Festival of Lights

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is transforming into an illuminated wonderland once again this year for the 39th-annual Festival 0f Lights, ranked the No. 1 zoo light show in America by USA Today for three years in a row. This year's display features 4 million LED lights spread throughout the park, as well as 27 glowing animal lanterns and the fan-favorite synchronized Wild Lights show at Swan Lake. A new "Under the Sea" area at Cat Canyon offers some immersive fun and a new photo op. If you need something to warm you up, stop by one of the s'mores stations to roast your own treat or grab a bag of freshly roasted nuts. For an extra boost, add a shot of schnapps to your steamy hot chocolate. The Festival of Lights runs 4-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 9, 2022. The Cincinnati Zoo itself still opens at 10 a.m. daily during that time. The Festival of Lights is included with zoo admission.