PNC Festival of Lights
Visitors can wander through displays of five million LED lights, see sixty-five larger-than-life animal lanterns, and view the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake. Attractions include searching for fairy statues in Fiona's Fairyland, watching a Madcap blacklight puppet show, and riding the North Polar Express Train through an extended light tunnel. Guests can also toast marshmallows at s'mores stations and visit heated indoor habitats to see animals.
What to Expect
Features 5 million LED lights and 65 giant animal lanterns.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Avondale
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Food & Drink
Seasonal concessions include s’mores, hot cocoa and Hot Hippo drinks, holiday treats, meals, and local craft beer.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive, bright, family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The Festival is included in Zoo admission. North Polar Express Train and Conservation Carousel rides cost extra No Zoo admission price is stated. – Get tickets
- Hours: Festival activities begin at 4pm; the Zoo opens at 10am daily. Sunday-Thursday: 10am-9pm; Friday-Saturday: 10am-10pm; December 21-31: 10am-10pm. North Polar Express Train and Carousel rides begin at 2:30pm daily. Santa visits begin at 4 p.m. daily through December 23. Madcap Puppet Show performances are at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 each night.
- Parking: The main Zoo parking lot is at 3427 Vine Street. On busy Festival of Lights nights, additional lots may open as needed; follow signs and staff directions. Listed overflow options are Vine lot at 3427 Vine St (open all day), Euclid Lot at 3301 Euclid Ave (open all day), and Dury Lot at 3292 Dury Ave.
- Accessibility: The Zoo offers a PNC Festival of Lights social narrative, a 'Going to the Zoo' guide and a Sensory-Friendly Santa program.
Tips & Advice
- Visit on a weeknight if you can, because weeknights are the best way to avoid the biggest Festival crowds.
- Arrive while it's still light if you want to see animals, since most head indoors early and the evening is all about the lights.
- Dress warmly and bring a blanket for the cold evening walk around the Zoo, knowing you can always shed a layer.
- Plan a gorilla visit for Wednesday through Sunday, since Gorilla World stays open but the gorillas aren't on habitat on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Adults should skip full character costumes like Santa suits or Grinch outfits, because guests dressed that way may not be admitted.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the North Polar Express Train runs through a longer-than-ever light tunnel (extra charge for non-members).
- New at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen: an assortment of loaded fries.
- Happy ZOO Year, the 18th annual New Year's party for 'Party Animals' of all ages, on December 31.
- Sensory-Friendly Santa program (registration required).
- December 23 is the last night to visit Santa in Santa's Village.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we see animals during the Festival of Lights?
Many animals head indoors early, so come during the day to see them and then stay for the lights. In the evening you can see animals in the Reptile House, Gorilla World, Night Hunters, Dragons, World of the Insect, Manatee Springs, Jungle Trails West and Discovery Forest. Gorilla World is open every night, but the gorillas aren't on habitat on Mondays and Tuesdays.
What food and drinks are there?
At S'mores N' More you can roast marshmallows over an open fire, with s'mores packs for two or for a family. The Hot Hippo drink is back at S'mores N' More, Hot Hippo Headquarters and Cup + Cone. Mrs. Claus' Kitchen has funnel cakes and hot cocoa. Hops has local craft beers and flatbreads, and the Outpost Cafe serves Skyline Chili.
Can adults come dressed up in costume?
Adults in full character costumes, like Santa suits or Grinch costumes, may not be let into the Zoo.
Where do we park?
The main Zoo lot is at 3427 Vine Street. On busy nights, overflow lots open at 3301 Euclid Ave and 3292 Dury Ave, so follow the signs and staff directions. The main lot has 8 electric vehicle charging ports.
What should we wear?
Dress warmly and bring a blanket. You can always shed a layer.
More Christmas Events Near Cincinnati
More Christmas Events near Cincinnati
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