Festival of Lights Member Preview Night / Opening Ceremony

[dtk1378]

Went to the PNC Festival of Lights member preview night tonight at the Cincinnati Zoo. I went with my mother and my daughter. Weather was in the mid-30's most of the night, so it was cold but actually felt kinda warm compared to what we have had the last couple weeks. We got there around 5:30 with no parking issues since it was a closed event, was kinda nice since one of the things that always turns me away from the Festival of Lights is trying to find a parking spot. When we walked in through the main Vine Street entrance there was news vans from the four major networks there getting ready to report on the opening ceremonies. We decided since it was only 5:30 and the festivities didn't start until 6:00 we would take a quick stroll through the Reptile House since it's nice and warm and close to the entrance. Also stopped and got some hot chocolate and a soft drink on our way to the Reptile House.

After doing that we headed back up to the front where the tree was and all the festivities were taking place. It was about 5:50 and they had a stage set up in front of the Zoo Shop, didn't know exactly why but it seemed like it was going to be where they were going to do some stuff so we set up shop there. Had my daughter sit on my shoulders so she could see up front. Promptly at 6:00 someone named "John John" came on stage, I guess he's a local radio host guy or something, don't know. He introduced everyone to the Festival of Lights and then turned it over to the President of the Cincinnati division of PNC Bank since they invited all the PNC workers out for the night as well and she gave a little speech to the PNC people. After that they turned it over to Nick Lashey's brother, I can't remember what his name was, he gave a brief introduction to some people from the Lashey Arts Academy (I think that's what they were called), they did several Christmas songs and I will say they did an excellent job. After that they informed the crowd that all through the season they will have the kids from the Lashey academy out and about doing caroling in the zoo.

Following the music John John came back up on stage and introduced the man of the hour, SANTA CLAUSE!!! Santa gave a great speech and led the crowd in a singing of Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. After that they did a count down to the lighting of the Christmas tree and officially announced the beginning of the Festival of Lights for the 2014 season.

Following this we headed back towards Swan Lake on the opposite side where the monkeys usually are (they were roped off due to snow/ice coverage on the dock portions), my daughter got to see her favorite part which is the Swan Lake lights synced up with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. After that we headed towards the Children's Zoo where Santa Clause was. We got there just as Santa Clause was arriving so had to wait outside the entrance for about 10 minutes. After that we got in there and went through the line in about 15 minutes and ended up buying a snow globe and 4x6 pictures of my daughter with Santa. It was worth it since it was the first time she ever went up to an "official" Santa and sat on his lap.

From here we headed on over to the train and took a ride on what was dubbed the "North Polar Express". They had most of the ride decked out with Christmas lights which was fun. The ride lasted probably about 7 minutes and I didn't have any issue at all on it. I was kinda weary about it because there was some lady screaming and hollering on the train that had just gotten back before us about how cold it was, but it felt perfectly fine for me as the train really didn't go fast enough for the wind to be any bother at all. After this we ate dinner over in the cafe by the Africa exhibit, food was excellent, although we did have to wait a few minutes for our chicken but it wasn't too long of a wait.

After this we decided it was time to get going as it was about 8:30 and we hadn't planned on staying very long anyways due to the cold and the fact that I had a membership there and will definitely be going a few more times before the year's over.

With a minimal crowd plus all the bells and whistles of the Festival of Lights I definitely found it to be enjoyable and say an A+ performance, can't really think of anything that would of made it better except staying longer and warmer weather.

[BoddaH1994]

I'm glad you were able to experience this and share it with us. Although I live about 15 minutes from the zoo, I've never been to the Festival of Lights. It's definitely something I'll have to check out this year.

[Oldiesmann]

I haven't been in a few years, but will try to make it this year, especially after discovering that you can get discount coupons at Skyline (though it's only good Monday through Wednesday).