PNC Festival of Lights The Cincinnati Zoo will once again be transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 37th annual PNC Festival of Lights! In addition to admiring the beauty of 3 million LED lights, visitors can watch a Madcap black-light puppet show, ride the Toyland Express train ride, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands. Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 p.m. through December 23. NEW this year at PNC Festival of Lights! Families will enjoy searching for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland Take holiday photos in the Hippo Hut, which will be decorated to provide a festive backdrop! More giant lanterns, including some that fit the soon-to-be-open Roo Valley theme, will be placed around the Zoo. Guests will feel like they’re blanketed by stars in the new, immersive “Northern Lights” light experience. This is the last year for the 4D Theater and Polar Express. After PNC Festival of Lights ends on January 4, the space will be transformed into a new food and retail space slated to open in 2020. AND, getting into the Zoo will be much easier this year with the additional walk-in entrance on Erkenbrecher Ave. 2019 PNC Festival of Lights Map Click for a larger version of the full map. Daily Animal Encounters & Activities Arrive early if manatees are on your must-see list! Manatee Springs will be closing at 7pm. 4:30pm – 9:00pm: Goat Yard Open at Children’s Zoo 5:00pm – 8:30pm: Meet a Creature at Manatee Springs & Education Center (*Manatee Springs will close at 7pm) 6:30pm: Elephant Q&A at Elephant Reserve 7:00pm: Leaf Cutter Ant at World of the Insect 7:00pm: Giraffe at Giraffe Ridge 7:30pm: Reindeer at Safari Camp