The Christmas lights display at Dublin Zoo is Wild Lights: Passport to Wonder, which runs from November 12, 2026, to January 5, 2027. The illuminated trail transforms the zoo into an after-dark lantern festival featuring nine globally inspired zones, festive food, and a new indoor Christmas market.
The 2026 Passport to Wonder theme guides visitors through Lapland, Mexico, India, Seoul, Ireland, Brazil, Japan, West Africa, and Venice. Each zone features large handcrafted lanterns, themed soundtracks, and colourful light installations celebrating global traditions like Diwali, Brazilian Carnival, and K-Pop.
A brand-new indoor Christmas market and nine food and drink stops offer seasonal treats along the open walking route. A dedicated sensory-friendly evening with adjusted lighting and sound takes place on December 1, 2026.
The festival runs nightly from November 12, 2026, through January 5, 2027, excluding December 24, 25, and 26 throughout Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Gates open at 5:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM, with the last entry permitted at 7:30 PM.
Dublin Zoo does not have a private car park, so visitors must use free public spaces in Phoenix Park along Chesterfield Avenue, Lord’s Walk, or the Cricket Grounds.
Standard tickets start from €26.50, while children under age 3 and carers enter free of charge. Use promo code MIDWEEKWONDER on the Dublin Zoo Wild Lights page for 15% off Monday through Thursday slots in November. From November 21 to December 23, families can book the Glow Ho-Ho! package to combine evening Wild Lights entry with a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Book directly through the official .ie domain at Dublin Zoo Tickets to avoid third-party lookalike scam sites
