Dublin was recently named one of the most festive cities in Europe, in part due to the stunning Christmas lights that adorn both the city and suburbs. The lights serve to illuminate the most amazing architecture and scenery in the city, so make sure that you don’t miss them.
1. Grafton Street
Everybody who’s anybody knows that Grafton Street is the main spot for Christmas lights in the city. It also happens to be one of the best places to shop for Christmas gifts in Dublin (super convenient). So, just look up next time you’re carrying soggy paper bags from Primark through Dublin city centre in the rain and you’ll find something above to cheer you up.
2. Malahide Castle Winter Lights
The stunning ground of Malahide Castle are once again illuminated by the glow of its annual Winter Lights. This year you can expect the likes of unicorns, meteor showers and Arctic forests, with the theme ‘The Night Sky’.
Tickets are €20 for adults and €16.50 for children, and the event will run until January 3 and you can buy them on the website. Kids and adults alike will love the experience.
3. Dublin Zoo Wild Lights
When the sun goes down (not that there’s much sun at the moment), Dublin Zoo sparkles with the light of over a thousand lanterns. Whilst the animals huddle together indoors, you can appreciate the artistry on display, celebrating wildlife across the globe.
The lights hope to encourage the value of the world’s wildlife and the benefits of protecting it, and tickets are €23 per adult and €17 per child. Sessions run between 5 pm and 9 pm, and you can buy tickets here.
4. Winter Lights
You can now visit the Winter Lights, with sixteen stunning installations around the city. They will remain lit until January 1, so there’s plenty of time to make your way around the trail.
It’s completely free, which we definitely appreciate this time of year, and this year there are two new installations, including a Viking boat on the Liffey. The Winter Lights are Christmas lights that we look forward to eagerly every year.
As you wander around Dublin you will find Christmas lights everywhere and a magical atmosphere to boot. This time of year is our favourite in Dublin, when the city glows in the darkest months of the year. There’s something very beautiful and romantic about it.