PNC Festival of Lights
Family of 4
Use the official ticket page to price two adult and two child admissions for your date.
Duration
2 to 3 hours for a focused lights visit; longer if the family also explores daytime zoo exhibits
Best Ages
All ages, with the easiest pacing for ages 3 to 12
About
PNC Festival of Lights turns Cincinnati Zoo into a full evening holiday outing from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, with closures on November 26, December 24, and December 25. The official program centers on five million LED lights, Fiona fairy statues, Santa, seasonal entertainment, and animal buildings that give families warm indoor breaks between outdoor displays. Activities begin at 4:00 p.m., while the zoo opens earlier for daytime admission.
For families, the strongest plan is to treat this as a night walk rather than a regular zoo visit with lights added at the end. Choose two or three priority holiday features, build in a warm-up stop, and leave enough energy for the walk back to the entrance. Toddlers can enjoy the color and music from a stroller, while elementary-age kids have more stamina for the full route and the search for Fiona figures.
The event also publishes sensory-friendly Santa information, which is worth reviewing before buying tickets if a child benefits from a calmer visit.
Admission and member rules can change by date, so use the official event page for the exact ticket combination for your group. Reserve before driving over on peak December nights, dress for extended outdoor time, and expect the entrance and main paths to feel busiest just after work and school. A carrier is useful for a child who may outlast the stroller, and a visible family meeting point helps if the group separates.
The cleanest family version is simple: arrive with a short must-see list, eat before everyone is tired, alternate outdoor displays with warm buildings, and leave while the final walk still feels festive rather than exhausting.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Confirm with venue
Nursing / Changing
Unknown
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Choose a nonholiday weeknight and arrive before the main after-work rush. Earlier entry gives young children more energy and makes it easier to alternate outdoor displays with warm indoor stops.
Wait Times
Entry, Santa, food, and the most recognizable displays can develop lines on December weekends. Advance tickets and a short priority list reduce the time children spend waiting.
Nearby Food
Food is available inside Cincinnati Zoo during the event, with menus and operating locations subject to the nightly program. Review current options before arrival if allergies or a firm dinner time matter.
Why Kids Love It
Kids get a zoo-sized landscape of color instead of a single light display. The Fiona fairy search gives elementary-age children a mission, Santa and puppet programming add recognizable holiday moments, and the glowing paths make even an ordinary walk feel different. Younger children can take in the lights from a stroller while older kids choose the next stop.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Check the official calendar for closure dates and the nightly entertainment schedule before selecting tickets.
- Pick two or three priority features so the evening still works if a young child runs out of energy.
- Use warm animal buildings as planned breaks instead of waiting until everyone is already cold.
- Photograph the meeting point near the entrance and show it to older children before the group starts walking.
What to Bring
- Warm layers, hats, and gloves for an extended outdoor walk
- A stroller or carrier for younger children after bedtime
- A charged phone with the official event map available
- Water and any allergy-safe snacks allowed under current zoo rules
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Use the official ticket page to price two adult and two child admissions for your date.
Add parking, dinner or snacks, and any paid extras; zoo members should confirm the event benefit before checkout.
Tips to Save
- Compare the current member and advance-purchase options before selecting a date, eat before entering if the menu does not fit your budget, and set a souvenir limit before the walk begins.
Hours & Contact
Have a Question?
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets & Booking
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