PNC Festival of Lights

festival of lights adults with mask by bonfire

festival of lights couple standing by festival of lights sign

Giraffe and Zebra Lanterns festival of lights

The Cincinnati Zoo will still be shining bright as we’re once again transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 39^th annual PNC Festival of Lights! Come early for more animals and stay for the lights!

In addition to admiring the beauty of 4 million LED lights, visitors can find the 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands.

Ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo with PNC Festival of Lights and a kid-friendly, early countdown!

Book your holiday party at the Zoo!

Purchase Tickets

Event HighLIGHTs

Dates and Times

Nov. 19, 2021 – Jan. 9, 2022

Zoo Hours during PNC Festival of Lights: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Festival of Lights activities begin at 4pm
No additional charge. This event is included with Zoo Admission. Visit the Zoo early for more animals and stay for the lights!

Santa’s Village

Visit with Santa in Santa’s Village nightly at 4pm through December 23!

Sponsored by:

MadCap Winter Wonders

Don’t miss nightly performances at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm at the Amphitheater

North Polar Express Train Tunnel

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 begins at 2:30pm. (Additional charges apply for non-members)

Sponsored by:

S’mores-n-More

Roast a marshmallow over an open fire.

Sponsored by:

Wonder at the 4 million LED lights throughout the Zoo
Roaming Holly Jolly Elves beginning at 5pm nightly
Santa & Mrs. Claus & All other character visits begin at 4pm
Families will enjoy searching for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland
Guests will enjoy the new immersive “Under the Sea” area.
27 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 Ride daily starting 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
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!

Please note: The Zoo is closed on Christmas Eve (December 24^th), and Christmas Day (December 25^th).

Photo Opp Spots & Elfie Selfies

Pose for Instagram-worthy photos in front of our many photo opp areas including:

Let it Snow – Snowflakes at Eagle Overlook
Ride Along – Santa’s sleigh at Base Camp Cafe deck
Candy Cane Lane – Gorilla World
Ornament Photo Opp – White lion viewing
Under the Sea – Cat Canyon exit
Polar Chair – Wings of the World
& more selfie spots!

Sponsored by:

Happy Zoo Year

Guests are invited to ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. “Party Animals” of all ages invited to celebrate the 13th annual Happy ZOO Year powered by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers. This New Years bash will take place at the Zoo on Friday, December 31.

The lights are shining bright and you will be too! Join us for a kid-friendly Glow Party in Vine Street Village! Complete with a DJ, glow giveaways, games and more! Wear your glow items and join the fun! Early countdown at 8pm.

More info

Happy Zoo Year Powered By:

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Bright Tips

These tips will help you maximize your holiday experience!

Visit Early to See Animals

To avoid crowds, we recommend visitng 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!

Reptile House, Manatee Springs, World of Insect, Jungle Trails West, Dragons, Night Hunters, and Education will be open during PNC Festival of Lights.

Wings of the World, indoor elephant habitat, Jungle Trails East will be closed during PNC Festival of Lights.

Special Animal Encounters during PNC Festival of Lights*

Roo Valley: 12:00pm-4:30pm
Goat Yard: 1:00pm-6:30pm
Meet-A-Creature Stations (Education & Manatee Springs): 5:00pm-9:00pm
Insect Attendant in Insect House: 2:30pm-9:00pm
Giraffe Chat at Giraffe Ridge: 4:30pm and 7:00pm
Leaf Cutter Ant Chat at World of the Insect: 5:30pm
Burmese Python Chat in Manatee Springs: 6:30pm
Vampire Bat Chat in Night Hunters: 7:30pm

See more details about what is going on during your Zoo visit.

*weather permitting

Sensory Santa

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.

Please contact [email protected] for more information about Sensory Santa. Registration closes at 9am the day of visit.

PNC Festival of Lights Social Narrative

Sensory Santa Social Narrative

Sensory Santa Sponsored by:

Dress for Cold Weather & Bring a Blanket

Dress warm! You can always shed a layer!

Know How to Get to the Zoo

Our street address is: 3400 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220. Directions >

Memberships make Great Gifts

Give the gift that keeps giving! Renew, purchase or gift a membership! The holidays are a peak time for membership gifts and renewals!

