Dublin Winter Lights officially switched on across 25 city locations
Dublin Winter Lights have officially been switched on across the city centre.
With new locations and different events for all ages to enjoy, Dublin City Council has kicked off the festive season this December with “dazzling displays” that turn Dublin into a “twinkling wonderland.” This includes family-friendly celebrations and interactive experiences throughout the month.
The giant immersive kaleidoscope in Merrion Square Park returns from December 1 to December 21. This family-friendly attraction costs €2 euro per adult with two kids going free.
The 5pm to 5.30pm timeslot every evening is designed to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed environment, including those who identify as neurodiverse. During this slot, no music will be played, and people will have more space to move around.
Those exploring the city will also discover O’Connell Street has been transformed, as eight artists have left their mark on the iconic GPO building. This includes creative and dynamic animated light projections that bring the ‘Liberation’ theme to life across the façade of this historic site.
Exciting new additions this year include an interactive motion-sensing wall of LED pixels capturing the daily movement of life in Wolfe Tone Square. From Thursday to Sunday until December 21 there’s also a floating light installation at the River Liffey Light Boat. This sees 190 beams of light travel through the city from Heuston Station to Dublin Port.
‘Flux’ at Dublin Castle is a unique show that playfully brings light and music together. At Grand Canal Dock, ‘ Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights’ in collaboration with street dancer Jessie Thompson presents a specially curated performance piece where light and water meet dance on a 40-metre-wide water screen.
Lord Mayor Councillor Ray McAdam welcomed the events and said it’s fantastic to see “Dublin City Council Dublin Winter Lights brighten up our city again this Christmas .” With events for everyone to enjoy he highlighted “little ones seeing the magic for the first time to families making special memories together.”
“The lights will be shining all through December, so take the opportunity to come into town, explore the illuminations, and soak up the festive spirit. While you’re here, why not grab a hot chocolate, take some photos, and support our local shops and cafes? Let’s make this Christmas in Dublin one to remember,” he said.
Tony Smithers, from Dublin City Council’s Events section said: “The implementation of a low carbon footprint has been a core strategy for this event. This has mainly been achieved using LEDs, projections with low power requirements, battery storage for power, and the use of hydro-treated vegetable oil as a fuel source. It’s a great time to visit the city and see our exciting new installations in Dublin Castle, Wolfe Tone Square, George’s Dock and Grand Canal Dock”.
The full list of 25 locations is as follows:
Daniel O’Connell Statue on O’Connell Street
Dublin Castle – Lower Yard
Merrion Square Park – ticketed event
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme