Jack O'Lantern Glow - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (2024)

Event Dates

Thursday, October 3, 2024 – Sunday October 6, 2024

Friday, October 11, 2024 – Sunday, October 13, 2024

Friday, October 18 – Thursday, October 31, 2024

Event Times

Sunday-Thursday:

• Doors open at 6:30pm
• Tickets sold from 7:00pm – 8:30pm
• Zoo closes at 9:30pm

Friday-Saturday:

• Doors open at 6:30pm
• Tickets sold from 7:00pm – 9:30pm
• Zoo closes at 10:30pm

Event Pricing

Members:

Cincinnati Zoo Members receive $3 off per general admission ticket

• $22 for adults 13+
• $17 for Children 3-12 years
• Children under 3 are free.

Non-Members

• $25 for adults 13+
• $20 for children 3-12 years
• Children under 3 are free.

What is Jack O’Lantern Glow?

Jack O’Lantern Glow is an immersive walkthrough experience with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and fall displays that light up through a half-mile trail at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. This event is family-friendly and great for all ages.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to your entry time slot. You can enjoy activities in Vine Street Village or enjoy a fall treat or beverage before entering the Jack O’Lantern Glow trail at your scheduled time.

What is the estimated walking distance?

From start to finish is around 1/2 mile. The whole experience will take an average of 35 to 45 minutes to see everything.

When does the trail open?

As soon as the sun goes down the jack o’lanterns are lit! The first time slot each night is around 6:30pm, but may vary depending on weather and daylight. We want to make sure that each visitor has the best experience while the jack o’lanterns are lit.

When does the trail close?

Guests who are inside by the time gates close still have access to the trail.

How many Jock O’Lanterns are in the show?

There are over 5,000 jack o’lanterns that are all hand carved and decorated by talented local artists.

Is it scary?

No. Jack O’Lantern Glow is for everyone! The themes, effects, and show is geared for all all ages. Have fun! Timed tickets are required for guests aged 3 and older.

Is there a fee for parking?

Parking is included with your Jack O’Lantern Glow ticket. Parking is located in the Zoo’s Vine Lot at 3427 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220.

How does time tickets work?

Timed tickets allow guests to enter Jack O’Lantern Glow in a 1-hour time slot. Ticket slots will sell out so purchase early and in advance.

Do Zoo members receive a discount to Jack O'Lantern Glow?

Can I stay for Jack O'Lantern Glow if I come during the day?

No. Daytime tickets are different and separate from Jack O’Lantern Glow tickets. All daytime visitors, including members, must purchase a separate ticket in advance to attend the nighttime event.

Can I take photos and/or videos of Jack O'Lantern Glow?

Yes! Be ready for a world of selfies! We want you to have fun and take as many as you want. Remember not to impede other guests and no flash photography.

How do I get tickets?

Jack O’Lantern Glow timed tickets are available for purchase online only. All visitors, including members, must reserve a date and time specific ticket in advance. Children under 3 are Free. Tickets are good for one use at the specified date and entry time on the ticket.

Will there be food and drinks available?

Yes, there will be snacks and drinks available for purchase in Vine Street Village. Cincinnati Zoo members receive 20% off food purchases (some restrictions apply).

Will animal habitats be open?

No, there are no animal habitats open during Jack O’Lantern Glow operating nights.

Is the entire Zoo open?

No. Only a limited portion of the Zoo is open for Jack O’Lantern Glow. All animal habitats and some other areas will be closed at normal Zoo operating hours. The trail is one-way only. Please adhere to all posted signs or barriers that block off some pathways as well as one-way paths.

Will the train and carousel be open?

The carousel will be open during the event. The train will not be open during the event.

Is Jack O'Lantern Glow rain or shine?

Yes, the event is open rain or shine. In the event of heavy rain, high winds, or other inclement weather, we may cancel the event. Ticket holders will be contacted by the Zoo to reschedule for another operating date. We will make all announcements about the overall event schedule or closures on our website.

I cannot go on the date I selected, can I reschedule for another night or get a refund?

Tickets are non-refundable. There are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling. Due to capacity restrictions, we must adhere to the ticketing policies which were stated prior to purchase. This includes the terms and conditions acknowledgement that all sales are final and there are no revisions for credit, refund, rescheduling, exchange or cancellation.

Does the Zoo offer Group ticket sales to Jack O'Lantern Glow?

Yes! If you would like to purchase 15 or more single tickets for your group, please contact [emailprotected].

Is Jack O'Lantern Glow sensory friendly?

Jack O’Lantern Glow is an outdoor event featuring effects such as music, lights, and fog throughout the experience. Wait time to enter the show may vary depending on attendance.

Can I touch the displays?

For your safety, please do not touch any of the pumpkin or light displays. Stay on marked pathways and do not wander into planters or display areas.

Can I wear a costume to Jack O'Lantern Glow?

Jack O’Lantern Glow is an outdoor, rain or shine event, so please dress for the weather. Feel free to dress in your best costume, but please leave full-faced costume masks at home. For more costume guidelines, please check out our Costume Guide.

Can I rent a wheelchair, ECV or stroller?

A limited number of strollers, manual and electric wheelchairs will be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the Welcome Center.