“Glowfari” 2025 Lights Festival at Oakland Zoo (Nov. 7-Jan. 25)
Glowfari returns in November 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 includes new themes — explore the future of Oakland, learn about coexisting with wildlife, swim through the reef to see colorful underwater creatures, go on a safari through the savanna to spot iconic African animals, meet some interesting bugs that are all around us, and end the night by taking the train through the reptile world.
Finish your experience with a train ride through an Avian Odyssey, with our winged, feathered friends from parrots to puffins!
Glowfari takes place November 7, 2025-January 25, 2026
Glowfari is Closed on November 10, 11, 17, 18, & 27, December 24 & 25, and January 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20.All Ages | 4:30pm to 9:00pm
- Admission is using a dynamic pricing system or plan-ahead pricing ticketing system. Plan-ahead pricing allows you to book your zoo visit in advance while keeping your budget and schedule in mind.
- Glowfari tickets roll on sale online 28 days in advance of each visit date at 9:00am each day. Click here for a helpful guide to find out when tickets go on sale for the date you would like to visit.
- Members: 10% discount
- Under 2 and 76 and over: Free
Parking: Free
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.
Glowfari tickets roll on sale online 28 days in advance of each visit date at 9:00am each day. Tickets have typically sold out in the past, so purchase your tickets early. Please note that the lowest adult price we could find is $30.75. Pricing is dynamic, so book early.
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Wednesday, December 31
Glowfari returns in November 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 ...
Thursday, January 1
Glowfari returns in November 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 ...
Sunday, January 25
Glowfari returns in November 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 ...
