Glowfari

Adults: $26

Children (2-14)/Seniors (65-75): $22

Members: 10% discount

Under 2 and 76 and over: Free

Parking: Free

This wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with 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 including the forests of North America with iconic native wildlife like mountain lions and wolves, our frosty friends of the Arctic with puffins and polar bears, the Deep Ocean featuring rarely seen sea creatures, and a stroll through the swamp as you encounter alligators and other animals of the Bayou!

Finish your experience with a ride on the train through the great red island of Madagascar, a wondrous world full of lemurs, chameleons, and other unique flora and fauna!

Don't forget to 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.

Tickets go on sale 28 days in advance on a rolling basis.

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Please Note:

• All Glowfari tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.
• This event can be considered photosensitive. Guests who are prone to seizures or have light sensitivity should be aware.
• Restaurant/snack spot, gift shop, and rides hours and availability are subject to change.
• 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 Zoo must close Glowfari due to inclement weather or for any other reason, an email will be proactively sent to all guests who have purchased tickets and full refunds will be issued.
• 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 below in FAQs.

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?

Tickets through December 27 are now on sale! Tickets go on sale 28 days in advance on a rolling basis. If you are directed to a Queue It website, that is our digital “line” for purchasing Glowfari tickets.

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

Glowfari tickets will roll on sale online 28 days in advance of each visit date. For example, on December 1, tickets will be available for December 1-December 29.

Do members get in free for Glowfari?

No. Members will receive a 10% discount for Glowfari admission. All members are required to make a timed ticket reservation for the event.

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?

5:00pm to 9:00pm. Last ticket time is 6:30pm with last entry at 7:30pm.

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, and our snack carts.

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

Tusker's Grill: 5:00pm to 8:30pm
The Landing Café: 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Savanna's Edge: 5:00pm to 8:30pm
Madagascar Trading Post: 5:00pm to 8:30pm
Gift Shop: 5:00pm 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 5:00pm 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 must be in the train line with tickets by 8:45pm. 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 see animals of the Arctic at California Trail. The last ride up is at 8:00pm & 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 8:00pm 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 reservation due to inclement weather or unhealthy air quality?

If the Zoo must close Glowfari for any reason, an email will be proactively sent to all guests who have purchased tickets and full refunds will be issued.

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.

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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