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Super fun experience for all ages Parking is free Event is well organized Snack bars are open Rides are open AS long as it doesn't rain that day Zoo animals are not on shown Definitely a must do
It's my first time coming here and I'm blown away. Truly a magical experience. LOCATION: Glowfari is a holiday event that takes place after hours at the Oakland Zoo. TIME: You select your entry time between 4:30 - 6:30. The event ends at 9:00pm. Once you're in, you can stay as long as you like. We got 4:30 tickets, and it was pretty spacious, but around 6:00, the place got quite crowded. RIDES: The gondola runs throughout the evening. It's all lit up once the sun goes down. Highly recommend. DISPLAYS: The displays are incredible. Each year there is a theme, and for 2025, the theme was Oakland. It was amazing to see Oakland all lit up, including a replica BART train. Walking through the upper and lower levels of the zoo, you'll see life-size replicas of glowing animals. Many of the displays move. It's amazing how much detail went into each display. PLAY: There's a play area for kids too. Glowing swings, see saws, and squares that light up when you walk on them. There's also a house of mirrors. FOOD: There's 2 restaurants. We went to the Landing Cafe, which is larger and has seating inside and outside. Ordering online via their QR Code was efficient and quick. The food was decent for zoo food. There are burgers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Throughout the zoo, there are snack stands with hot chocolate, popcorn, and even beer. PARKING: Free (well, with ticket)
GloFari at the Oakland Zoo has truly become a Bay Area staple for our family. We've been going since the Zoo Lights days, and it's been amazing to see how it's evolved into what GloFari is now. It honestly gets better every year. My kid is a teenager now and still looks forward to it, which says a lot. It's officially a family tradition at this point. This year felt extra special with all the Oakland touches woven throughout the displays. Seeing local icons like the Fox Theater, BART and other staples represented in lights was such a cool and thoughtful addition. It really felt like a celebration of the city. We loved it and will definitely keep the tradition going.
Wow! Amazing glowfari indeed! It's so fun to take the kids here. They love to run around and explore the activities as well. Taking the gondola up, opens a whole other area to peruse through. It's an outing surely. A unique experience and it is definitely worthwhile. It's cold and it may be rainy season so prepare to dress warm and bring an umbrella. The proceeds are going to a great cause for the zoo and animals. The spirit of kids roaming around with glowing lights, makes it a merry time to be here!
Glowfari is outstanding! Its only downside is that it's too popular. It's difficult to get tickets. You have to be organized. Set that alarm. You have to be ready to purchase tickets a month in advance. They use dynamic pricing, so you'll pay more for weekend tickets. If plans change, too bad. You're out of luck. This inflexibility has made me hesitant to buy tickets. We are zoo members, but I've always been too apprehensive to commit to buying tickets a month in advance to an entirely outdoor event in the winter with small children. It's just too risky. There's a good chance someone in our household might end up sick that day, or the weather will be too cold and damp to be enjoyable. Thankfully, we were lucky enough to be gifted tickets to this event from a family that couldn't attend at the last minute (due to said reasons that I get nervous about). We were so grateful that we got to experience it on a chilly, but not freezing evening. You can see the lanterns during a daytime visit to the zoo. They are outstanding even in the daytime! You can see the scale of these lanterns and just how many of them there are! I mean, they cover most of the zoo! You won't see any animals though, or at least I didn't. I think they are in their indoor habitats. I love that the exhibit changes every year. The 2025-26 Glowfari featured an Oakland exhibit that included my 1 year old daughter's favorite lantern -- a "choo choo" train! It was a BART lantern that you can actually go inside. My son was a huge fan of the interactive game at the top (there were more of these last year), and also the light up swings, see saws and floor tiles. That's the perfect end to the night if you have kids because once they see that section, they'll have a hard time leaving. Your best bet is to start up the gondola and then make your way down, ending at the interactive zone. We didn't make it to the train unfortunately which has its own light up section that can only be seen from the train. We missed that last year as well, unfortunately. There's actually a lot to do and see, especially if you have small kids. Arrive early if you can. The event also features Santa on select days as well. Overall, this is a fantastic event that is really enjoyable for a wide range of ages. I just wish there were some tickets available for purchase day of, or walk-up. I know they don't need to because of its insane popularity, but it would be nice for those with a fear of commitment! haha
I came many years ago, around 2018-2019. I was underwhelmed back then. My friend then invited me for this year's event 2025-2026, and OMG it has improved a lot! The lights were so beautiful. Back then the lights honestly felt like lazy front yard effort--skinny fairy lights, minimal planning, but now they've got lantern lights and the art truly glows! It truly feels like you've been transported somewhere magical. There was a lot to see, and we left happy with everything we've seen. My friend said we had an Iconic Oakland night, coming here and having dinner at Fentons. It really was Oakland iconic: lights depicting the Fox Theater, Bart train (yes you can go inside), Children's Fairyland shoe house, and even raccoons in the dumpster on display lol. Some displays moved, too! I loved the florals. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that despite not raining for the past few days the ground was still pretty muddy in some areas. I'm glad I wasn't wearing new shoes. Lots of families, which is great but my friend's kid got run into/had near misses because some families weren't supervising their kids. It looks like there's a new theme each year. My friend says last year there was a pyramid theme. My first impression of Glowfari wasn't good, but now that I've seen it's improved so much I'm all aboard and looking forward to what's to come next winter season.
One of my favorite holiday traditions! Glowfari is such a unique and fun event. I recommend getting 4:30PM tickets to enjoy the most of the event. Every year is different themes and keeps it exciting to visit every year. We get there right at opening and head straight for the gondola to see the top exhibits first. The line for the gondola can get long later in the evening so we find this the best use of time. If you have little kids packing snacks and dinner is definitely recommend. They have food and drinks (including wine and beer) available to purchase too. A stroller is highly recommended for little kids. Lots of hills and walking.
So cool! This is our second year visiting, and they did not disappoint. I love how they change up their theme yearly. Very family friendly. Plus their food at their food court is good! Glofari does get busy and does sell out so buy your tickets in advanced. Btw Santa was there this year! Great place to get your photo op in!
This has become a must do. We highly recommend bundling up and going to Glowfari! Make a reservation in November so you get a spot. It's so fun! Fun to ride the train & Gondala, as well. I suggest booking just after sunset, so it's not too chilly out. It really is a magical experience
Ah- what a beautiful event! It's super pretty! So many different sections to explore- definitely take the lift up to view the Oakland city pieces with a BART train and some swings! It can get pretty cold so layer up and bring those gloves/beanies! They also have spiked hot chocolate which you can order from the app instead of waiting in line~ Everyone was super nice and helpful. Expect a line for the lift~
Always such a good time! We've been coming to Zoo Lights aka GlowFari for the past several years now. It's always such a fun experience, especially for the little ones. Definitely make sure to buy your tickets in advance. If you can get into an earlier session by all means do so. It gets busy and packed quickly. Last year we parked right up front. This year we arrived at 6p and were all the way at the end of overflow parking. I'd hit the Gondola right away as the lines can get crazy. Also note; the lines split off on bottom and at the top. There is a separate line for people with strollers, so don't wait in a longer line if you don't have to. Better yet, bring a compact collapsible stroller if you can, then you'll get on quickest in the non stroller line. If you need an electric assistance trike, those are available for rent. As are strollers. There are small snack shacks open throughout the park. You can get pretzels, churros, Dip N Dots and various drinks. I enjoyed my adult hot chocolate which includes a little Baileys. Be prepared for your shoes to be MUDDY if you go to the lower section. It's a lot of fun, especially for the kids. They have a bunch of traction mats. But the mud oozes through and they're also some puddles. So maybe even bring a change of shoes and clothes for the kids lol Be prepared to have some fun. Dress for the weather. Have a hooded jacked or hat, as it can get chilly and wet. But mostly just be in the moment and enjoy your time. The kids will love it and so will you.
Been taking the little ones for the last three years. It's starting to feel like a wintry holiday tradition now. Each year, a new theme for this festival. The set up was impressive with awesome life sized displays and cool lighting. Lots of fun activities for the kiddos to enjoy... like the smoke bubble machines, the color changing oval swings, lit up stepping tiles, and the newly added teeter-totter to name a few. There was also the maze-like house of mirrors that was pretty fun for the kids. The landing cafe was ready for the crowd! Right as soon as we placed our food order from the kiosk, our food was ready to be picked up! That was an unexpected surprise as normally it would be a bit of a wait. The entry time to the event are staggered. But once you're in, you can stay as long or as little as you'd like. Our visit was approximately about 3 hours as we took some time to dine and leisurely walked around to enjoy the beautiful illumination. It was a fun family friendly event.
We first visited in 2021 and loved it -- but our 2025 visit was even better! The displays were brighter, the overall organization was excellent, and there were plenty of food and snack options. With all the lights and festive setup, we managed to experience almost everything in about 2.5 hours, except for the train ride, which closed early due to unexpectedly long lines -- a bit of a bummer! The carousel and car ride were still lots of fun, and we even got a picture with Santa (the longest wait was maybe 10 minutes!). Parking is still a challenge, but honestly, it's better managed than many other places we've been.
What a cool glowy wonderland! Went for the first time with my hubs and 2 year old for the 5:30p slot and we had a great time. Each winter season the Oakland Zoo transforms into a colorful vibrant experience and my toddler was enthralled with all of the lit up animals and flowers. Tips -Get tickets as early as you can - they sell out fast. Tickets become available 1 month prior to arrival date. - Arrive early for your time slot, parking lots fill up. -Dress warmly, it got cold especially after taking the gondola on the higher level. I put a puff coat and thick blanket on my baby. -Peruse the ground level first, then go to gondola. Line wasn't so bad at 7p. -Food was pretty good and they have a nice selection and variety in the top level. Tickets are pretty pricy but hey it's an annual thing and they do such a great job with all the displays. The future Oakland display was awesome! Highly recommend for everyone, especially if you have kids. Also saw groups of friends and date nights. read more
Glow Up This will be the sixth year for this now annual lantern and light show event here at the Oakland Zoo. It's held daily btwn the months of Nov - Jan, so plenty of time to get down here. As with other years, the lights and lanterns skew towards the animal kingdom and conservation. The Good: *They change it up every year. Carissa had come the previous year with her "family," and she assumed it would be the same thing but she was pleasantly surprised how different it was. *The ride up up the gondola at night is truly epic. And if you happen to get there for the sunset then it's even more so! *One of this year's features is called "The Future of Oakland, " and it's spectacular. You should definitely come just for this. *Even my grumpy, sulky teenager liked this place, so that's gotta count for something, n'est-ce pas? *Food stands (and their outrageous prices) are still operational even at night. *10% discount for members The Meh: *Tickets must be purchased ahead of time and with slotted time slots (you can get there AFTER your time, but not before) and they only go on sale 28 days ahead of time. *Ticket prices fluctuate by certain dates/days ($36-45/adult GA) *Probably won't see any actual animals, but we did see some napping tortoises, flamingos, and the shadow outline of a buffalo. *It's 100% outside, so dress accordingly. The Ugly: *Better put on your patience pants with some of these GD baybay kids and their gentle parenting nimrods following closely behind. Just breathe, ignore them, and watch where you're walking. *These parents with these giant-ass semi-truck sized strollers in very packed areas. Seriously, Meredith? You really need that Airstream to schlep around Chad and Rex? *Getting into the park was kind of a shit-show of SUV drivers trying to demonstrate the enormity of their male genetalia. Must be might impressive from what I gathered. *Tariffs** cost the event $100k more than anticipated, but you know that's OK because they'll just pass the savings onto you. But, don't worry, you start making that money back any day now--I promise! Conclusion: This place would be great if it wasn't for all the fucking people. https://www-ktvu-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.ktvu.com/news/tariffs-making-oakland-zoos-glowfari-tickets-more-expensive-year.amp?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17640286431571&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvu.com%2Fnews%2Ftariffs-making-oakland-zoos-glowfari-tickets-more-expensive-year read more
8 months ago
This is our second year coming to Glowfari, and we were slightly underwhelmed this time around. Last year was great, discounting novelty aside, there was more light fixtures and staff. This year, there was noticeably less staff and less pathways to get around the zoo. There is also less restaurants/food booths open this year. Prices for food have also gone up. We tried to order the baked potato soup from the landing cafe in the upper section (where the gondola goes up to). We were unable to make customizations (take off sour cream) on the touch screen, so we asked the employees at the counter. Apparently, they don't even take orders at the counter even though there are tons of employees just hanging out. We were then told that the chef makes the baked potato soup a certain way and doesn't allow customizations. We decided to not get food here. Based on these two years, it seems like they change the theme annually. Last year, it was dinosaurs and the Nile/pyramids. This year, it was sea-life and general Oakland themed ie. 'Future of Oakland' with a special feature from Bart. I greatly preferred last year's theming, but your mileage may vary. There were also more interactive elements last year. See photos below. As always, it is extremely packed and they were turning people away at the front gate as some people were trying to do a walk in. The event for that day was completely sold out. It's generally pretty for some photo ops, but it's honestly really packed. It's basically like going to Disneyland or any other vastly popular ticketed event. Make sure to bundle up, it's freezing up there. read more
It's my first time coming here and I'm blown away. Truly a magical experience. LOCATION: Glowfari is a holiday event that takes place after hours at the Oakland Zoo. TIME: You select your entry time between 4:30 - 6:30. The event ends at 9:00pm. Once you're in, you can stay as long as you like. We got 4:30 tickets, and it was pretty spacious, but around 6:00, the place got quite crowded. RIDES: The gondola runs throughout the evening. It's all lit up once the sun goes down. Highly recommend. DISPLAYS: The displays are incredible. Each year there is a theme, and for 2025, the theme was Oakland. It was amazing to see Oakland all lit up, including a replica BART train. Walking through the upper and lower levels of the zoo, you'll see life-size replicas of glowing animals. Many of the displays move. It's amazing how much detail went into each display. PLAY: There's a play area for kids too. Glowing swings, see saws, and squares that light up when you walk on them. There's also a house of mirrors. FOOD: There's 2 restaurants. We went to the Landing Cafe, which is larger and has seating inside and outside. Ordering online via their QR Code was efficient and quick. The food was decent for zoo food. There are burgers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Throughout the zoo, there are snack stands with hot chocolate, popcorn, and even beer. PARKING: Free (well, with ticket) read more
6 months ago
GloFari at the Oakland Zoo has truly become a Bay Area staple for our family. We've been going since the Zoo Lights days, and it's been amazing to see how it's evolved into what GloFari is now. It honestly gets better every year. My kid is a teenager now and still looks forward to it, which says a lot. It's officially a family tradition at this point. This year felt extra special with all the Oakland touches woven throughout the displays. Seeing local icons like the Fox Theater, BART and other staples represented in lights was such a cool and thoughtful addition. It really felt like a celebration of the city. We loved it and will definitely keep the tradition going. read more
9 months ago
Wow! Amazing glowfari indeed! It's so fun to take the kids here. They love to run around and explore the activities as well. Taking the gondola up, opens a whole other area to peruse through. It's an outing surely. A unique experience and it is definitely worthwhile. It's cold and it may be rainy season so prepare to dress warm and bring an umbrella. The proceeds are going to a great cause for the zoo and animals. The spirit of kids roaming around with glowing lights, makes it a merry time to be here! read more
8 months ago
Glowfari is outstanding! Its only downside is that it's too popular. It's difficult to get tickets. You have to be organized. Set that alarm. You have to be ready to purchase tickets a month in advance. They use dynamic pricing, so you'll pay more for weekend tickets. If plans change, too bad. You're out of luck. This inflexibility has made me hesitant to buy tickets. We are zoo members, but I've always been too apprehensive to commit to buying tickets a month in advance to an entirely outdoor event in the winter with small children. It's just too risky. There's a good chance someone in our household might end up sick that day, or the weather will be too cold and damp to be enjoyable. Thankfully, we were lucky enough to be gifted tickets to this event from a family that couldn't attend at the last minute (due to said reasons that I get nervous about). We were so grateful that we got to experience it on a chilly, but not freezing evening. You can see the lanterns during a daytime visit to the zoo. They are outstanding even in the daytime! You can see the scale of these lanterns and just how many of them there are! I mean, they cover most of the zoo! You won't see any animals though, or at least I didn't. I think they are in their indoor habitats. I love that the exhibit changes every year. The 2025-26 Glowfari featured an Oakland exhibit that included my 1 year old daughter's favorite lantern -- a "choo choo" train! It was a BART lantern that you can actually go inside. My son was a huge fan of the interactive game at the top (there were more of these last year), and also the light up swings, see saws and floor tiles. That's the perfect end to the night if you have kids because once they see that section, they'll have a hard time leaving. Your best bet is to start up the gondola and then make your way down, ending at the interactive zone. We didn't make it to the train unfortunately which has its own light up section that can only be seen from the train. We missed that last year as well, unfortunately. There's actually a lot to do and see, especially if you have small kids. Arrive early if you can. The event also features Santa on select days as well. Overall, this is a fantastic event that is really enjoyable for a wide range of ages. I just wish there were some tickets available for purchase day of, or walk-up. I know they don't need to because of its insane popularity, but it would be nice for those with a fear of commitment! haha read more
I came many years ago, around 2018-2019. I was underwhelmed back then. My friend then invited me for this year's event 2025-2026, and OMG it has improved a lot! The lights were so beautiful. Back then the lights honestly felt like lazy front yard effort--skinny fairy lights, minimal planning, but now they've got lantern lights and the art truly glows! It truly feels like you've been transported somewhere magical. There was a lot to see, and we left happy with everything we've seen. My friend said we had an Iconic Oakland night, coming here and having dinner at Fentons. It really was Oakland iconic: lights depicting the Fox Theater, Bart train (yes you can go inside), Children's Fairyland shoe house, and even raccoons in the dumpster on display lol. Some displays moved, too! I loved the florals. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that despite not raining for the past few days the ground was still pretty muddy in some areas. I'm glad I wasn't wearing new shoes. Lots of families, which is great but my friend's kid got run into/had near misses because some families weren't supervising their kids. It looks like there's a new theme each year. My friend says last year there was a pyramid theme. My first impression of Glowfari wasn't good, but now that I've seen it's improved so much I'm all aboard and looking forward to what's to come next winter season. read more
One of my favorite holiday traditions! Glowfari is such a unique and fun event. I recommend getting 4:30PM tickets to enjoy the most of the event. Every year is different themes and keeps it exciting to visit every year. We get there right at opening and head straight for the gondola to see the top exhibits first. The line for the gondola can get long later in the evening so we find this the best use of time. If you have little kids packing snacks and dinner is definitely recommend. They have food and drinks (including wine and beer) available to purchase too. A stroller is highly recommended for little kids. Lots of hills and walking. read more
9 months ago
So cool! This is our second year visiting, and they did not disappoint. I love how they change up their theme yearly. Very family friendly. Plus their food at their food court is good! Glofari does get busy and does sell out so buy your tickets in advanced. Btw Santa was there this year! Great place to get your photo op in! read more
This has become a must do. We highly recommend bundling up and going to Glowfari! Make a reservation in November so you get a spot. It's so fun! Fun to ride the train & Gondala, as well. I suggest booking just after sunset, so it's not too chilly out. It really is a magical experience read more
Ah- what a beautiful event! It's super pretty! So many different sections to explore- definitely take the lift up to view the Oakland city pieces with a BART train and some swings! It can get pretty cold so layer up and bring those gloves/beanies! They also have spiked hot chocolate which you can order from the app instead of waiting in line~ Everyone was super nice and helpful. Expect a line for the lift~ read more
Always such a good time! We've been coming to Zoo Lights aka GlowFari for the past several years now. It's always such a fun experience, especially for the little ones. Definitely make sure to buy your tickets in advance. If you can get into an earlier session by all means do so. It gets busy and packed quickly. Last year we parked right up front. This year we arrived at 6p and were all the way at the end of overflow parking. I'd hit the Gondola right away as the lines can get crazy. Also note; the lines split off on bottom and at the top. There is a separate line for people with strollers, so don't wait in a longer line if you don't have to. Better yet, bring a compact collapsible stroller if you can, then you'll get on quickest in the non stroller line. If you need an electric assistance trike, those are available for rent. As are strollers. There are small snack shacks open throughout the park. You can get pretzels, churros, Dip N Dots and various drinks. I enjoyed my adult hot chocolate which includes a little Baileys. Be prepared for your shoes to be MUDDY if you go to the lower section. It's a lot of fun, especially for the kids. They have a bunch of traction mats. But the mud oozes through and they're also some puddles. So maybe even bring a change of shoes and clothes for the kids lol Be prepared to have some fun. Dress for the weather. Have a hooded jacked or hat, as it can get chilly and wet. But mostly just be in the moment and enjoy your time. The kids will love it and so will you. read more
Been taking the little ones for the last three years. It's starting to feel like a wintry holiday tradition now. Each year, a new theme for this festival. The set up was impressive with awesome life sized displays and cool lighting. Lots of fun activities for the kiddos to enjoy... like the smoke bubble machines, the color changing oval swings, lit up stepping tiles, and the newly added teeter-totter to name a few. There was also the maze-like house of mirrors that was pretty fun for the kids. The landing cafe was ready for the crowd! Right as soon as we placed our food order from the kiosk, our food was ready to be picked up! That was an unexpected surprise as normally it would be a bit of a wait. The entry time to the event are staggered. But once you're in, you can stay as long or as little as you'd like. Our visit was approximately about 3 hours as we took some time to dine and leisurely walked around to enjoy the beautiful illumination. It was a fun family friendly event. read more
9 months ago
We first visited in 2021 and loved it -- but our 2025 visit was even better! The displays were brighter, the overall organization was excellent, and there were plenty of food and snack options. With all the lights and festive setup, we managed to experience almost everything in about 2.5 hours, except for the train ride, which closed early due to unexpectedly long lines -- a bit of a bummer! The carousel and car ride were still lots of fun, and we even got a picture with Santa (the longest wait was maybe 10 minutes!). Parking is still a challenge, but honestly, it's better managed than many other places we've been. read more
9 months ago
Glowari is always a hit. They put so much into the theme and decor. Amazing. This is an awesome family friendly event of all ages. It gets pretty cold up there, so bundle up. Beware of the weather. If it rains heavily during the day, and clears up that evening, Glowfari will be open, as well as the gondola, but the train may not be running bc of the wet tracks. This happened to us. But it wasn't a disappointment. You do not need the train for a wonderful experience. read more
