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PNC Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo is shining bright for the 42nd annual PNC Festival of Lights! Come early to see more animals and stay for the lights!
In addition to admiring the beauty of 5 million LED lights, visitors can find the 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights on Swan Lake, or snack at one of our seasonal concessions.
The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving (November 28th), Christmas Eve (December 24th), and Christmas Day (December 25th).
November 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Zoo Hours during PNC Festival of Lights:
Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am – 10pm
December 20-31: 10am-10pm
- The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving (November 28th), Christmas Eve (December 24th), and Christmas Day (December 25th).
- PNC Festival of Lights is included in Zoo admission. Visit the Zoo early and stay for the lights!
- North Polar Express Train & Carousel rides begin at 2:30pm
- Dec. 23rd is the last night to visit with Santa
- Full costumed characters may not be allowed in the Zoo.
Wonder at the 4 million LED lights throughout the Zoo- Character visits begin at 4pm
- Families will enjoy searching for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland
- Guests will enjoy the immersive “Under the Sea” area.
- Over 50 larger than life Animal Lanterns located throughout the Zoo
- Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake
- Meet costume characters beginning at 4pm
- Please note that adult guests in full character costumes, such as Santa suits, Grinch costumes, etc may not be admitted into the Zoo
- Ride the North Polar Express Train and Conservation Carousel rides start daily at 2:30pm (additional charges apply)
- Roast Smore’s at the Smore’s Stations
- Enjoy freshly roasted nuts and other holiday treats
- See animals inside multiple indoor heated buildings (details in Bright Tips below)
- Meet-A-Creature: meet ambassador animals at Manatee Springs, Discovery Forest, and Club House
- Happy Zoo Year celebration on Dec 31
- Share your PNC Festival of Lights pictures on social media using #cincyzoopic for a chance to be featured in future Zoo marketing material!
Santa’s Village
Santa and Mrs. Claus have returned to the North Pole!
Visit with Santa in Santa’s Village nightly at 4pm through December 23!
Reserve your time to meet Santa! All reservations include a complete set of digital photos from your visit. Walk-ups also welcome.
2024 Sensory-Friendly Santa
Sensory Santa is over for the season.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Zoo Access for All program is designed to encourage families and individuals of all backgrounds to visit our world-class organization to build lifelong and multi-generational memories.
*Admission not included with reservation. Valid admission ticket or membership required for entry to the zoo.
- Reserved times to help families avoid standing in line and waiting
- Holiday music volume is lowered and bright lights are dimmed or turned off
- Only one family has access to the area at a time to avoid additional distraction or stimulation
- Santa received training from Dr. Jen Smith (Children’s LEND Program) for tips and information on interacting with visitors with different abilities.
- Families visited Santa and the Zoo before the Festival of Lights crowds arrive, and before it’s dark (for those with holiday light sensitivities)
PNC Festival of Lights Social Narrative
Sensory Santa Social Narrative
Sensory Santa Sponsored by:
Don’t miss nightly performances of this black light puppet show at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm at the Amphitheater.
Sponsored by:
The North Polar Express Train will be equipped with a longer-than-ever light tunnel to make your ride extra bright! North Polar Express train ride and begins at 2:30pm. (Additional charges apply for non-members)
Sponsored by:
Guests are invited to ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. “Party Animals” of all ages invited to celebrate the 15th annual Happy ZOO Year. This New Years bash will take place at the Zoo on Tuesday, December 31.
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Bright Tips
These tips will help you maximize your holiday experience!
Animal Chats
4:30pm- Elephant (at Elephant Trek Garage door area)
5:30pm- Bearcat
6:00pm- Leaf Cutter Ant
6:30pm- Komodo Dragon (In Dragons! building)
7:00pm- Manatee
7:30pm- Bonobo
8:00pm- Giraffe
To avoid crowds, we recommend visiting weeknights!
PNC Festival of Lights is all about… the LIGHTS! Our Zoo animals usually head indoors around 5pm or sooner so make sure to come early and stay for the lights if you’re hoping to see animals!
- Meet-A-Creature: meet ambassador animals at Manatee Springs, Discovery Forest, and Club House
- Buildings that will be open during PNC Festival of Lights: Reptile House, Gorilla World*, Night Hunters, Dragons, World of the Insect, Manatee Springs, Jungle Trails West, Discovery Forest
- Buildings that will close during PNC Festival of Lights: Wings of the World, Jungle Trails East
- Goat contact yard closes at 6:30pm but goats may be viewable
See more details about what is going on during your Zoo visit*.
* Gorilla World will be open every night during PNC Festival of Lights, but gorillas will not be on habitat on Mondays & Tuesdays.
Dress warm! You can always shed a layer!
Our parking lot address is: 3427 Vine Street
Our street address is: 3400 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220. Directions >
Give the gift that keeps giving! Renew, purchase or gift a membership! The holidays are a peak time for membership gifts and renewals!
Make the most of your Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden visit with this FREE app.
Navigate the park with ease using our GPS-enabled digital map, plan your day, access your tickets and memberships, and learn more about our animals and plants!
Zoo Parking
The main Zoo lot is located at 3427 Vine Street.
Food Options
The popular Hot Hippo Drink is back! Hot Hippos will be sold at S’mores N’ More, Hot Hippo Headquarters (located across from the train) and Cup + Cone!
Swing by Tuskers for tasty snacks and cold drinks! We have jumbo soft pretzels with cheese, cotton candy, popcorn, and refreshing canned Pepsi, plus a great selection of domestic and craft draft beers. This is also your place for fresh made funnel cakes, traditional and loaded varieties, piled high with sweet toppings. We can’t wait to see you!
Welcome to Candy Cane Cottage! Indulge in our gourmet hot chocolate, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Pair it with our delicious soft pretzels and enjoy a variety of fountain beverages and tasty festive sweet snacks. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, Candy Cane Cottage has something for everyone. Stop by and satisfy your cravings!
Feeling famished from your travels? Bring your expedition to the Outpost Café for lunch to experience some of the classic Cincinnati Flavors, like Skyline Chili, Grippo’s Chicken Sandwich, or Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque.
