Wild Lights returns to Dublin Zoo this winter with a brand-new theme.

This year 'Stories, Myths and Legends' will be brought to life through a series of giant custom-made silk lanterns.

The theme showcases animals in literature with a number of classic childhood favourites, as well as traditional Irish folklore characters.

It will include characters from 'Peter Pan', 'The Jungle Book', 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'.

Image: Dublin Zoo

Fairy-tales and well-known nursery rhyme characters will also make an appearance including 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and 'The Ugly Duckling'.

And ancient Irish myths will be given a 21st century lease of life with light portrayals of Tir na nOg, the Children of Lir and the Salmon of Knowledge.

As well as literature, Wild Lights 2019 is celebrating wildlife past and present - with the Tree of Life marking how critical conservation is in preventing more animal species becoming extinct.

Image: Dublin Zoo

Leo Oosterweghel is the director of Dublin Zoo: "We are delighted to announce the return of the award-winning Wild Lights event to Dublin Zoo for 2019 and we think visitors will be particularly enamoured with this year's theme which focuses on animals in literature.

"We're so proud to be able to hold such a magnificent family event which highlights the importance of the conservation of animals."

Wild Lights will open to the public on Friday November 1st - running from 5.00pm tp 9.00pm until Sunday January 5th.

Image: Dublin Zoo

Throughout November, Wild Lights will be open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

From December 1st until January 5th, opening times will be extended to seven days a week (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day).

Tickets go on sale on Friday September 20th from the Dublin Zoo website.