Frequently asked questions

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

Inside the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

$25 for adults 13+

$20 for children 3-12 years

Children under 3 are free.

Cincinnati Zoo Members

$22 for adults 13+

$17 for Children 3-12 years

*Service fees and taxes are not included in above prices

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 timeslot on the ticket.

Yes.  Your time slot for your ticket is when your line can start to enter Jack O’Lantern Glow.  This could be an extra 30-45 minutes to reach the entrance to the trail.

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.

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.

Rain or shine, the show will be open.  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 the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical website.

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).

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

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.  Trail is one-way only.  Please adhere to all posted signs or barriers that block off some pathways as well as one-way paths.

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.

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 the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Costume Guide.