Cincinnati Zoo in December is a magical time of year, as the zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with the annual PNC Festival of Lights. This beloved event offers a variety of festive activities and attractions that make it a must-visit destination for zoo enthusiasts and holiday revelers alike.
PNC Festival of Lights
The centerpiece of the Cincinnati Zoo in December is the PNC Festival of Lights, which runs from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024. This enchanting event features over 4 million LED lights, including new lifelike animal lanterns and interactive light displays that captivate visitors of all ages.
Dates and Hours
- The festival runs from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
- Hours are as follows:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Attractions and Activities
- Visits with Santa in Santa’s Village, starting at 4 p.m. daily.
- Sensory-Friendly Santa visits, sponsored by Macy’s, at specific times (reservations required).
- North Polar Express Train ride, sponsored by Huntington Bank, starting at 2:30 p.m. daily.
- Elfie Selfie Stations, sponsored by Delta Dental, and other photo opportunities.
- Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, which can be synced with visitors’ phone flashlights using the CUE Live app.
Food and Drinks
- Indulge in festive treats like loaded funnel fries, s’mores, deep-fried Oreos, and the new Hot Hippo Drink.
Ticketing and Memberships
- Ticket prices vary based on demand, with lower prices on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
- Memberships are available and offer a great value for year-round visits.
Special Events
- December 23 is the last night to visit with Santa.
- The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
Other Events
In addition to the PNC Festival of Lights, the Cincinnati Zoo in December also hosts the “Happy Zoo Year” event on December 31, powered by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers.
Zoo Access and Information
- Parking is available at the address 3427 Vine Street, and the street address is 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220.
- The zoo offers an interactive mobile app with blue dot technology to help visitors navigate the grounds.
- Various animal chats are scheduled throughout the day, including giraffe, manatee, komodo, and leaf cutter ant chats.
Tips and Reminders
- Visit on weeknights to avoid crowds.
- Plan to visit animals early in the day, as they usually head indoors around 5 p.m.
- Some buildings, like Wings of the World and the indoor elephant habitat, will be closed during the festival, while others like Reptile House and Gorilla World will remain open.
The Cincinnati Zoo in December is a truly magical experience, offering a winter wonderland of lights, festive activities, and the opportunity to connect with the zoo’s incredible animals. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is a must-visit destination that will create lasting memories for the whole family.
References
- https://cincinnatizoo.org/the-41st-annual-pnc-festival-of-lights-at-the-cincinnati-zoo/
- https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoos-pnc-festival-of-lights-voted-1-in-the-nation-6-years-in-a-row/
- https://cincinnatizoo.org/pnc-festival-of-lights/
- https://cincinnatizoo.org/events/happy-zoo-year/
- https://cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights/