Families can kick off the New Year early at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on Dec. 31 during the 17th annual Happy Zoo Year, part of the PNC Festival of Lights.
“Party animals” of all ages can play games, listen to music and join a kid-friendly countdown at 8 p.m., well before midnight. The outdoor party, supported by the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers, is free with Festival of Lights admission.
“This event is a fun way for families to celebrate the New Year before midnight,” said Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard. “It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the nation’s #1 Zoo Lights and create unforgettable memories to wrap up the year.”
Most Happy Zoo Year activities take place in Vine Street Village, while guests can also wander and explore the more than 5 million LED holiday lights set up across the zoo’s grounds. Guests who want to see animals should visit earlier in the day or explore indoor habitats such as World of the Insect, Manatee Springs and Night Hunters.
Zoo members can enjoy unlimited visits to the Festival of Lights through Jan. 4. On Jan. 9, the zoo will host After Glow, an adults-only evening that lets visitors experience the lights in a relaxed, child-free setting.
After Glow is free for members; nonmembers pay $20, and students pay $10.
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