PNC Festival of Lights

PNC Festival of Lights runs November 26, 2010 - January 2, 2011  5:00-9:00pm

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Come and enjoy the 28th year of the PNC Festival of Lights, the region's largest and most anticipated holiday event.  This year we continue to "glow green" as we add more color and lights around the Zoo!

2010 Highlights Include:

  • Photos with Santa
  • Madcap Puppet Theater Black Light Show
  • Storytelling with Mrs. Claus
  • Rapping Elves
  • More Lights, More Color

Additional Festival Information:

  • FAQ
  • Discounts
  • Shop-ortunities
  • Happy Zoo Year

PNC Festival of Lights FAQs

Q. Can I purchase tickets in advance?

A. Admission and package tickets are available for purchase online. Half price tickets must be purchased on site.

Q. How much does it cost to attend?

A. PNC Festival of Lights is free with regular zoo admission. Regular zoo admission rates and packages apply. Discounts are available. Click the "Discounts" tab above for more information.

Q. When are half price nights?

A. Receive Half Off Adult and Child Admission November 29, 30,
December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13,14,15, 2010 ONLY.
*Half Price Tickets cannot be purchased online and other discounts are not valid with 1/2 price tickets. Parking is regular price and is not included in ticket price.

Q. Do Zoo members pay an additional fee to attend PNC Festival of Lights?

A. No. Members are welcome any time the Zoo is open. In addition, Members are invited to attend a special preview on November 24, before PNC Festival of Lights opens to the public.

Q. When is the best time to visit?

A. The Zoo opens at 9am daily, and the PNC Festival of Lights runs from 5pm - 9pm nightly. You can enjoy the Zoo before dark and stay for the lights. There is no additional fee to attend the PNC Festival of Lights.

The same great entertainment is offered on weekdays and weekends. Weeknights (Mon - Thurs) are great nights to come to the Zoo and are generally less crowded than weekends. On weekends, Sundays are less crowded than Saturdays. The weekends before and after Christmas are our busiest.

Q. Where do I park?

 

A. The Zoo has various parking lots. The main lot is located at 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220. Directional signs will guide you to open lots. Learn more about Directions and Parking >

Check back for Festival of Lights discount information.

Holiday Shopping that Supports Your Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden!

Give the gift of a Cincinnati Zoo Membership! Let us wrap up the sights and sounds of one of the world's finest zoos for you! Zoo memberships make a great and easy holiday gift! Stop by Member Services and purchase your gift today!

Holiday A.D.O.P.T. A.D.O.P.T. your favorite animal and give the PURR-fect gift this holiday season.
Your donation will help support the feeding and care of our animals and you will have a fun gift to give your friend or loved one for the holidays.

Brush in the Trunk! Our resident elephant artists are ready to paint a masterpiece for you or a loved one this holiday season! Order from Brush in the Trunk just in time for the holidays!

Rhino Rembrandts! Using their semi-prehensile lips, the Zoo’s rhinos, create one-of-a-kind original paintings. By purchasing a painting, you will be supporting rhino conservation worldwide and making the holidays extra special to someone on your list this season! Order Yours Today!

Rhino Ornaments! Purchase your limited-edition rhinoceros “painted” ornament at the Cincinnati Zoo gift shop for the rhino-lover in your family! Proceeds will be used to purchase “toys” for the Zoo ’s animal collection.  Each ornament is unique, and comes with a photograph of a painting session and card describing the benefits of animal enrichment. 

A Gift for Conservation! Purchase an African Violet Test Tube Plant for that special Horticulture enthusiast in your family today!

Cincinnati Zoo Gift Shop Items! Gifts for the young and young at heart are found waiting inside! Take home your favorite cuddly Zoo animal, a book to share, a fleece to wear and other unique gifts!

Zoosters Craft Treasure House! Choose from one-of-a-kind hand-made gifts and ornaments! Located in Volunteer Services Office.

Happy Zoo Year!

happy zoo year

Ring in the Zoo Year with a bunch of "Party Animals'!  Kids of all ages will enjoy this family friendly evening filled with special activities such as:

  • Meet & Greet with Father Time and Baby Zoo Year
  • An EARLY Zoo Year Countdown
  • Party Favors
  • Rozzi Fireworks

Watch Video Preview of Festival Activities: