Membership 
PNC Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo is shining bright for the 44th annual PNC Festival of Lights! Come early to see more animals and stay for the lights!
Let your holidays glow at PNC Festival of Lights.
Bundle up, bring your favorite people, and step into a world of holiday wonder. Five million twinkling lights transform the Zoo into a magical place where animal lanterns glow, music fills the air, and memories wait around every sparkling corner.
Wander through Fiona’s Fairyland, watch the dazzling Wild Lights show dance across Swan Lake, and warm up with a cup of cocoa as you soak in the sights and sounds of the season. From little ones wide-eyed with wonder to grown-ups reliving a favorite tradition, there’s magic for everyone.
For celebrating the season in wonderful ways, there’s no place like the Zoo for the holidays.
- PNC Festival of Lights is included in Zoo admission.
- New this year: Into the Cosmos! An immersive journey into space (where Under the Sea has been) with planets, black lights, and stars.
- Guests will enjoy the new immersive “Under the Sea” area.
- Under the Sea has tripled in size and is now across from Manatee Springs.
- 65 larger than life Animal Lanterns located throughout the Zoo
- Madcap Puppet Show Performances will take place during the season at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 each night.
- Meet costume characters beginning at 4pm
- Carolers are back! Enjoy sing-a-longs near the Polar Express.
- Full costumed characters may not be allowed in the Zoo.
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:
Welcome to Zoo-ville! Celebrate the season with everyone’s favorite green character and friends in this colorful, light-filled holiday wonderland.
Find Zoo-ville at its new location overlooking Elephant Trek!
Guests are invited to ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. “Party Animals” of all ages invited to celebrate the 18th annual Happy ZOO Year. This New Years bash will take place at the Zoo on December 31.
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- Santa & Mrs. Claus will be available for visits and photos in Santa’s Village, starting at 4 p.m. daily
- Dec. 23rd is the last night to visit with Santa
- Visit Santa’s new Elf Workshop and enjoy a seek-and-find of gifts created for the animals within our care!
- Stroll through the new Tree Farm in Santa’s Village that features a Porcu-pine Tree Photo Op and festive beverages!
For registration and more information on the Sensory-friendly Santa program:
Sensory Santa Sponsored by:
Vote for PNC Festival of Lights
Vote for PNC Festival of Lights for best Zoo lights in the country!
Vote HereBright Tips
These tips will help you maximize your holiday experience!
4:30pm – Mexican Wolf – Wolf Woods
5:00pm – Elephant – Elephant Trek
5:30pm – Giraffe – Giraffe Ridge
6:00pm – Leaf Cutter Ant – World of the Insect
6:30pm – Komodo Dragon – Dragons!
7:00pm – Manatee – Manatee Springs
8:00pm – Giraffe – Giraffe Ridge
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 (by the train station)
- 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
* Gorilla World will be open every night during PNC Festival of Lights, but gorillas will not be on habitat on Mondays & Tuesdays.
Our parking lot address is: 3427 Vine Street
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 zoo map!
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.
Nutcracker Igloo Village
New this year! Reserve your private Nutcracker themed Igloo at PNC Festival of Lights! Cozy up in your own private, decorated igloo with your family and friends! This exclusive place to view the Zoo lights also comes with optional catering and drink service. Each Igloo includes access for 6 people, two reserved parking spots, concierge service, hot chocolate, bottle water, S’mores kits, access to firepit and holiday games!
Igloo Options
Step into a world of holiday wonder at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Nutcracker Igloo Village! Nestled on the lower deck of Basecamp Café, overlooking the dazzling pink and purple lights of Fiona’s Fairy Land, three beautifully decorated private igloos bring the magic of PNC Festival of Lights to life. Each cozy retreat offers its own enchanting twist on the beloved holiday classic, with whimsical décor, festive touches, and plenty of opportunities to make magical memories with family and friends.
Holiday Wishes. Hippo Dreams.
