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The 43rd Annual PNC Festival of Lights Opens Tomorrow at the Cincinnati Zoo
Brighten your holiday season with 5 million lights
CINCINNATI (Nov. 19, 2025) – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 43rd annual PNC Festival of Lights opens to the public tomorrow night and runs through Jan. 4, 2026! Bring your family and friends to Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition and see why it’s consistently voted the #1 Zoo Lights display in the country!
“Each year, we work to make the PNC Festival of Lights even more spectacular. From dazzling new light displays to returning favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate the holiday season” said Sydney Boudreaux, special events manager at the Cincinnati Zoo. “From the illuminated landscapes to the festive entertainment, every detail is designed to create a truly magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages.”
New this year, Bear Ridge, home to bear cubs Hazel and Juniper, will shine bright and feature a special chat at 4:30 p.m. daily. The Wild Lights Lake Show has 14 more lights along the shoreline making the experience much larger and brighter! In addition to having more room to roam, the Zoo has added 26 more lifelike animal lanterns including a giant peacock, black bear, poison dart frogs, cheetahs, snow leopard, and more! There will be more photo opportunities and glow swings. The popular, all electric, North Polar Express Train, sponsored by Huntington Bank, will start running at 2:30 p.m. daily and features a brand-new dazzling Polar Express tunnel. It will chug through a longer-than-ever light tunnel to make your ride extra bright!
“PNC is honored to continue bringing this dazzling holiday tradition to families across the region,” said Warren Weber, PNC regional president for Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. “This is our 31st year as the title sponsor of the PNC Festival of Lights, an ideal way to bring the community together in a spirit of celebration at an iconic institution.”
Guests can enter the town of Zoo-ville, sponsored by Frisch’s, and celebrate the season with everyone’s favorite green character and friends in this colorful, light-filled holiday wonderland. Don’t miss the famous rainbow tunnel, search for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland and enjoy the fan-favorite and immersive “Under the Sea” area.
The five million LED lights are the main attraction during PNC Festival of Lights. Zoo animals usually head indoors around 5pm, so visitors coming to see animals should arrive earlier in the day or visit indoor habitats such as World of the Insect, Night Hunters, Manatee Springs, Reptile House, Gorilla World, Dragons, Jungle Trails West, and Discovery Forest during the event. Or stop by a Meet-A-Creature station to meet ambassador animals at Manatee Springs, Discovery Forest, and Clubhouse.
Santa will be available for visits and photos in the spectacular Santa’s Village, starting at 4 p.m. daily. As part of the Zoo’s Access for All program, Sensory-Friendly Santa visits, sponsored by Macy’s, are being offered and social narratives are available.
Save time and money by purchasing tickets online before you visit. Prices for traditionally lower traffic nights, such as Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, will be as much as half less than those purchased for the most popular nights. Prices will go up based on demand for certain nights, so buy early to get the best rate. Memberships are on sale now and are a great value if you want to enjoy the Zoo year-round or visit PNC Festival of Lights more than once.
A variety of holiday treats are available, including s’mores and the popular Hot Hippo Drink!
Zoo Hours November 21, 2025 – January 5, 2026
- Sunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday – 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- December 21-31: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Schedule at a Glance:
- Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m.
- Come early to see animals outside, weather permitting
- North Polar Express train ride begins at 2:30 p.m.
- Activities, including visits with Santa, begin daily at 4 p.m.
- 23 is the last night to visit with Santa
- The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas
PNC Festival of Lights is included in Zoo admission. For more event information, visit CincinnatiZoo.org. Download the Zoo’s mobile app to plan your visit and navigate the park.