News and Stories

CINCINNATI (December 23, 2019) – All the animals at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden are on Santa’s nice list, but he delivered special gifts to some of the newer Zoo residents earlier this week.

“Lucille the bearcat, red pandas Audra and Lenore, cheetah cub Kris and her puppy pal Remus, and Fiona all got presents from Santa,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard.  “Since we’re the #GreenestZooInAmerica, and the animals already have everything they need, all the gifts were made with reused materials!  Like a lot of kids, they enjoy the boxes more than what’s inside!”

Tonight is the last night for guests to visit with Santa at PNC Festival of Lights.  He will leave for the North Pole at 9 p.m. to prepare to deliver gifts around the world. If you’re not sure what to ask for, here’s a handy gift guide!

This is also the last year to see Polar Express in the 4-D Theater.  After this year, that location will be transformed into a new Marketplace that will feature a combination of coffee, ice cream, retail, new food items and more.

Experience PNC Festival of Lights for yourself and find out why was voted #1 Best Zoo Lights in the country in 2018 and 2019.  The Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m.  The PNC Festival of Lights is open 5 – 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 – 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through January 4, 2020, except on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.  Tickets prices are based on demand, so purchasing online in advance is always the most economic option.