Visited Glowfari with my parents recently and it was an enjoyable experience. This was our third time going to Glowfari. I liked how the zoo changed up themes this year, for example: there was a section based on the coral reef with various lanterns of ocean creatures. Another area was inspired by the future of Oakland and had a unique spin to it. I will say the zoo felt more crowded this time around and I was hoping to see more theme updates. I thoroughly enjoyed the different lanterns and decorations last year, but thought it was a bit underwhelming this year. However, it's a great experience for all ages, and worth the cost! Tickets can sell out quickly, especially for the weekends, and they seem to have a tier style system for ticket prices. Another thing to note, signage by the entrance was not the best. I ended up turning around and taking a detour since part of the gate was closed off. So, better lighting and signage would be helpful for the entrance off of Golf Links Rd. Also, parking was a bit challenging to find, as it was crowded, so you'll likely have to park in the overflow parking lots, since the main parking lot fills up fast. They have a few spots selling food and beverages. I usually like to purchase a hot chocolate and a sweet treat to share. The Landing Cafe had a pretty good amount of options, I enjoyed the hot chocolate & churros a la mode, which had caramel and ice cream. Pricing for drinks and desserts was sort of pricey, so I spent $40+ on 3 drinks (one of the drinks was gourmet hot chocolate) & a dessert. Overall, it was a pretty good experience and I'm curious to see what they do next year. read more
Wonderful experience! I'm an adult and went with my parents. It was chilly out but we enjoyed all the displays and the gondola. It was our first time attending and we enjoyed it. Easy access to bathrooms and they have snacks and drinks as well. read more
8 months ago
We took our 2-year-old to Glowfari for the first time and had an absolute blast! Even though the animals are tucked away for the night, the zoo was transformed into a glowing wonderland. The sheer creativity behind the light displays is impressive and creates such a vibrant, magical atmosphere. Pro Tip: This event sells out fast! Definitely book your tickets well in advance, especially for weekend slots. The highlight for us was the gondola ride--it offers a stunning bird's-eye view of the entire park drenched in color. It was the perfect way to cap off the evening. Highly recommend for families read more
2 years ago
Looove this exhibit! This was my second year with my friends and we liked that they switched up the themes so it wasn't the same as last year. I really enjoyed everything this year, especially the dinosaurs. Keep in mind the tickets sell out pretty quickly but well worth it to book ahead. I think the price is super fair too for what you get and they offer free parking, score! They also have food and drink offerings so you can grab a meal while you're there. I think the whole operations of this exhibit is great, easy to get around to each area, plenty of bathrooms are open and snack offerings throughout. And everyone that works there is nice and friendly. My only criticism is in the front there seemed to be some crumbled up food on the floor near the Glowfari sign where everyone is taking a picture and having food on the floor isn't ideal. Would be nice if someone was cleaning up this area more. I highly recommend this exhibit but get your tickets asap! read more
When your cousin wants to take her 1 year old to Glowfari and ask a bunch of 30 year olds if they want to go with.. I mean, sure why not? But expectations weren't high because what do you mean I'm not going to see real animals and only lanterns? Okay, well, shut me up because this was actually a really cool experience. As everyone says, buy your tickets early because this will sell out! Parking is free which was great. I wish they had someone directing you where to park in the parking lot, though, because it was dimly lit and so we were following the car in front not knowing how far in we were going to be. They scan your tickets at check in and you can grab a map on the way in. For the most part this was fun to walk through. The lanterns they have throughout the park were very cool and I couldn't help but wonder how they set up a giant pyramid. The Gondola ride is part of your admission and you can take it up to the mountain and see dinosaurs. If I had to complain, I think their online food system can use a tweak. I had ordered ahead of time online and was told I'd get a text when my order was ready and never got one nor did it give me a wait time estimate. read more
Last year, I said it would be my last year because it started to feel underwhelming. BUT, I take it back because they outdid themselves this year! My friends and I have been attending glowfari ever since our families have been growing with little humans, so the last 5 years. We usually get tickets earlier in the season before it gets too hectic. We arrive early for some rides, picture with Santa, and then enter the zoo for the lights. We started off with the same schedule this year, but unfortunately it started to rain on us as we were waiting to take pictures with Santa. Which by the way, the santa section has been improving every year! Good thing we were able to get a 'rain check' (haha) to come back another day in hopes of no rain. We opted for a later date past the holidays again to avoid the crowd. We almost let the tickets go to waste without asking if we could get a refund or reschedule because we thought it was a done deal. Glad that we were able to get to see it in the end because this year might be the BEST Glowfari light display, in my opinion, since we have been coming. read more
