Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights 2026
Dates checked 4 Nov 2026
The Cincinnati Zoo's holiday tradition, now in its fifth decade, lights the zoo with 5 million LEDs, a light show on Swan Lake, a blacklight puppet show and Santa's Village. It is included with zoo admission, so visitors can come by day and stay for the lights.
| Dates | November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Open Days | Closed Thu, Nov 26, Thu, Dec 24, Fri, Dec 25 |
| Hours | Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday 10 am to 10 pm Open until 10 pm every night Dec 21 to 31. The zoo opens at 10 am and the light-show activities begin at 4 pm; Santa is there from 4 pm daily through Dec 23. |
| Tickets | Ticket needed. Included with zoo admission (2026) |
| Type | Zoo lights |
| Where | Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Avondale, 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220 |
Checked on Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, archived copy, November 4, 2026. Buy tickets from the organizer's own site.
Where Is Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights?
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Questions About Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights
When is Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights open in 2026?
November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Closed Thu, Nov 26, Thu, Dec 24, Fri, Dec 25. Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday 10 am to 10 pm.
How much are tickets for Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights?
Ticket needed. Included with zoo admission (2026).
Is Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights a drive-through?
No: it is a zoo lights event that you see on foot.