Membership Information

Zoo Map

NEW!! When you’re at the Zoo, find your destination with our interactive mobile app with blue dot technology!

Zoo Parking

The main Zoo lot is open! It’s located at 3427 Vine Street.

Visitors may enter the Zoo using the Pavilion Entry Building from the Main Parking Lot, equipped with stairs & elevators to get to bridge level.

During busy Festival of Lights nights, additional parking lots are opened as needed, so please follow signs and staff directions to one of our overflow options:

Corner Lot – 16 Erkenbrecker Ave.
South Lot – 35 Louis Ave.
Dury Lot – 3446 Dury Ave.
Children’s Hospital Lot – 217 Erkenbrecker Ave.
Eden Garage – 165 Goodman St.

You can charge your electric vehicle at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! We have 8 charging ports in our main Vine St. parking lot. The charging stations are provided by Electrada and can be used with FLO or ChargePoint apps, and also appear on Plugshare.

2021 Scavenger Hunt

Looking for another fun way to enjoy #PNCFestivalofLights? Test your knowledge during the new scavenger hunt. Make your way through the Zoo to solve these festive riddles and heat things up with a little friendly competition! Share your scavenger hunt pictures on social media using #cincyzoopic for a chance to be featured in future Zoo marketing material.

Scavenger Hunt

Food Options

Warm-up with a variety of holiday treats available throughout the park!
Hops: Located in the Vine Street Village, near Roo Valley. Loaded Funnel Fries with seasonal toppings and dipping sauces. Come for the sweets, stay for the craft beers on tap!

Sweet Retreat: Located in The Grove. Funnel cakes, pretzels, ann S’mores Kits to roast by The Grove fire pit!

The Coop: Located in The Grove. Try our delicious Chicken Poutine or hand-breaded chicken tenders.

S’mores N’ More: Located in Vine Street Entry Village. Feel the warmth over an open fire while roasting marshmallows. Purchase a single s’more or a family pack of s’mores (feeds a family of 4), hot chocolate, and caramel corn. Presented by WellNow Urgent Care

Taco Caja: This stand will be transformed into Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, a wintery snack haven including deep-fried PB&Js and deep-fried Oreos!

Wild Burger: Located in The Grove. Grab dinner at Wild Burger with offerings like our Smash Burger, mini corn dogs, or try the vegetarian-friendly Wild Wild West Burger. Loaded fries are also available here with toppings of bacon, cheddar, and ranch.

LaRosa’s: Support our local pizzeria and order cheese or pepperoni pizza, garlic & cheese breadsticks, fresh fountain soda, and hot chocolate.

Canopy Canteen: A delightful oasis next to LaRosa’s, Canopy Canteen is the place for Icees, soft pretzels, fountain sodas, and refreshing craft and domestic beers.

Cup + Cone: Located inside Mai Thai’s Market. Feeling too warm? Cool off with a scoop or two of ice cream. Choose from twelve of Graeter’s most popular flavors and plenty of toppings to go along with it. Enjoy hot chocolate, espresso drinks, traditional or loaded beignets, cinnamon roasted almonds, caramel corn, or cookies and other seasonal favorites.

Tuskers: Located across from the Base Camp Café. Enjoy sweet cinnamon sugar pretzels or hot chocolate and add some “Holiday Cheer”. Or pick up a delicious Funnel Cake loaded with wonderful toppings!

Base Camp Café: Want to skip the line? Base Camp Café will be available for mobile ordering each night till 8pm. Order online or in person from a selection of great dinner options including LaRosa’s Pizza, Chicken Tenders, Burgers, Salads, and more.

Candy Cane Cottage: Located next to the Base Camp Café. Get warmed up with gourmet hot chocolates, beignets, and cinnamon roasted almonds.

Twisted Tracks: Located next to the train station, Twisted Tracks is a great place for an icy cold beer, Icees, or a delicious soft pretzel – cinnamon sugar, salted or our seasonal Nutella Cherry Bites!

Outpost Cafe in Mai Thai’s Marketplace: Stop in at the new Outpost Café for lunch with some of the classic Cincinnati Flavors.