Hops & Holly
Guests explore the Zoo after hours amid millions of twinkling lights while sampling festive beverages from local breweries, wines, seltzers, and cocktails. The evening features animal encounters, complimentary rides on the train and carousel, and appearances from holiday figures like Frosty. Attendees are invited to wear their best ugly holiday sweaters for the festivities.
Nov 13 – Nov 14, 2026 21+
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Plan Your Visit
Hours
Event: 7:00 pm–10:00 pm; Early Entry: 6:30 pm; General Admission: 7:00 pm.
Food & Drink
General Admission includes five drink tickets and Early Entry includes six for sampling local brewery drinks, wines, seltzers and cocktails; select concession stands sell food, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, while complimentary Pepsi is for Designated Drivers and water is available to everyone.
Parking
Park in the Zoo’s main parking lot at 3427 Vine Street. Drop-offs should meet guests at the Front Zoo Entrance at 3325 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220.
Accessibility
Electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) can be rented for $15 at the Welcome Center, and accommodation requests can be submitted by email three weeks in advance.
Pets
Pets are not permitted on Zoo grounds, including inside vehicles.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets ahead because door sales stop once pre-purchased sales reach capacity.
- Choose your event night carefully: tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred or switched between nights.
- Bring a valid photo ID and present your event ticket at entry to receive your lanyard with drink-sampling tickets.
- Dress comfortably for rain or shine and for time spent in both indoor and outdoor habitats.
- Use the Zoo’s main parking lot on Vine Street, or arrange drop-off at the Front Zoo Entrance.
Special Events & Promotions
- Adults-only event for guests 21 and older.
- Optional Early Entry ticket includes earlier admission, extra drink tickets, first access to sampling stations, and a festive gift.
- This year the event expands to two nights because of overwhelming demand.
- Frosty makes special appearances.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Hops & Holly?
Guests must be at least 21 and show a valid photo ID; children and babies are not permitted.
What can guests do at the event?
Guests can explore the Zoo after hours, enjoy animal encounters and complimentary train and carousel rides, and see holiday favorite Frosty.
Are food and non-alcoholic drinks available?
Food is sold at select concession stands, with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Water is available to everyone, and designated drivers can get complimentary Pepsi products.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather and the Zoo’s indoor and outdoor habitats; guests are also invited to wear an ugly holiday sweater.
Can I rent an ECV or request an accommodation?
ECV rentals are available at a reduced rate at the Welcome Center. Send accommodation requests to the event team three weeks before the event.
Browse Christmas in Cincinnati
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.