PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
The nation's best zoo lights display, featuring 5 million LEDs, 65 animal lanterns, and the magical Wild Lights show on Swan Lake.
The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden isn’t just a holiday light display—it’s a Cincinnati institution. Now in its 43rd year, this event has been voted the #1 zoo lights display in the nation by USA Today readers for eight consecutive years.
A Rich History
The Festival of Lights began in 1982, making it one of the oldest and most established holiday light displays in the country. PNC has been the title sponsor for 31 years, and their continued support has helped the event grow from a modest display into a world-class celebration featuring 5 million LED lights and 65 larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the zoo grounds.
Larger-than-life elephant lanterns light up the pathway
Part of the Zoo Experience
One of the best things about the Festival of Lights is that it’s included with regular zoo admission. If you’re a zoo member, your membership works for this event—no separate tickets needed. This makes it an incredible value, especially for families who visit the zoo regularly. You can arrive when the zoo opens at 10am, spend the day seeing animals, and stay into the evening as the lights come on around 4pm.
The zoo is open Sunday through Thursday until 9pm, and Friday through Saturday until 10pm during the festival (with extended 10pm hours daily December 21-31).
The Highlights
Swan Lake and the Wild Lights Show
The crown jewel of the festival is Swan Lake. The music-synchronized floating tree on the water is mesmerizing, with lights dancing in perfect coordination to holiday music. If you can catch it during Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Wizards in Winter,” you’re in for a treat—the combination of the dramatic music and the choreographed lights reflecting off the water is absolutely stunning. This year, they’ve added 14 additional lights along the shoreline, making it even more impressive.
Fiona’s Hot Chocolate
You can’t visit without getting Fiona’s famous hot chocolate. The beloved hippo has become the zoo’s mascot, and the Hot Hippo drinks at S’mores N’ More are a festival tradition. Pair it with s’mores for the full experience.
Character Meet and Greets
Starting at 4pm, costumed characters roam the grounds. The Grinch is always a favorite—kids (and adults) love getting photos with him. Santa is available in Santa’s Village daily through December 23, with sensory-friendly options available.
The North Polar Express Train
The train ride is fantastic for getting an overview of the zoo’s lights from a different perspective. This year features a brand-new dazzling Polar Express tunnel with extended light coverage. The train starts running at 2:30pm daily.
Fair warning: The line for the train is usually very, very long. If the train is a priority, get in line early or be prepared to wait. It’s worth it, but plan accordingly.
What to Skip (and What Not To)
While Africa is one of the best parts of the zoo during normal visits, I’d recommend skipping it during the Festival of Lights unless you’re determined to cover the entire park. The light displays are more concentrated in other areas, and you’ll want to spend your time where the magic is.
When we visited, Bear Ridge was closed with a lot of material blocking the view, so keep in mind that some areas may be under construction or unavailable.
Don’t miss:
- Swan Lake for the Wild Lights show
- Fiona’s Fairyland with its five fairy statues to find
- The Rainbow Tunnel
- Under the Sea immersive area
The Under the Sea area features stunning jellyfish lanterns
New for 2025
This year brought 26 new lifelike animal lanterns including a giant peacock, black bear, poison dart frogs, cheetahs, and snow leopard. The expanded Wild Lights Lake Show and enhanced train tunnel make it worth returning even if you’ve been before.
Practical Tips
- Visit on weeknights to avoid the biggest crowds
- Dress warmly and bring blankets—you’ll be outside for hours
- Multiple indoor buildings are open (Reptile House, Gorilla World, Night Hunters, and more) if you need to warm up
- Animal chats run hourly from 4:30pm to 8pm featuring bears, elephants, giraffes, and manatees
- Madcap Puppet Shows perform nightly at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm
Madcap Puppets perform throughout the evening
Food Options
The zoo has extensive food options during the festival:
- S’mores N’ More: S’mores and Hot Hippo drinks
- Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen: Funnel cakes, hot cocoa, pretzels
- Hops: Craft beers and flatbreads for the adults
- LaRosa’s: Cincinnati-style pizza
- Cup + Cone: Graeter’s ice cream and hot chocolate
- Outpost Café: Skyline Chili
Plenty of food options throughout the zoo
Final Thoughts
The PNC Festival of Lights has earned its reputation as the best zoo lights display in the country. The combination of the historic zoo setting, the sheer scale of the lights, the Swan Lake show, and the family-friendly activities makes it a must-do Cincinnati holiday tradition. If you’re a zoo member, there’s no excuse not to go—it’s already included. If you’re not, consider this your sign to get a membership.
The zoo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If you’re looking to ring in the New Year, they host a special Happy ZOO Year celebration on December 31.