Glowfari

Thank you for making this Glowfari season truly unforgettable! More information about next year's event coming Fall 2025!

This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo's commitment to conservation.

This year’s experience features new themes - take a float down Africa's longest river, the Nile to view wading wildlife and ancient Egyptian structures, a trip to the farm to visit barnyard favorites like cows, chicken, and sheep, a hike up the highest peaks to visit animals at the top of the world like ibex and alpaca, and a return to the past to see dinosaurs take over the California trail.

Finish your experience with a train ride through an Avian Odyssey, with our winged, feathered friends from parrots to puffins!

*Please be aware of scams involving ticket resellers on third party sites like Facebook and Craigslist. All purchases for this event should be made below to ensure authentic tickets.

Please Note:

• All Glowfari tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.
• Glowfari tickets roll on sale online 28 days in advance of each visit date at 9:00am each day. For example, on November 1, tickets will be available for November 1-November 29. Click here for a helpful guide to find out when tickets go on sale for the date you would like to visit.
• This event can be considered photosensitive. Guests who are prone to seizures or have light sensitivity should be aware.
• Glowfari is an outdoor winter event, so it may be cold and wet. Please dress with the winter weather in mind to ensure your enjoyment. Umbrellas are permitted in the Zoo. If the event needs to be canceled for any reason, we will notify all ticket holders via email and issue full refunds. Additionally, we will announce the closure on our website and social media platforms by 3:00pm on the event day. If you do not receive an email or see a closure notice online, Glowfari will proceed as scheduled.
• Proceeds from Glowfari support Oakland Zoo’s operating expenses, animal care, education and conservation programs.
• Important information regarding specific hours for rides, restaurants, gondola, and retail are below in the FAQs. Restaurant/snack spot, gift shop, and rides hours and availability are subject to change.

Get a sneak peak of this year's event!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reserve Glowfari tickets?

Yes. A timed ticket reservation is required for Glowfari.

When do Glowfari tickets go on sale?

Glowfari tickets will go on sale starting October 22 at 9:00am for Members & Friends of the Wild and at 12:00pm for General Admission.

How far in advance can I purchase or reserve a ticket?

Glowfari tickets roll on sale online 28 days in advance of each visit date at 9:00am each day. For example, on November 1, tickets will be available for November 1-November 29. Click here for a helpful guide to find out when tickets go on sale for the date you would like to visit.

How long does Glowfari run?

Glowfari takes place November 8-January 26. Glowfari is Closed on November 11, 12, 18, 19, & 28, December 24 & 25, and January 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21

Do members get in free for Glowfari?

No. Members will receive a 10% discount for Glowfari admission.

Do members need to make a reservation?

Yes. All guests, including members, are required to make a timed ticket reservation for the event.

Do you offer discounts for large groups?

No. We do not provide discounts on tickets for large groups for this event. If you are planning to attend Glowfari with a large party, please note that 25 is maximum number of tickets per online order. In order to purchase more than 25 tickets, you’ll need to complete multiple online orders.

I purchased a daytime admission ticket. Can I use it for Glowfari instead?

No. A separate timed ticket reservation is required for Glowfari.

Can I stay in the Zoo for Glowfari if I’ve reserved a daytime ticket for the same day?

No. Daytime guests will need to leave the Zoo entirely, and a separate timed ticket reservation specifically for Glowfari will be needed to re-enter.

What are Glowfari hours?

4:30pm to 9:00pm. Last ticket time is 6:30pm with last entry at 7:30pm. Re-entry is allowed until 8:30pm.

Will Santa be at Glowfari?

Visit Santa in the Rides Area Fridays - Sundays in November and every night December 1-23 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (line closes at 8:45pm). Please note, Santa's hours are subject to change and he may have to head back to the North Pole if it gets too wet.

Can I buy food & beverage at Glowfari?

Yes. Snacks and beverages (including hot chocolate) are available at The Landing Café, Tuskers Grill, Safari Café, and our snack carts.

What are the hours of the restaurants, snack spots, and gift shop?

Tusker's Grill: 4:30pm to 8:30pm
The Landing Café: 4:30pm to 8:00pm
Safari Café: 4:30pm to 8:00pm
Savanna's Edge: 4:30pm to 8:30pm - weekends & holidays only
Snack Spots: 4:30pm to 8:30pm - weekends & holidays only
Gift Shop: 4:30pm to 8:30pm

*Restaurant/Snack Spots/Gift Shop hours are subject to change.‍

Will the Rides Area be open?

Yes. The Rides Area will be open from 4:30pm to 9:00pm. Make sure to ride the Express Train to Wild Australia. Please note: The last rides tickets are sold at 8:30pm. All passengers wishing to ride the train, must be in line with tickets by 8:30pm. All hours and availability are weather permitting and subject to change.

Will the Gondola be open for Glowfari?

Yes. The Gondola will be open and festively lit to take you up to California Trail to see dinosaur lanterns. The last ride up is at 7:45pm & the last ride down is at 8:30pm. Please note: The Gondola line will close at 7:45pm.

Is re-entry allowed?

Yes. Re-entry is allowed before 8:30pm with a handstamp.

Will live animals be visible?

No. Oakland Zoo animal residents will be in their indoor areas and not visible to the public.

Can I touch the lanterns?

No. Each sculpture is a hand-painted work of art that we would like to preserve not only for the entirety of the event, but for years to come.

Can I reschedule my tickets to Glowfari?

Glowfari tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Tickets will only be refunded if Glowfari is closed due to inclement weather or other emergency situations (see Process for Glowfari closure due to inclement weather below).

What happens to my timed ticket if Glowfari is canceled due to inclement weather or unhealthy air quality?

If Glowfari needs to be canceled for any reason, we will notify all ticket holders via email and issue full refunds. Additionally, we will announce the closure on our website and social media platforms by 3:00pm on the event day. If you do not receive an email or see a closure notice online, Glowfari will proceed as scheduled.

Can I apply my Glowfari tickets towards the cost of an Oakland Zoo membership?

No. Glowfari tickets are not eligible for an upgrade to a membership.

Can I use my EBT Snap Card for Glowfari?

No. Our Museums for All program offers deeply discounted or free admission for regular daytime operating hours and does not include benefits for special events, like Glowfari.

Someone in my party is sensitive to light, noise, or other stimulation. Can you help us plan ahead?

Yes. Music is played throughout the Zoo, so if someone in your party is sensitive to noise, consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones. Some areas of the Zoo including the Main Entrance and Children's Zoo may be triggering for those who are sensitive to light or are prone to seizures.

Is ZooLights open this year?

No. Glowfari has taken the place of Zoolights. The event features larger light displays, longer hours, and more available dates than Zoolights. It is the new way to make new memories and continue your holiday tradition.

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