Celebrate the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo
Happy Zoo Year fun includes 5 million lights, games, glow goodies, and more!
CINCINNATI (December 27, 2024) – Guests are invited to ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on December 31. “Party Animals” of all ages are invited to celebrate the 16th annual Happy ZOO Year, powered by Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating Air, Conditioning & Electric. On Tuesday, December 31, visitors can enjoy all that PNC Festival of Lights has to offer plus games, glow goodies, music, and a kid-friendly early countdown at 8pm.
Event Photos | PNC Festival of Lights Video
“Happy Zoo Year is an excellent option for families who want to celebrate the New Year before midnight,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. “It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the nation’s #1 Zoo Lights and create unforgettable memories to wrap up the year.”
Members can visit the Zoo as often as they like, and there’s no additional charge for PNC Festival of Lights. Memberships are on sale through December 31.
Happy Zoo Year highlights this year include fun giveaways for the kids (while supplies last), Cincinnati Circus glow performances, glow games, photo opportunities, and DJ Natalie from Q102.
The celebration will take place during PNC Festival of Lights from 4-10 p.m. Most of the activities, including the early countdown, will take place in Vine Street Village, but the 5 million LED lights are spread throughout the Zoo.
The sparkling lights are the highlight of the PNC Festival of Lights. Guests hoping to see animals are encouraged to visit earlier in the day or explore indoor exhibits like World of the Insect, Manatee Springs, and Night Hunters during the evening.
PNC Festival of Lights runs through January 5, 2025. For more information, visit cincinnatizoo.org. New this year: On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Zoo will be turning the lights on for one last adults-only (18+) evening. After Glow is an exclusive 18+ event that offers guests a rare opportunity to experience PNC Festival of Lights, the #1 Zoo Lights in the nation, in a relaxed, child-free atmosphere. After Glow is included with your Cincinnati Zoo membership! Tickets are $20 for non-members, and $10 for students.