More than 2.5 million lights brightened the Cincinnati skyline on Nov. 16, when the Cincinnati Zoo kicked off its 25th annual PNC Festival of Lights. To commemorate the anniversary of this special event, the zoo promised to make this year’s festival bigger and brighter than ever.
“PNC is extremely proud to continue our signature support of this unique Cincinnati holiday tradition,” said Ed Arbaugh of PNC Bank. “PNC enjoys bringing this kind of spirit and joy to the people of the tri-state area, and invites all of our friends to visit the Cincinnati Zoo to take part in the festivities.”
Festivities this year include the new Polar Express 4-D Experience in the zoo’s new 4-D Special FX Theater, sponsored by Coldwell Banker West Shell. Returning this year is the Wild Lights Show, featuring more than 52,000 lights choreographed to popular holiday songs. Also returning are the Ice Carvers, who will create holiday sculptures from blocks of ice using chisels and chainsaws.
The zoo reminds guests that cold-climate animals become more active this time of year, including tigers, lions, polar bears, red pandas, snow leopards and reindeer. The warm-weather animals will be available for viewing inside specially heated indoor exhibits.
The PNC Festival of Lights is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday from Nov. 16 to Dec. 9. Starting Dec. 13 until Jan. 1, the event is open nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit the Cincinnati Zoo website.