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Happy Zoo Year fun includes 5 million lights, games, and more! 

CINCINNATI (December 29, 2025) – 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 17th annual Happy Zoo Year, powered by Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers. Visitors can enjoy all that PNC Festival of Lights has to offer plus games, music, and a kid-friendly early countdown at 8pm.

Event Photos | 2025 Year at the Zoo Video | Happy Zoo Year Video

“This event is a fun way for families 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.

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 habitats like World of the Insect, Manatee Springs, and Night Hunters during the evening.

PNC Festival of Lights runs through January 4, 2026.  For more information, visit cincinnatizoo.org. On Friday, January 9, 2026, 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.

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