The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has been transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 36th annual PNC Festival of Lights, which runs through January 1, 2019.
The #1 Zoo Lights display in the country, according to a USA Today poll, is open Sundays through Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Santa will be available for visits and photos at 4 p.m. daily, an hour before the rest of the festivities begin.
This year’s celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever with three million LED lights and larger-than-life animal lanterns placed throughout the Zoo.
Photos from Cincinnati Zoo’s website
New this year, Plan-ahead Pricing allows guests to save by purchasing tickets for select dates online in advance. 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. Discount tickets are available at any area Kroger, good for $2 off adult and $1 off child admission any night of the event.
In addition to admiring the beauty of the lights, visitors can ride the BB&T Toyland Express, search for fairies in Fairyland, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, watch an updated Madcap black-light puppet show, or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands. The Royal Sisters are back and ready to pose for pictures with their fans in a Frozen Wonderland-themed area.
PNC Bank has supported the annual holiday festival as title sponsor for more than 20 years.
“PNC is proud of our long-standing partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo. The PNC Festival of Lights signifies the beginning of the holiday season each year and allows friends and family to create and celebrate traditions as they enjoy the lights, sights, and sounds together,” said Kay Geiger, President, Greater Cincinnati/N. Kentucky.
A breathtaking, 35-foot-tall tree blanketed with more than 20,000 LED lights in the Zoo’s Historic Vine Street Village makes a great family photo backdrop.
Warm up in the Special FX 4-D Theater while you experience The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience. Tickets for specific show times can be purchased in advance (recommended).
Enjoy delightful seasonal fare such as fresh-baked cookies, caramel apples, funnel cakes, hot pretzels, and roasted nuts. Or, purchase a S’mores kit and roast marshmallows over an open fire. As always, the Zoo’s gift shops, including the Zoo Shop at the Historic Vine Street Village and the Handcrafted Gift Shop Presented by the Zoosters, located in the P&G Discovery Forest, will be open for shopping. Stop in, take a look around, and pick up some memorable and unique gifts — there is something for everyone!
Guests can also warm up and see animals in heated buildings including World of the Insect, Manatee Springs, Night Hunters. The recently-renovated Wings of the World bird house will be open until 5 p.m. daily, so consider making that your first stop! For the second year in a row, Gorilla World will be open and gorillas will be viewable in their indoor habitat.
Back by popular demand, the Zoo will be hosting Happy Zoo Year, powered by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers, on Monday, December 31, from 5-10 p.m. and kids of all ages are invited!
Come out and meet Father Time and Baby Zoo Year during a one-of-a-kind meet and greet. Enjoy an EARLY Zoo Year Countdown starting at 8:55 p.m. and top off the night with party favors and Rozzi’s fireworks.
Celebrate 36 years of family fun and tradition at the Cincinnati Zoo’s PNC Festival of Lights. The Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m. The PNC Festival of Lights festivities are from 5 – 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 – 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from November 17 – January 1, 2019, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