Step inside Fiona’s dreamy holiday hideaway! Inspired by the Zoo’s most famous hippo and her larger-than-life Nutcracker that welcomes guests to Festival of Lights, this whimsical suite is fit for a princess. With playful pinks, royal touches, and festive décor, it’s as if you’ve stepped right into Fiona’s very own Christmas bedroom—where hippo dreams and holiday wishes come true!
Sweet Treats. Wild Friends.
Enter a candy-colored wonderland inspired by the magical Land of Sweets from The Nutcracker, where Clara is welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy. This playful retreat blends the sweetness of the season with a wild Zoo twist! Think sparkling sweets, whimsical animal friends, and a sprinkle of holiday magic around every corner.
Arctic Animals. Winter Magic.
Journey into a sparkling winter wonderland inspired by The Nutcracker’s iconic snow scene, where swirling snowflakes dance through an enchanted forest. Surrounded by shimmering snow, frosty accents, and charming Arctic animal friends, this cozy escape captures the beauty and magic of a winter’s dream.
- Access for 6 people to enjoy igloo during designated timeslot
- Children 2 and under don’t count towards guest count
- 1 reserved parking spot in Vine lot
- Concierge service
- Hot Chocolate (6)
- Bottled Water (6)
- S’mores Kit (6)
- Access to firepit
- Holiday Games
Times
90-minute packages:
- 5:00 – 6:30pm
- 7:00 – 8:30pm
Pricing
On sale soon!
$350/igloo for non-members
$275/igloo for Members
Seats 6 comfortably. Can add on 2 additional for $15 each.
Coming Soon!
Food Options
The popular Hot Hippo Drink is back! Hot Hippos will be sold at Hot Hippo Headquarters (located across from the train) and Cup + Cone!
In addition to our excellent selection of local craft beers, our kitchen is serving up festive, made-to-order flatbreads, loaded pretzels, and loaded sidewinders. Guest favorites are back for the season too, including holiday loaded funnel fries with delicious toppings and jumbo soft pretzels—perfect for a cozy holiday stroll through the park.
Located in The Grove. Try our delicious, fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders. Spice it up with a little Buffalo Sauce or Nashville Hot Sauce!
Located next to LaRosa’s and the zebras. Feel the warmth over an open fire while roasting marshmallows or upgrade your smore with gourmet options. We also have hot chocolate, ICEEs, fountain sodas, Refreshers, frozen blended coffee, and boba!
Welcome to Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, where festive favorites are served with a little holiday magic. Enjoy traditional or loaded funnel fries, hand-dipped waffles, and flaky beignets dusted and topped with sweetness. Warm up with a rich, velvety hot cocoa and join us for a taste of joy this season!
Located in The Grove. Grab dinner at Wild Burger with offerings like our Wild Burger, All Beef Hot Dogs, or try the vegetarian-friendly Black Bean Burger.
Located at the base of the Veldt across from the zebras is LaRosa’s, your neighborhood family pizzeria. Have a slice of Cincinnati’s classic cheese or pepperoni pizza, an order of breadsticks, or grab a whole pie for the family to eat on our al fresco patio. Canned beer also available.
Located inside Mai Thai’s Market. Feeling too warm? Cool off with a scoop or two of ice cream. Choose from nine of Graeter’s most popular flavors and plenty of toppings to go along with it. Enjoy hot chocolate, espresso drinks, soft pretzel with cheese, Hot Hippo and other seasonal favorites.
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 selection of domestic and craft holiday canned beers. Bring your souvenir popcorn bucket here to get the hottest pops on the block! We can’t wait to see you!
Bring your crew to Base Camp to order from a selection of great dinner options including LaRosa’s Pizza, Chicken Tenders, Burgers, Salads, and more. Menu
Welcome to Holly Jolly Cocoa Co.! 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, Holly Jolly Cocoa Co. has something for everyone. Stop by and satisfy your cravings!
Located next to the train station, Refill & Refresh is Hot Cocoa Express! Stop by for a quick Hot Chocolate or a delicious soft pretzel.
Feeling famished from your travels? Bring your expedition to the Outpost Café for dinner to experience the classic Cincinnati Flavor – Skyline Chili and our new Asian Inspired Dishes.
