If you’re looking for a dazzling family outing this holiday season, mark your calendar for Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Vine Street location. This annual event returns for 2025 with a spectacular display of lights, immersive themed areas and plenty of holiday-fun experiences for kids, teens and grown-ups alike.
What to Expect
This year’s event features approximately 5 million LED lights illuminating a beautiful route through the Zoo grounds. Highlights include:
-
The same favorite interactive spectacle of animal lanterns — more than 65 larger-than-life lanterns create a glowing trail of wildlife and wonder.
-
A brand-new “Under the Sea” immersive area that transports guests to an aquatic world of twinkling jellyfish, sea-blue lighting and ocean sounds.
-
The return of the beloved fairy-scavenger experience: look for the 5 “Fiona fairies” hidden in Fairyland.
-
Evening entertainment including a black-light puppet show and the dramatic “Wild Lights” show set on Swan Lake.
-
Holiday extras like open-fire s’mores roasting stations, seasonal treats and warm indoor exhibits for chilly evenings.
-
The classic North Polar Express train ride, complete with a dazzling light tunnel and holiday-themed fun (additional ride charge applies).
Dates & Times
-
Festival of Lights runs from Thursday, November 20, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026.
-
Gates open early: regular zoo hours begin at 10:00 a.m. each day, and the light-show portion of the evening begins at 4:00 p.m.
-
Evening Zoo hours during this event:
-
Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
-
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
-
December 21–31: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
-
-
Please note: the Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov 27), Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec 25).
Location & Parking
Venue: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden — 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220.
Key parking lot address: 3427 Vine Street.
During busy nights, overflow parking lots open (Euclid & Dury Avenues).
Electric-vehicle charging stations are available in the main parking lot.
Tickets & Pricing
Admission to Festival of Lights is included in standard Zoo admission.
Train and carousel rides begin at 2:30 p.m. and carry an additional charge.
For best results, buy tickets early — this event is very popular and often sells out on peak nights.
Tips for Your Visit
-
Arrive in the afternoon, if you also want to see animals before the outdoor lights take over—many exhibits close earlier.
-
Use the zoo’s mobile app or printed map to plan your route ahead of time; some indoor buildings stay open late (Reptile House, Gorilla World, Manatee Springs, etc.).
-
Stay warm: bring layers, hats, gloves—especially since some of the viewing is outdoors and pathways may be icy or wet.
-
Visit mid-week to avoid crowds and enjoy faster access to rides, treats and photo spots.
-
Make time for treats: roast marshmallows, grab hot cocoa, enjoy funnel cakes or specialty snacks like the “Hot Hippo” mug.
-
Use the hashtag #cincyzoopic when posting photos from the event for a chance to be featured in future zoo marketing.
Why It’s Worth It
Festival of Lights stands out as one of the most immersive holiday-outings for families in Greater Cincinnati, combining the magic of millions of lights, animal sightings and interactive experiences. Whether you’re seeking a stroller-friendly outing with toddlers or a festive night out with teens, this event blends movement (a walking route), wonder (lanterns & theme zones) and warmth (indoor exhibits + treats) into one memorable holiday adventure.
Buy your Festival of Lights tickets here today!
Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights is located at 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.
