Membership Help Cincinnati Zoo Win Best Zoo Lights for The Ninth Year in a Row!
You can vote for PNC Festival of Lights starting today!
CINCINNATI, OH (November 2, 2026) – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is in the running for USA Today’s 10Best poll for Best Zoo Lights in the nation. Fans of the 44th annual PNC Festival of Lights can vote for the Zoo! In 2025, thanks to your support, the Cincinnati Zoo won the coveted award for the 8th year in a row! Voting started today, November 2nd at noon EST and ends on Monday, November 30th at 11:59am EST. Supporters can vote once a day.
Whether your favorite holiday tradition is strolling beneath 5 million LED twinkling lights, admiring the Fiona Nutcracker, watching the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or sharing Hot Hippo (hot chocolate) with family and friends, voting is an easy way to show your love for this Cincinnati holiday tradition.
PNC Festival of Lights shines bright from November 19, 2026- January 3, 2027 and kicks off with a special Member Preview Night on November 18. Guests can explore Fiona’s Fairyland, enjoy illuminated animal lanterns, and make lasting memories at the Zoo.
PNC Festival of Lights is included with Zoo admission. The Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Members get Early Entry and are welcome to enter the Zoo at 9 a.m. November 17th is the last day for members early entry until next spring. Download the mobile app featuring a GPS-enabled digital map, food locations, and to receive special announcements. You can even create your own itinerary!