given the choice of three pathways to explore: Mythical Path, Magical Path, and Colourful Path. From there, you’ll roam through villages of gnomes, under-the-sea adventures, and even a candyland, all lit up with beautiful silk lanterns.
These lanterns are absolutely spectacular, featuring jungle animals, mythical sea creatures, gnomes, and sweet treats. It’s almost like real life Hey Bear! The experience is well thought out and put together. You’ll even see a holographic water display on the lake when you arrive!
These lanterns are absolutely spectacular, from jungle animals, to mythical sea creatures, gnomes and sweets treats (It was almost like real life Hey Bear). It is honestly such a well thought and put together experience.
There is even a holographic water display on the lake!
Unfortunately, all of the animal enclosures are closed off to the public, for those hoping they might get a glance at the Lions and Monkeys on their way around. However, you might hear some seals and birds calling out along the way.
Wild Lights is an unforgettable experience for all ages, from small babies to grandparents alike. What made the experience for me was seeing my one year old’s face light up from beginning to end. The festive season is already magical, but the excitement in my daughter’s eyes makes it even more special!
There are little huts dotted along the routes selling food, ranging from hot dogs to doughnuts, and hot drinks. Walking around wrapped up warm, with a hot chocolate in hand really made it feel Christmassy!
When and how much?
It is a pricey evening, with tickets ranging between €20 to €24.50, or free for under 3s and carers. We were lucky enough not to have to pay this time around but it is definitely something I will be booking for next year. Each year’s theme is different so I am already excited to see what next year holds!
The experience is running from November 16th to January for 2023, from 5pm-9pm. Overall you can expect to spend anywhere between 1-2 hours walking around all the paths. It is a pre-booking only event, however, and tickets tend to sell out quickly!
There still seems to be plenty of tickets left throughout December, though mainly on weekday evenings, but it is definitely worth the visit with the family this winter.