The Dublin Winter Lights Festival has become one of the Capital’s most recognisable periods of the year. With its streets and landmarks adorned with Christmas lights. The event has just launched across 18 locations, with 4 brand new ones for 2024.
What is the Dublin Winter Lights Festival?
Organised by Dublin City Council, the festival features dynamic light installations and projections on iconic landmarks, buildings, bridges, trees, and statues, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. This annual event is a celebration of light, colour, and community, featuring a range of stunning light displays across the city.
The festival is designed to bring people together, promoting a sense of wonder and joy during the winter months. With its unique and imaginative light installations, the Winter Lights Festival is a must-visit event for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit.
Where to See the Christmas Lights in Dublin
Dublin’s Winter Lights Festival is a city-wide celebration, with numerous locations showcasing stunning light displays. Some of the top spots to catch the festive lights include:
- Merrion Square Park: This picturesque park is a highlight of the festival, featuring a mesmerising display of lights that dance across the trees and buildings.
- The General Post Office (GPO): This iconic landmark is a must-visit during the festival, with its facade transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours.
- Millennium Bridge: This pedestrian bridge is a great spot to take in the city’s festive atmosphere, with its rainbow lights reflecting beautifully off the River Liffey.
For 2024 4 new locations have been added too at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Newcomen Bank near Dame Street, the Liffey Boardwalk and the Wolfe Tone Statue in Stephens Green.
I went along to the new installation at Collins Barracks and was blown away by the 360-degree immersive show created by 8 different artists.
A Beautiful Variety of Colours
One of the standout features of Dublin’s Winter Lights Festival is the incredible variety of colours on display. From the vibrant hues of the GPO’s facade to the soft, pastel tones of the lights in Merrion Square Park, the festival is a true feast for the eyes.
Whether you’re a fan of bold and bright colours or more subtle, muted tones, there’s something for everyone at the Winter Lights Festival. With its range of interactive installations and displays, the festival is a great way to engage with the city’s festive atmosphere.
The light show is very similar to one I saw in Japan earlier this year and I’m frankly blown away that such quality (that was good enough for Japan) is on show here in Dublin.
A Great Way to Spend Half an Hour or So
If you’re trying to gauge the commitment, I’d say each of the Winter Lights Festival is a great way to pass half an hour or so. The location of the latest addition in Collins Barracks means you can also head up to the Smithfield Christmas market which is just a short walk away.
It’s not a long show, but you’ll surely enjoy what you get to see.
Just remember that both the event in Collins Barracks and Merrion Square are both ticketed events. Both cost €2, which includes the booking fee. The ticket provides admission for 1 adult and 2 children.
Learn more about this Dublin City Council-organised event on their website.
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