Brighten your vacation season with 4 million lights

CINCINNATI (November 14, 2023) – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Backyard’s 41^st annual PNC Competition of Lights opens to the general public this Friday night time and runs by way of January 7, 2024!  Carry your loved ones and pals to Cincinnati’s favourite vacation custom and see why it’s been voted the #1 Zoo Lights show within the nation 5 years in a row^*.

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“PNC Competition of Lights has introduced pleasure to individuals within the tri-state space for 4 a long time,” mentioned Joelle Gilbert, particular occasions supervisor on the Cincinnati Zoo. “Individuals come again 12 months after 12 months to see the lights and spend a festive night, or two or three, with household and pals.”

Festivalgoers can depend on their conventional favourite issues, just like the Madcap Puppets Present sponsored by Mercy Well being, being a part of the occasion however can even anticipate one thing new yearly.  This 12 months the Zoo has added the chance for guests to take part within the Wild Lights present on Swan Lake by downloading an app that syncs their cellphone’s flashlight to the music.  There are additionally 20 new, lifelike animal lanterns positioned across the Zoo, and extra photograph opps than ever.

The 4 million LED lights are the principle attraction throughout PNC Competition of Lights.  Zoo animals normally head indoors round 5pm, so guests coming to see animals ought to arrive earlier within the day or go to indoor habitats reminiscent of World of the Insect, Night time Hunters, Manatee Springs, Reptile Home, Gorilla World, Dragons, Jungle Trails West, and Discovery Forest.

Santa shall be obtainable for visits and pictures within the spectacular Santa’s Village, sponsored by Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Sellers, beginning at 4 p.m every day. As a part of the Zoo’s Entry for All program, Sensory-Pleasant Santa visits, sponsored by Macy’s, are being provided at particular instances (reservations required) and social narratives can be found. The favored, all electrical, North Polar Categorical Prepare, sponsored by Huntington Financial institution, will begin working at 2:30 p.m. every day.  It is going to chug by way of a longer-than-ever gentle tunnel to make your experience further vibrant!

Pose for Instagram-worthy pictures at Elfie Selfie Stations, sponsored by Delta Dental, gentle tunnels, and vacation backdrops arrange all through the Zoo.  Discover them utilizing the Zoo’s interactive map app (no obtain required)!  Share your #PNCFestivalOfLights footage in your social channels utilizing #cincyzoopic for an opportunity to be featured in future Zoo advertising supplies.

Save money and time by buying tickets on-line earlier than you go to.  Costs for historically decrease site visitors nights, reminiscent of Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, shall be as a lot as half lower than these bought for the most well-liked nights.  Costs will go up based mostly on demand for sure nights, so purchase early to get the most effective price. Memberships are on sale now and are an excellent worth if you wish to benefit from the Zoo year-round or go to PNC Competition of Lights greater than as soon as.

Quite a lot of vacation treats can be found, together with loaded funnel fries, s’mores, deep-fried Oreos, and the brand new Sizzling Hippo Drink!

“We’re excited to proceed our signature help of this distinctive Cincinnati vacation custom,” mentioned Warren Weber, PNC regional president for Larger Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.  “PNC has a longstanding dedication to our group and our unbelievable Cincinnati Zoo. That is PNC’s twenty ninth 12 months of our sponsorship of the PNC Competition of Lights!!”

Zoo Hours November 17 – January 7:

• Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 9pm
• Friday – Saturday – 10am – 10pm

Schedule at a Look:

• Zoo opens every day at 10am
• Come early to see animals outdoors, climate allowing
• Discover the 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland – any time!
• North Polar Categorical prepare experience begins at 2:30pm
• Actions, together with visits with Santa, start every day at 4pm
• twenty third is the final night time to go to with Santa
• PNC Competition of Lights is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas

PNC Competition of Lights is included in Zoo admission. For extra occasion data, go to CincinnatiZoo.org.

^*VOTE for PNC Competition of Lights! USA Right this moment readers have voted PNC Competition of Lights #1 within the Greatest Zoo Lights class for the final 5 years and it’s nominated once more this 12 months – vote right here! Assist Cincinnati Zoo prime the checklist 5 years in a row!