Illuminated Japanese cherry trees, the colours of Holi, the energy of Seoul, followed by a return to Irish legends: this winter, Dublin Zoo offers a journey whose stages are discovered on foot after dark. Wild Lights 2026 returns from 12 November with Passport to Wonder, a new trail spanning nine worlds inspired by celebrations and traditions from around the globe.
The theme, unveiled on 28 September, provides another reason to add this outing to a winter stay in Dublin. An early booking offer, available until 12 October subject to conditions, includes a daytime visit to the zoo.
Wild Lights 2026: an illuminated journey through cultures
Handcrafted lanterns bring celebrations from around the world to life
The project announced by Dublin Zoo combines handcrafted lanterns, light, music and movement. Along the trail, visitors will encounter interpretations of Japan, Diwali, Holi and the Brazilian carnival. Seoul and K-pop are also among the inspirations highlighted.
This sequence of worlds gives the trail the feel of a narrative stroll. Rather than a literal geographical journey, each stage brings a change of atmosphere: visitors are invited to discover how celebrations, colours and stories can become the material of a spectacle. The result remains an artistic interpretation of the cultures represented, designed for a family outing.
Ireland takes its place amid this journey around the world
The announced journey also leads into a Celtic Ireland populated by legends, fairies and music. This sequence makes Irish folklore one stop on the trail, alongside traditions from other continents. Christmas completes the inspirations presented by the organiser.
For travellers, it is a way to extend their discovery of Dublin after a day of sightseeing. An evening among the lanterns fits easily into a cultural itinerary, provided the pace is suitable for children and time is allowed for getting around.
An Early Bird offer to discover the zoo a second time
A complimentary family visit, subject to conditions
The detailed offer terms state that eligible Wild Lights orders paid for between 28 September and 12 October 2026 inclusive entitle visitors to a daytime visit for up to two adults and two children. It must take place by 24 December 2026, with booking required and subject to availability.
The benefit is limited to one visit per household during the promotional period. The order reference serves as the code to book the complimentary visit; activation may take up to 72 hours. Group and corporate bookings are excluded from this general offer.
A separate benefit for annual membership holders
Eligible members have another option: a 20% discount voucher for renewing an annual membership, to be used within twelve months. The two benefits cannot be combined on the same booking. Before paying, check which option applies to your situation, along with the terms displayed in the official ticket office.
Planning your visit to Wild Lights in Dublin
Dates and booking details to check before you go
The official page announces Passport to Wonder from 12 November 2026 to 5 January 2027. This period does not mean that every day or time slot is open: choose a session that is actually available in the ticket office. Children under three go free, subject to the zoo’s terms.
Flexible tickets also allow visitors to choose a weekday visit later, from Monday to Friday, on an opening day. Options suitable for sensory sensitivities are also announced. For families, choosing the right session matters as much as choosing the date: it is best to fit it into the pace of the stay rather than pack too many activities into the same day.
An outing that helps fund conservation
Dublin Zoo states that visits contribute to its work supporting wildlife and habitats, in Ireland and abroad. The zoo says it supports more than thirty conservation partners. This context offers another perspective on the event, beyond its visual appeal.
Sources consulted on 6 October 2026: theme announcement, official Wild Lights page and detailed Early Bird terms. The detailed terms and ticket office specify two children for the complimentary visit, unlike the initial press release, which mentioned three. Programme and availability are subject to change.
Archive photo of Wild Lights taken on 15 December 2022, separate from the 2026 trail. Sheila1988 / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Image resized and compressed.
