What dates will Wild Lights take place at Dublin Zoo?
Wild Lights opens on Friday 3rd November 2017 and runs until Sunday, 7th January 2018.
Please see evenings available on selected months:
November: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
December: Every evening (Monday – Sunday). However, it will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day.
January: Monday 1st January – Sunday, 7th January
What time does the event start and finish?
Admission to Wild Lights is from 5pm - 9pm. Last entry to the event is strictly 8pm.
What is included in the event?
You will see stunning lantern displays throughout the route, some of which are huge impressive structures and some of which as smaller animal lanterns, all beautifully hand-crafted by Chinese artists using traditional techniques. There will also be short performances by Chinese acrobats and artists, all included in the ticket price. Optional extras are the marketplace selling speciality gifts crafted by Chinese artists, as well as Wild Lights goodies, and food and drink outlets along the route.
Will I see any animals?
No, it's very unlikely you'll see the animals as at that time of year they'll mostly be in their indoor habitats and houses where it's warm!
Who is the event suitable for?
The event is suitable for all ages, families, couples and groups alike.
Will the event go ahead in bad weather?
If it's raining the event will still go ahead. We would only cancel the event if the weather is deemed unsafe due to high winds or extreme conditions. See below re: cancellation.
What happens if my event is cancelled?
Dublin Zoo may need to cancel an event if it is deemed unsafe to attendees, for example, in high winds. If we decide to cancel an event, attendees will be notified by email with as much notice as possible. An email will be sent to the email address used to book the tickets. It is the responsibility of the attendees to check their emails before arriving at the event to check for any updates, and to make sure email addresses are correctly entered when booking tickets. In the event of a cancellation, attendees will be given the opportunity to transfer their ticket(s) to a different equivalent date (subject to availability) and must get in touch with the events team within the given timeframe. If attendees have not been in touch within the given timeframe, or no suitable alternative date can be found, a full refund will be issued.
Is this event accessible for wheelchairs and buggies?
Yes, the route has been designed so that wheelchairs and buggies can get around.
For visitors with mobility issues, Dublin Zoo has a limited number of wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are available on a first-come first-served basis.
What should I wear?
Please be aware that this is an outdoor winter event so please dress appropriately.
I have luggage, where can I leave it?
We have a small number of lockers at the Zoo where you can leave bags. These will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. We don't have facilities to take large suitcases.
Are there cash machines on site?
No there are no cash machines on site. Some of the restaurants and kiosks take card payments, but please bring cash with you to avoid any disappointment.
What date are tickets for Wild Lights on sale?
Tickets are on sale from Friday, 15th of September 2017. Tickets will be available online only on www.dublinzoo.ie/wildlights
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are only available to buy online at www.dublinzoo.ie.
There will be no ticket sales available from the ticket office at Dublin Zoo.
What is the entrance cost to Wild Lights?
Annual Pass
How long will my ticket be valid for?
Wild Lights is a date specific event. Tickets are valid for the chosen date of booking ONLY. Tickets are non-refundable and are non-transferrable.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Tickets go on sale from 15th September and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Do children under 3 years go free?
Yes, children under the age of 3 go free. However, they will still need a ticket which can be booked online.
Do Annual Passholders get a discount?
Yes, if you have a valid annual pass card then you will be entitled a discount. The rate for annual pass adults is €18 and children is €12.
What do I need to avail of the Annual Passholders discount?
A valid annual pass is required to avail of the annual pass discount. You will be required to enter your unique annual pass number when booking online. A valid annual pass matching the name on the Wild Lights ticket will also need to be presented on arrival at the Dublin Zoo entrance for the event. Normal annual pass T&C's apply.
Do I need to print my ticket for entry?
No, we don't require tickets to be printed. E-tickets can be scanned on any mobile device. However, if you wish to print you ticket we will accept them in paper format too.
What is Dublin Zoo's cancellation policy for Wild Lights?
Dublin Zoo has a no refund cancellation policy. Tickets are non-transferable.
If I buy a Wild Lights ticket, can I come to the Zoo in the daytime?
No, Wild Lights event admission tickets do not give admission to the Zoo during daytime operating hours.
I don't have my ticket confirmation, what should I do?
You should have received an email from Dublin Zoo immediately after booking with your ticket information. If you have not received this, have a look in your junk email folder. If you're still having difficulties, email events@dublinzoo.ie listing the date you booked, the name and email address you used to book and a contact telephone number, and we will be happy to help.
How to get to Wild Lights in Dublin Zoo?
Dublin Zoo is situated in Phoenix Park in the city of Dublin. The city is easily accessible from all over Ireland by car, bus and train. Dublin Zoo is a 20 minute walk from Heuston Station and from the LUAS red line stop.
Dublin Bus routes close to Dublin Zoo: 25, 26, 46A, 66 / 66A / 66B, 67, 69
Is there car parking at Wild Lights?
There is no specific car parking for Wild Lights in Dublin Zoo, although there are free car parking spaces around the Phoenix Park which include the Lord's Walk car park, Chesterfield Avenue and the North Road.