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Parenting

12th Nov 2018

I went to Wild Lights with my family and it was an absolutely magical experience

Melissa Carton

I visited Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo with my family over the weekend and it was spectacular.

I had wanted to go last year but the tickets sold out before I could buy one so when I saw that it was happening again this year I booked tickets the moment they went on sale.

We all headed along on Saturday night and honestly it was so magical I would go back again in a heartbeat.

The theme this year was Ocean of Light as visitors were brought under the sea for a majestic underwater experience.

Complete with sharks, clown fish, turtles and giant octopus, I really felt like I was the Little Mermaid from the moment I walked in.

As well as the Ocean of Light area there were also winter wonderland and Chinese inspired routes to transport you across the globe.

Not only are the displays beautifully illuminated but there are also a vast array of animatronic animals and characters that the kids are sure to love, I know mine did.

My one-year-old daughter was so convinced that the animals were real that she walked up to a puffin and asked him ‘how are ya?’

I didn’t know how much she would get out of it being as small as she is but she was absolutely enamored by the colourful lights and music and the wonderment in her face was so sweet.

I thought it was all breathtakingly well done so I can only imagine what it must feel like for a small child.

My six-year-old of course loved the North Pole area the best with it’s giant Christmas tree and Santa’s post office.

With the countdown to the arrival of the main man himself well and truly underway in our house the only thing on his mind is Santa.

Not only were there the displays themselves to get you into the festive mood but the area also holds a myriad of stalls in the Wild Lights very own mini Christmas market.

I was glad I arrived with plenty of time before the event closed because at every corner there was something else to take in and it wasn’t until I was popping to the toilet that I realised there was a stage with live performances taking place.

There are plenty of hot food and drink stands available inside and upon arrival you and your family can have your photo taken and made into a gift package including seven photographs in various sizes and one keychain for €22.

Tickets to Wild Lights for adults are €20 each and €15 for children with toddlers under three going free and honestly it is worth every penny.

I’ve gone to a lot of events aimed at families over the years and some I’ve felt very disappointed in but Wild Lights is something I would happily make an annual tradition.

Wild Lights runs until Sunday, January 6 2019 from 5pm-9pm (all visitors must arrive before 8pm to be admitted).

There are still some dates left for November so if you’d like to see the Ocean of Lights for yourself you can book tickets DublinZoo.ie.