The PNC Festival of Lights is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s annual holiday lights event, now in its 44th year. For 2026 it runs from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, with the zoo open nightly from 10am and holiday activities starting at 4pm. New for 2026 is a reservable Nutcracker themed private igloo for up to six people with a firepit, s’mores kit and concierge service, pricing to be announced.
It suits families with young kids as well as couples looking for a cozy winter outing, and most visitors spend two to three hours walking the grounds. The event is included with regular zoo admission rather than a separate ticket. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the zoo’s ticket windows on the day of your visit, but the zoo uses dynamic pricing so booking online ahead of a busy night typically costs less than paying at the gate.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- City: Cincinnati
- State: Ohio
- Dates: November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25)
- Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat and Dec 20-31 10am-10pm; lights activities begin at 4pm
- Tickets: Included with zoo admission; dynamic pricing around $9-$26 adult and $6-$20 child/senior depending on date, members included with membership
- Timed entry: not required; tickets sold online in advance and at the zoo’s ticket windows
- New for 2026: Reservable private Nutcracker themed igloo for up to six guests with firepit and s’mores kit, pricing coming soon
What’s new for 2026
The headline addition for 2026 is a line of private, Nutcracker themed igloos that groups of up to six can reserve for the night, each with its own reserved parking, concierge service, hot chocolate, water, a s’mores kit and a firepit. The zoo has not published igloo pricing yet, so check the official event page before you plan around one. Beyond that, the festival keeps its returning favorites: about 5 million LED lights across the grounds, the Fiona fairy statues in Fairyland, and 65 oversized animal lanterns.
The lights and displays
Wild Lights on Swan Lake is the signature light show, paired with an immersive Under the Sea area and a Zoo-ville zone featuring a Grinch themed setup. The Madcap Puppet Show performs at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30pm nightly, and Santa’s Village runs through December 23, including a sensory friendly Santa program sponsored by Macy’s for families who need a quieter visit. The North Polar Express train starts its runs at 2:30pm and carries an extra charge for non-members.
Tickets, prices and member nights
Festival of Lights is included in regular zoo admission rather than sold as a separate ticket. The zoo uses plan-ahead dynamic pricing, so adult tickets have run roughly $9 to $26 and child or senior tickets roughly $6 to $20 depending on the date and how full that night is expected to be, with lower prices typically tied to booking online ahead of time or visiting an off-peak night. Tickets are available both online in advance and at the zoo’s on-site ticket windows, though walk-up pricing on a popular night can run higher than booking ahead online. Zoo members get admission included with their membership, and Platinum and Gold members also get unlimited rides on the train and carousel. Parking is $12, paid by kiosk or Scan to Pay QR code, and cash is not accepted.
Food, drinks and extras
Food stands around the grounds sell hot chocolate, s’mores, pizza, pretzels, funnel cakes, chicken tenders and burgers, along with craft beverages for adults. The North Polar Express train ride carries its own extra charge for non-members, and the new private igloos add a firepit, s’mores kit and concierge drinks for groups who book one.
Tips for your visit
Weeknights tend to be calmer than Friday and Saturday nights, which run an extra hour until 10pm along with the stretch from December 20 to 31. Arrive by 4pm if you want to catch the lights coming on along with daytime zoo exhibits, and allow two to three hours to see the main light displays and a puppet show. Dress warmly since the event is almost entirely outdoors, and bring a stroller if needed since paths are paved throughout. Booking online ahead of a busy night usually saves money over paying at the ticket window, and remember the zoo is closed on November 26, December 24 and December 25. Bring a card for parking, since the $12 fee is cashless.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
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PNC Festival of Lights 2026 at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden FAQs
When is PNC Festival of Lights 2026?
It runs November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027 at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, closed on November 26, December 24 and December 25.
How much are PNC Festival of Lights tickets in 2026?
The festival is included with zoo admission rather than sold separately. The zoo uses dynamic pricing that has run roughly $9 to $26 for adults and $6 to $20 for children and seniors depending on the date, and zoo members get admission included with their membership.
Do you need to buy PNC Festival of Lights tickets in advance?
No, you can buy tickets online ahead of time or at the zoo’s ticket windows when you arrive. Because the zoo uses dynamic pricing, booking online before a busy night usually costs less than paying at the window that day.
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