Oakland Zoo is officially reopening on February 3rd after a 10-foot sinkhole forced its closure at the beginning of January. The popular holiday light display Glowfari, which features hundreds of hand-painted animal lanterns, has also been extended through March 3rd as a result. Tickets for Glowfari are on sale now, and general admission and member tickets will go on sale starting at 9am on January 31st.
The sinkhole appeared beneath the road leading up to the zoo following the New Year’s Eve storm, forcing the zoo to announce its closure on January 1st. The animals and zoo staff were safe, but the road to the zoo remained impassable. While the zoo had initially hoped to reopen by January 17th, the reopening date was pushed back due to construction delays.
About Glowfari
Glowfari is Oakland Zoo’s immersive light show of epic proportions. Walk through dozens of stunning lantern displays for a totally unique holiday light experience that’s a favorite of both kids and adults!
Hundreds of gigantic hand-painted animal lanterns have been placed throughout the zoo’s campus, making for a totally unique tour of the zoo by night. The spectacular lanterns are arranged throughout a mile-long pathway, taking you through a landscape of kangaroos and koalas; a tour of the California coast featuring jellies, otters, and whales; and a trip back in time with a megalodon shark tunnel and an enormous T. rex.
Don’t forget to ride a train through this year’s fantasy wonderland, which features mythical beasts, unicorns, and fairies. Visitors can also take the Express Train to the Rides Area Friday-Sunday, where they’ll be greeted by Santa in a Winter Wonderland.
Glowfari is a special display happening after Oakland Zoo hours, so there will be no live animals to see as part of the event. Tickets cost $24 for adults and $20 for children and seniors. Children under 2 and adults over 76 get in free, and members get a 10% discount.
Find Oakland Zoo at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland.