Dublin Winter Lights faces criticism, sparking a flood of emails to Dublin City Council complaining about lackluster displays.
The GPO, Spire, and bridges were lit up. One email said the lights lacked holiday cheer. The writer missed the Customs House display. They questioned the lights’ design.
They asked Dublin City Council to improve. Another person compared it to Edinburgh’s market. They said Edinburgh was full of tourists and lights. They urged the council to fix Christmas in Dublin. Some emails asked about the lack of “Christmas.”
People thought “Christmas Lights” became “Winter Lights.” Some Christians felt the new wording was wrong. They thought it undermined Ireland’s Christian heritage. One person called it “woke nonsense.” Another wanted snow or Christmas scenes. They wanted a more festive display.
They suggested going East for Christmas spirit. Dublin City Council responded to these emails. They stated its name evolved over time. It was first “Winter Lights.” It became “Dublin Winter Lights” then.
Grafton and Henry Street lights are separate. Dublin Town business group creates those. Dublin Town’s lights started years before. This difference influenced naming decisions. The Winter Lights festival can happen outside Christmas.
Last year, displays lasted through January. Many light designs lack a Christmas theme. Artists created art pieces for winter and the holidays. The council stated it never renamed “Christmas Lights.” It was always called “Winter Lights.”
The council says the festival always includes Christmas elements. They include it in the programming and marketing. The Winter Lights ran late November through December 31.