The Cincinnati Zoo has now purchased and installed many or our BlissLights Spright Laser Starfield Projectors to enhance their FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS that happens Friday, November 20^th  5pm – 10pm Cincinnati Zoo Members are invited to the official tree lighting ceremony in Vine Street Village for preview night! Experience the lights before they’re open to the public. At 6pm special guests and a performance by Lachey Arts will help us kick off the holiday festivities. The fun doesn’t stop there. Join Santa at 6:15pm as we light the tree to officially begin the 33^rd annual PNC Festival of Lights! EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• NEW Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake
• New Frozen Wonderland themed area where you can meet everyone’s favorite Royal Sisters.
• Gingerbread Village – Peer through the windows to find the mouse in each of the newly themed gingerbread houses.
• S’mores-N-More location by the Skyline Stand in Vine Street Village and near the 4-D Theater
• Madcap Puppets’ Black-Light show, Winter Wonders
• Santa  (through 12/23)
• Strolling entertainment
• Themed areas
• Toyland Express Train Ride
• Fairyland – find the 5 hidden fairies
• Holiday Post Office
• Visits with Mrs. Claus

Light up your life with our lighting effects from www.LasersandLights.com ! Just plug one in and transform your yard, party or home in seconds! Here are some tips from the Zoo on planning your Festival of the Lights event------ The PNC Festival of Lights has been a family holiday tradition for over 30 years.  We are proud to be the largest holiday light display in Cincinnati, but we understand that on some days during certain hours the amount of guests visiting the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden can cause delays.  These tips will help you maximize your holiday experience.

• Make a plan

Visit the “plan your visit” section of this site to decide what to see and to learn when rides and activities are scheduled during the holidays. Make your own custom schedule using  ourFREE mobile app!

• Buy tickets before you arrive 

Skip ticket lines at the zoo by purchasing your tickets in advance.   Print tickets and present them at the admissions gate. Discounted General Admission tickets can be purchased at the Customer Service counter at local Kroger stores.

• Visit on Sunday through Thursday

Our busiest days in general are Fridays and Saturdays, especially the weekend after Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The week between Christmas and New Years Day is the busiest week of the season.  If you are able, please try to schedule your visit around these peak days.

• Arrive early 

Traffic will be much lighter to enter the zoo if you are able to arrive before 6pm.  This way you can take your time inside the zoo and be the first to enjoy the most popular holiday activities like riding the train or visiting Santa.  Admission is the same price whether you arrive before the PNC Festival of Lights activities start or after.

• Dress for Cold Weather & Bring a Blanket

You can always shed a layer!  You’ll be more comfortable, and warmer, if you sit on a blanket in our amphitheater during the Madcap Puppet shows.

• Know how to get to the zoo

Our street address is: 3400 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220. Directions >

• Memberships make great gifts

The holidays are a peak time for membership gifts and renewals.  Although we will be happy to process your membership at Member Services, you can save time by renewing/purchasing it online or over the phone (513) 559-7713.  If purchasing or renewing your membership online, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that you can present at Member Services for your permanent membership cards or a Day Pass (if your cards have already been mailed).  If you are giving a membership as a gift, you will receive a gift certificate by either e-mail or traditional mail to present to your recipient.