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PNC Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo is shining bright for the 41st annual PNC Festival of Lights! Come early to see 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 our S’mores-n-More stands.
Light Up The Zoo
Download the free CUE Live app to your mobile phone and help light up the Zoo! This interactive experience syncs your phone’s flashlight to the Zoo’s Wild Lights show on Swan Lake.
Get the Free App
November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Zoo Hours during PNC Festival of Lights:
Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am – 10pm
- The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving (November 23rd), 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 & Conservation 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.
- The Wild Lights Show at Swan Lake and CUE app will have a strobing light effect. This show could be disruptive to those with sensitivity to light or those who have epilepsy.
Wonder at the 4 million LED lights throughout the Zoo- 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 immersive “Under the Sea” area.
- 30 larger than life Animal Lanterns located throughout the Zoo
- Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake
- The Wild Lights Show at Swan Lake and CUE app will have a strobing light effect. This show could be disruptive to those with sensitivity to light or those who have epilepsy.
- 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
- 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
Visit with Santa in Santa’s Village nightly at 4pm through December 23!
Sponsored by:
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.
Sensory-Friendly Santa 2023 Dates, 1-3pm:
- November 29 – December 1
- December 3
- December 7-10
- December 14 – 17
- December 21 – 23
Take advantage of the Sensory-Friendly Santa special $25 Photo Package.
PNC Festival of Lights Social Narrative
Sensory Santa Social Narrative
Sensory Santa Sponsored by:
Don’t miss nightly performances 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:
Pose for Instagram-worthy photos in front of our many photo opp areas.
- Snowflakes at Eagle Overlook
- Ornament People across from black rhino habitat
- Ornements in Santa’s Village
- Sleigh in Santa’s Village
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 14th annual Happy ZOO Year powered by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers. This New Years bash will take place at the Zoo on Sunday, December 31.
Happy Zoo Year Powered By:
Bright Tips
These tips will help you maximize your holiday experience!
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 Fesitval of Lights: Wings of the World, indoor elephant habitat, Jungle Trails East
- Goat contact yard closes at 6:30pm but goats may be viewable
Animal Chats:
- 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM – Giraffe Chat
- 5:30 PM – Manatee Chat
- 6:00 PM – Komodo Chat
- 6:30 PM – Leaf Cutter Ant Chat
See more details about what is going on during your Zoo visit*.
*weather permitting
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!
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 located at 3427 Vine Street.
Food Options
Warm-up with a variety of holiday treats available throughout the park including a new Glow cotton Candy found at cotton candy machines in Vine Street Village near the main entrance.
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!
Stop in at the Outpost Café for dinner with some of the classic Cincinnati Flavors, Skyline Chili and Grippos Chicken Sandwich. Menu
