The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden returns this November for its 43rd year, transforming the zoo into a “Wild Wonderland” with five million LED lights and countless moments of holiday magic.
Our family has attended the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights every year for more than two decades. It’s a cherished tradition that continues to spark joy, even now that our kids are grown. We still have photos with Santa from over twenty years ago, and each visit brings new memories, laughter, and a welcome break from life’s daily stress.
The Cincinnati Zoo has been voted Best Zoo Lights in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for eight consecutive years, according to the zoo’s official announcement. Julie and I didn’t need a national ranking to know how special this event is. The magic is real, and we’re grateful to have experienced it year after year.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights, from seasonal highlights and character encounters to planning tips and cozy photo ops.
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Dates for the PNC Festival of Lights
The festival runs from November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
Festival of Lights Admission
Your general zoo admission includes entry to the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights. You can visit the zoo early and stay for the lights.
Animals and Lights
For most outdoor zoo exhibits, the animals have access but typically remain inside, beyond our view, to stay warm. To improve your odds of animal sightings in the outdoor areas, arrive during daytime hours. Most animals head indoors for warmth by 5:00.
Want to know which animals are worth seeking out? Explore our guide to must-see Cincinnati Zoo animals.
Many visitors long to see Fritz the Hippo. It may be challenging to imagine, but Fritz is over three years old. He is still a favorite among zoo visitors.
Please note that it must be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer for Fritz to be outside. Remember, the festival is about the lights! Observe what animals you can, but revel in the festive holiday lights and music.
Cincinnati Zoo Hours During the Holiday Season
- Sunday through Thursday: 10 am to 9 pm.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm.
- December 21 – 31: 10 am to 10pm.
Activities for the PNC Festival of Lights begin at 4:00. Guests can ride the North Polar Express Train and Conservation Carousel starting at 2:30.
Cincinnati Zoo Holiday Closures
The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
Special Events
Beyond the Festival of Lights, guests can enjoy a handful of seasonal events that add even more sparkle to the experience.
Visit with Santa
You can visit with jolly old Saint Nick in Santa’s Village each evening starting at 4:00. Be sure to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Your last opportunity to meet with the Big Man is December 23.
Sensory-Friendly Santa
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Access for All program allows guests of all backgrounds and abilities to have a memorable experience. Accordingly, the zoo has Sensory-Friendly Santa visits from 1:00 to 3:00 on the following dates:
- November 22 & 23
- November 29 & 30
- December 6 & 7
- December 13 & 14
- December 20 & 21
Ten minute time slots are available. The Cincinnati Zoo’s site indicates that all spots are currently filled, but you can join the waitlist here.
Happy Zoo Year
The Cincinnati Zoo offers a special event for kids, “party animals” of all ages, to ring in the New Year. Happy Zoo Year occurs at the zoo on December 31. It will be a kid-friendly early countdown the whole family can enjoy. The zoo now features a 40-foot-tall digital tree as part of the festivities.
The event spans 4 to 10 pm, with activities building toward the 8 pm countdown.
Attractions and Activities
The Festival of Lights has many attractions and activities for families. It is also the perfect event for a date night to celebrate the holidays.
Fiona the Nutcracker
As you prepare to ascend the escalator from the parking lot to the entrance, a unique 29-foot-tall Fiona nutcracker welcomes you to the zoo. You can spot several “Easter eggs” within her details with some detective work.
I do not want to spoil all the hidden clues, but I will give you one and point you in the general direction for two others. Fritz, her baby brother, is painted on her toenail.
Please take a closer look at her belt. I will leave the rest for you to figure out. Have fun on your Easter egg hunt.
Vine Street Village Tree
Santa’s Village
You will find Santa and Mrs. Claus together at the Picnic Shelters. Santa’s North Pole Village houses Santa’s Sleigh, a hot chocolate stand, and a Gingerbread Village. Did I mention photo ops? You can get your picture taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s Sleigh.
Meet Holiday Characters in Zoo-ville
Step into Zoo-ville for festive photo ops and playful encounters with The Grinch and other seasonal characters. It’s a whimsical stop that adds a dash of mischief and cheer to your visit.
Animal Lanterns
The animal lanterns return with a few new members. Now, you can search for and enjoy 65 larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the zoo.
Tunnels of Lights
The zoo delivers a few pedestrian tunnels with lights. No matter your age, walking through the lighted tunnels will draw an ear-to-ear smile.
Search for the fan-favorite Rainbow Tunnel. Another lighted tunnel guides your way to Santa’s Village.
Hot Hippo Purple Hot Chocolate Drink
The popular Hot Hippo purple hot chocolate drink is back. You can purchase the fun beverage in a souvenir mug at Hot Hippo Headquarters, Cup and Cone, and S’mores & More.
Make S’mores
Huddle around an open fire with your family, roasting marshmallows and eating s’mores. It is shaping up to be a great evening!
Swan Lake Wild Lights Show
Watch a fabulous light show perfectly timed to music on the tranquil Swan Lake.
Fiona’s Fairyland
Set out on a treasure hunt in Fiona’s Fairyland. Search high and low to discover all five Fiona fairies. One is gold.
Menorah Display
The Festival of Lights honors more than Christmas. See the alluring menorah display and celebrate Hanukkah.
North Polar Express Train
Ride the North Polar Express Train around the zoo and through a brilliant tunnel of lights. Train rides start at 2:30, and extra charges apply to non-members.
Nativity Scene
Stop by the zoo’s heart-warming nativity scene to heighten your holiday spirit.
Candy Cane Lane
The first time I heard mention of a candy cane forest in the movie Elf, I knew it was a magical place I wanted to see. You will find giant, iconic red and white candy canes straight out of a dream along Candy Cane Lane.
Winter Wonders by Madcap Puppets
Watch a festive blacklight puppet show at the Wings of Wonder Theater. Performances begin at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30.
Carousel
Choose your favorite animal and ride the carousel surrounded by illuminated scenery. Carousel rides start at 2:30, and extra charges apply to non-members.
Santa’s North Pole Village and Gingerbread Village
Tell Santa what you want for Christmas and pose for photos. Remember to search for the mouse in each house.
Magical Mrs. Claus
Visit with Mrs. Claus in case you still need to ask Santa for something on your wish list.
Under the Sea
See a dazzling “underwater” world Cincinnati Zoo style. The immersive world is mesmerizing.
Twinkle Trail
The Twinkle Trail, nestled near the Red Panda Yard, invites guests to wander through a glittering path.
Meet a Creature
The zoo offers an opportunity for you to meet a creature. There are three different locations:
- Discovery Forest
- Manatee Springs
- Clubhouse – adjacent to the train station
A mystery animal will be waiting for you at these locations from 5:00 to 9:00. What animal will you meet?
Elfie Selfie Stations
The zoo has set up four festive selfie stations for guests to capture memorable moments. You’ll find one near Santa and Mrs. Claus, another by the Andean Condor exhibit, a third near the Sea Otter Coast, and the last beside the North Polar Express Train.
Gift Shops
Shop for souvenirs or gifts at the zoo gift shops.
Holiday Treats
Warm up with a mug of fresh coffee, hot apple cider, or hot chocolate. Savor delicious seasonal fare like fresh-baked cookies, caramel apples, hot pretzels, roasted nuts, and funnel cakes.
Fun Facts
- It takes zoo workers and volunteers over 5,000 hours to install 5 million LED lights.
- Workers and volunteers start setting up the lights in August.
- The 120,000 strings of lights comprise 15 colors.
- If you strung the lights from end-to-end, they would stretch 284 miles from Cincinnati to Nashville.
- The Rainbow Tunnel alone has 1.5 miles of lights.
- Last year, visitors at the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights roasted over 5,000 s’mores and ate over 7,000 funnel cakes.
- Guests drank nearly 10,000 purple Hot Hippos and over 69,000 hot chocolates at last year’s event.
- Easter eggs on the 29-foot-tall Fiona nutcracker include Fritz, 29 buttons, a camera belt buckle, a birthstone, and watermelons.
- Since switching to LED lights, the Cincinnati Zoo has saved $50,000 yearly on its electric bill.
Where to Start
Visit Cincinnati Zoo’s website for event details, current updates, a digital map, a scavenger hunt checklist, and information on scheduled animal chats — all designed to help you plan your visit and make the most of your experience.
Experience the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights
Cincinnati is one of America’s best cities for holiday celebrations. For the 43rd year, the Cincinnati Zoo is turning on the light switch, bringing joy and seasonal cheer. It has provided our family with treasured memories for over two decades. Start your holiday tradition. Walk under the festive lights and feel like a kid again!
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
