Winter is often the time, when all we want to do is stay in the warm house, crawl up in bed with a cup of tea and watch our new favourite Netflix series, but why not mix it up this season? Get out of the house, take a city break! If we convinced you, and now you’re looking for cool things to do in Dublin, perhaps things to do at night, or you’re simply planning your next city break with the kids, do not look further! One of our favourite winter events is returning this November. Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo near Travelodge Phoenix Park lights up again from Friday, November 1st and runs through the Christmas holidays up until January 5th, giving those interested plenty of time to experience this magical showcase.

Having Dublin Zoo just announce that the theme of this year’s Wild Lights event is “Stories, Myths and Legends”, you can expect an event full of inspiration from magical stories like the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan and the Jungle Book. Add to this the appearance of characters from nursery rhymes and Irish Mythology brought to life throughout the Zoo by dazzling, giant, colourful silk lanterns, and pair it with some tasty food to arrive at a Dublin night- time event perfect for the whole family.

Whether you’re traveling to Dublin for other reasons, or Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo is the main motivation for your travel (we wouldn’t be surprised), we’d like to help you and your family have the best time possible. So here are our top tips for your time in Dublin during Wild Lights.

Top tips for your time in Dublin during Wild Lights

• Purchase your tickets online

  Imagine traveling all the way to the Zoo just to realise that you can’t buy tickets at the event. Unfortunately there is no ticket sale from the ticket office at Dublin Zoo, so to avoid disappointment purchase your tickets online on the Zoo’s website.

• Visit the Phoenix Park and the Dublin Zoo

  Maximize your stay in Dublin! If you’re already attending the Wild Lights festival, why not spend your afternoon in the Dublin Zoo and get to know its number of fascinating habitants? Just remember, that attending the Zoo during the day will require you to purchase separate tickets. If you’d rather opt for a free activity during the day, visit the Phoenix Park. Although not the Zoo, if you’re lucky you’ll still be able to find some animals (for example fallow deer) roaming the park.

• Stay in Travelodge Phoenix Park

  If you’re looking for a family budget hotel near Wild Lights, choose Travelodge Phoenix Park. Travelodge Phoenix Park is located only a 5-minute drive from Dublin Zoo or an enjoyable 15-minute stroll away if you choose our free parking option for families. If you had enough of being outside and you’d like to arrive back to a comfy room after the Wild Lights, you’ll be happy to hear that all rooms feature a comfy king size bed with four plump pillows and cosy duvets. If you arrive with children, be sure to check out our Family Rooms with optional Travel Cot.

• Win free Tickets

  Hopefully with our brief introduction to Wild Lights and our few useful tips we could help you plan your trip. So why not help you get free tickets? Win with Travelodge Ireland by entering our Facebook competition to win a family pass to Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo.

Be sure to stay close to the Wild Lights festival, book today with Travelodge Phoenix Park and enjoy the lowest rates by booking direct.

Looking for a Budget hotel near Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo?

Why not pair it with a stay at Travelodge Phoenix Park. Our Phoenix Park hotel is a 5- minute drive to the Dublin Zoo or an enjoyable 15-minute walk away. All rooms feature a comfy king size bed with four plump pillows and a cosy duvet. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of food and drink choices right on the doorstep.