Glowfari is Oakland Zoo’s immersive light show of epic proportions featuring dozens of stunning lantern displays in a totally unique holiday light experience. Glowfari is a local favorite for both kids and adults, and we look forward to seeing it every single year. The display will be open on select dates beginning Nov. 10, 2023 and running through the end of January 2024. Tickets go on sale Nov. 1.
Each year the zoo places hundreds of gigantic hand-painted animal lanterns along a meandering pathway, making for a totally unique night tour. This year, the spectacular lanterns take you to the forests of North America with mountain lions and wolves, a frozen Arctic scene with puffins and polar bears, the Deep Ocean with mysterious and rare sea creatures, and an alligator-filled swamp. Guests can finish their experience with a thrilling train ride through the flora and fauna of Madagascar.
Visitors can also take the Express Train to the Rides Area, where they’ll be greeted by Santa in a Winter Wonderland. Santa will be present Friday-Sunday in November and every night in December through the 23rd.
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 go on sale Nov. 1, 2023 and will run you $26 for adults and $22 for children and seniors. Children under 2 and adults over 76 get in free, and members get a 10% discount. Keep in mind that Glowfari tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Last year, Glowfari was cut short when the New Year’s Eve storms created a massive sinkhole beneath the main entrance road. The event is so popular that Oakland Zoo extended it all the way until March to make up for the lost time. Proceeds from Glowfari go to support the zoo’s operating expenses and animal care so that we may continue to enjoy events like this one well into the future.
Find Oakland Zoo at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland.