Cincinnati Zoo shines with return of Festival of Lights

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s PNC Festival of Lights showcase is now open.

The 42nd annual event, which runs nightly through Jan. 5, features more than 4 million lights. The zoo has also added dozens more lifelike animal lanterns, more photo-ops and a completely new light show on Swan Lake.  

Through the Cincinnati Zoo mobile app guests can plan their visit and navigate the park. Turn on notifications to receive alerts about the start of the Madcap Puppets Show and other activities.

Zoo hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 20-31.

“We’re excited to add the new Elephant Trek to the footprint of PNC Festival of Lights this year,” said Sydney Boudreaux, special events manager at the Cincinnati Zoo. “The path to the elephant barn and the Asian Waterfall Garden are lit and ready to welcome visitors.”

Lighting up Cincy this holiday season

The zoo announced that most animals typically head indoors around 4 p.m. Visitors coming to see the 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.

Santa will be available for visits and photos in the spectacular Santa’s Village, starting at 4 p.m. daily. As part of the Access for All program, sensory-friendly Santa visits are available and social narratives are available. The all-electric North Polar Express Train will run daily and chug through a longer-than-ever light tunnel.

A variety of holiday treats are available, including loaded funnel fries, s’mores, deep-fried Oreos, and the popular Hot Hippo Drink.

Prices are available on the Cincinnati Zoo website.

“It is both hard to believe and a wonderful feeling to realize this is our 30th year as the title sponsor of the PNC Festival of Lights,” said Warren Weber, PNC regional president for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. “Our signature support of this Cincinnati holiday tradition is an ideal way to bring the community together in a spirit of celebration at an iconic institution in our city.”