Glowfari is a great outing for the whole family, date night, hanging with the homies, and girls night out. I've been to Glowfari for the last 3 years and this year was my favorite because of the fun Oakland landmark light installations. They featured the FOX Theatre, BART Trains, Chabot Space & Science Center, Fairyland, The Tribune Tower and the Bay Bridge. Here are my recommendations: Try to arrive to the Zoo before sunset and grab some snacks and wine while watching the sun set at their rooftop lounge cafe. It's an absolutely gorgeous view and definitely worth checking out. I'd also encourage you to take the train that goes all around the Zoo. It's about a 15 to 20 minute ride on the train and it takes about the same time to wait in line. But it is definitely worth looking at all the lights at night and it's also kind of spooky and scary and you get to see wildlife at night. A Wallaroo blocked the train tracks and it was so beautiful to see it out at night roaming the hills. Glowfari is a photographer and influencer's dream destination. Perfect place to create beautiful memories. Prices: $26 for adults, $22 for children (ages 2-14) and seniors (ages 65-75), and free for children under 2 and adults over 76 read more
8 months ago
Top date night idea. We had a great time. There was a bad black out in the area that night, so this was the only place with lights for miles. It was raining as well, so it made it became an ultimate adventure. The lighting and music make this a great time and camera worthy photos. If you like plants and nice lights it's a must go. read more
8 months ago
Beautiful, immersive light shows--truly stunning. It's a wonderfully entertaining experience for families, even with very young children. We brought our 19-month-old, who absolutely loved it. The gondola ride and the light display at the top were a highlight. Because of the cold weather and to reduce wait times for babies, the staff offered a dedicated stroller line for the ride up, which was extremely helpful. However, the return ride down at 7:30 p.m. was a different story: we waited nearly 30 minutes in very cold weather. The line was being managed by two employees who appeared to be no older than 20, and it was clear they hadn't received adequate training for busy hours. Since each stroller occupies an entire gondola car, they allowed two stroller cars to go down (each with approximately two adults and a stroller), followed by two non-stroller cars with approximately six adults/kids each. As a result, the adult line moved dramatically faster, leaving babies in strollers waiting far too long in the cold. The solution is incredibly simple: send six stroller cars down consecutively, then two adult-only cars carrying twelve adults/kids total. This would balance the flow and protect families with small children from unnecessary delays waiting in the cold. Zoo management needs to properly train the young staff running the lines so the experience matches the quality of the event itself. read more
2 years ago
Wow this evening holiday experience was nothing short of amazing! We booked tickets for a 6pm entry on New Year's Day since I only found out about this in December and tickets were already sold out for most weekends. Figured the crowd would be less after the long break, and we were spot on as we got to see everything within 1.5 hours with our little dumpling in tow. Parking was also free, which was nice because it's normally $16 when purchased on site (or $13+ $2 processing fee online) during their daytime operating hours. Y'all know I love me some free parking, it's also my second favorite spot on monopoly after passing go. Actually, maybe chillen in Jail for a few rounds works too, y'all can bankrupt me there! We loved that the zoo went all out on the setup of lanterns in every section of the park, especially the Nile River section. Tons of families were here and the kids all enjoyed it with much excitement. The gondola was spacious and luckily the queues were either short or nonexistent when we got to it. We skipped the train ride since it's outside of the zoo and had a 30 min queue and was a bit too cold for us anyway. Overall 10/10 would go again, and I heard the setup of animals are slightly different each year! Book tickets early since they do sell out for more popular days / weekends! read more
2 years ago
Highly recommend!! We took our son as his Christmas gift and it was sooooo worth it. Grab friends or for a date night especially if you have kids! read more
2 years ago
I've been coming to Glowfari since it began several years ago, replacing the old school zoo lights at the Oakland Zoo. It's become increasing popular and hard to get in, so plan ahead. What's nice, is that it's open well in to January, and some years, I wait until then so I have something to look forward to after the holidays. Tickets must be purchased online. As for the displays, it just gets more and more epic each year with different nature and animals themed giant lanterns. You can ride the gondolas up and see epic nighttime bay views as well as an upper level display. On the lower level, there are several walk through themed displays which change yearly. The children's rides area is also open, with train rides and Santa. The crowds can be a bit insane but weeknights are slightly easier to navigate (but not by much.) I love this event so much and it's a necessary part of my holiday traditions. Inclement weather does cause them to close and refund your tickets. So, it's a rainy few weeks,'it gets harder to get tickets and reschedule. Overall the staff does an excellent job of managing the crowds and everyone seems to be in awe and enjoying themselves. Well done, Oakland Zoo. read more
11 months ago
We've attended each of the last 5-years and it is always an amazing and different treat. Kids love it. Grown ups love it. Bring some hot chocolate and enjoy the show! read more
First time at the Oakland Zoo and it was a great experience. The lights are so intricate and the gondola ride was super fun. Wished we got there a bit earlier to also enjoy all the animals at the zoo while there was daylight. Favorite area was the Egyptian themed area. Such magnificent displays. If the lights in certain areas change up every year it would be worthwhile to revisit. read more
WHEN: Sat @5:30pm Every year I keep missing out because they are always sold out. Finally this year my partner was able to get a pair of tickets by purchasing them on the first day tickets go on sale: Nov 1, 2023. He told me he had to wait in a virtual queue where it tells you what place you are in line to buy, but they update you on your place. For example, he started at around 1,200th place and eventually it goes down to 800th place, until it was his time. This all varies through the day, but he was able to get us tickets for: Sat. Nov. 18th @6pm. $26 Admission Price Free Parking I had a wonderful time and it was a successful night outing, even though we completely missed the entire Madagascar area! Oh well, based on this single trip, I'll bullet point some potential tips. + You can only purchase dates that are at least 28 days prior. So for example on Dec 1, tickets will be available for Dec 1-29. + Come as early as possible. Although out reservations were for 6pm we got there at 5:30pm and was able to park immediately (plenty of spots open). + Once you're in, turn right and head straight to the Gondola rides. There were no lines and we got on immediately. When we got back down around 6pm, there was a LONG line of families waiting to take the gondola up! + Dress for cold and wet weather. Although it didn't rain, there were muddy areas and with it being nighttime, it can get chilly. + Some animals are awake to visit! Okay, just the flamingos and the room with turtles, frogs and snakes. It's quite musty in there though, but delightful! + Pack snacks and beverages--it's allowed! + Keep in mind that majority of visitors are families with kids, so be patient and alert at where you are going. Lots of excited little ones! + There is SANTA you can visit located in Madagascar (Rides area) Fridays-Sundays during the event. It's nice to finally visit the zoo at night and this is the vent to do that! I enjoyed the spookiness of riding the gondola at night, where it's quite silent and dark--until a passing by one with kids greets loudly "HI!" Haha. The exhibition of lit up lanterns are gorgeous with some that animate and even make sounds. There is an area where kids are able to interact and play too (swings and lights that change color when you step on them). It's a different set up each year, too! read more
3 years ago
Date night with the boyfriend. We checked out Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo. We enjoyed our experience here. First off, you will have to get tickets online. Tickets were kind of hard to get online when making a reservation. The queue took a while and the site was slow but we were able to get tickets for 12/15 at 5:30pm. Parking is free. The zoo overall was decorated with different animal lanterns throughout the place. The displays were nice. If you want to go to the gondola, I recommend going there first. The line was really long by the time we started to line up. read more
This experience was totally worth it! So for starters you are required to buy a ticket specifically for glowfari. The zoo ticket doesn't include this. However, if you have a membership, you may be able to buy discounted tickets. Also, a date/time reservation is also required. The exhibit is majestic and magical! There's a part wherein, it's interactive but for the most part, guests are encouraged to keep their hands off the light displays. The gondola was also open. The animals are safely tucked in their houses and no animals would be seen at the glowfari. It is self-guided but you'll always find your way through. We brought light bracelets to easily spot our kids, but the more glowsticks, and the brighter, the better! Santa was also there! Definitely, would love to go again next year! read more
1 year ago
We go to Glowfari every year, but last year was just so beautiful. The barn theme at the zoo was so cute and creative. Fun for kids and adults, and lots of photo ops! Can't wait to go this year! read more
What a fun night out at the Oakland Zoo. For those who haven't heard about Glowfari, it's an immersive, interactive and beautiful display of brightly lit lanterns, depicting the different region of wildlife. There's the Bayou, North American Forrest, the Deep Ocean and Madagascar which includes children's rides. Then take the gondola ride up to the top where you explore the Arctic . Tunnels, photo ops and storytelling throughout. It's a magical experience. There are gift shops and food options inside too. It does get crowded so expect some lines. During Nov & Dec, you can visit Santa on select days. One thing to note, since it's at night from 5-9pm the zoo animals are tucked away in their indoor areas and cannot be seen, except for the reptiles. This event runs from Nov - Jan and sells out fast. But if you're lucky enough to snag a ticket, it's a good time. read more
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Glowfari - zoos - Updated August 2026
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