FRIDAY
6
NOVEMBER
Glowfari: Oakland Zoo's Winter Lantern Festival
Oakland Zoo after dark becomes a lantern festival: hundreds of all-new illuminated animals along about a mile of hilly paths, November 6 to January 31. Tickets are on sale now, each date 28 days ahead, with timed entry from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Members pay too. The lit gondola is the reason to arrive early.
Season: Nov 6–Jan 31 · Updated October 21, 2026 · refreshed weekly
- Official page: oaklandzoo.org/glowfari
- Where: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland
- Season: November 6, 2026 – January 31, 2027, closed select nights
- Tickets: On sale now, each date 28 days ahead at 9am; no 2026 prices posted yet
- Entry: Timed slots 4:30–6:30pm, everyone out by 9pm; parking included
- Members: Not included — members get 10% off
What the route is like
About a mile of paved but genuinely hilly zoo paths, lined with glowing scenes and threaded with the zoo's conservation stories. Budget 90 minutes to two hours at kid pace.
The lantern route
Hundreds of larger-than-life illuminated animals, all new each season — this year's themes are California forests, San Francisco Bay, the Montana plains, the Florida Everglades and Hawaii's rainforests.
Know before you go
- Everything reads better after full dark — a 4:30 entry in November starts you at dusk
- Food stands operate, but eating dinner beforehand keeps the visit on budget
Who it's for
Toddlers up — it is a lights walk, not a zoo visit
Skip if
Someone in the group cannot manage a hilly mile after dark
The gondola to California Trail
The signature ride: a lit cable car up the hill, included with the ticket and wheelchair accessible.
Know before you go
- Line closes 7:45pm and the last ride down is 8:30pm — ride it first, not last
Who it's for
Everyone; it is the one thing worth planning the evening around
The rides area
Open during the event, which is either a delight or a negotiation depending on your children.
Know before you go
- Open 5–9pm; the last ride tickets sell at 8:30pm
- Santa is here 6–9pm: Fridays to Sundays, November 6–15, then nightly November 20 – December 23
Who it's for
Kids who will not settle for looking at lights
Skip if
You promised this would be a one-hour visit
Tickets: timed entry, and members pay too
A timed reservation is required for everyone, members included. Each date goes on sale online at 9am, 28 days ahead.
- Entry slots run 4:30–6:30pm; entrances close at 7:30pm and everyone is out by 9pm
- Plan-ahead pricing: the earlier you buy, the less you pay — no 2026 prices posted yet
- Membership does not include Glowfari — members get 10% off through the member ticket link
- Tickets are non-refundable and can't be moved to another date
- Closed November 9, 10, 16, 17 and 26; December 24 and 25; January 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26
- VIP Experience: $150 per guest ages 2 and up, with preferred entry and a reserved indoor lounge; Friday–Sunday nights, November 20 – January 3; sales start October 23
- Parking is included with the ticket
Strollers, warmth and the hills
Bring the stroller for anyone under five — the mile plus the zoo's hills will outlast toddler legs, and it doubles as a blanket-and-snack base.
- Oakland hills in December are colder than you expect
- Hats, gloves and a thermos are the difference between an hour of this and a meltdown
- The gondola is wheelchair accessible and the paths are paved throughout
Glowfari dates in our catalog
The next 9 of 14 upcoming holiday lights events across the Bay Area, refreshed daily.
ZooLights (San Francisco Zoo & Gardens) — All‑new winter holiday lighting display illuminates the zoo.
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo displays hundreds of animal lanterns themed around California forests, San Francisco Bay, Montana, Florida Everglades, and Hawaii, for all ages.
WEDNESDAY
11
NOVEMBER
THURSDAY
12
NOVEMBER
FRIDAY
13
NOVEMBER
Holiday lights display transforms Downtown San Jose into six themed zones—Golden Christmas, Enchanted Jungle, California Garden, Mermaid Current, Cactus Mirage, White Christmas Wonderland—with food and treats.
SATURDAY
14
NOVEMBER
Holiday Lights transforms Filoli’s gardens into a glowing wonderland of lights and fireside treats.
WEDNESDAY
18
NOVEMBER
Forty‑year building lighting ceremony and holiday market at Three Embarcadero Center’s street level feature festive activities and seasonal shopping.
Annual tree lighting ceremony at Richmond Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center.
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FAQ
Will we see live animals?
No. During Glowfari the zoo's animals are in their indoor areas and out of sight — come for the lanterns and the gondola, not for animal viewing.
When is the next Glowfari?
November 6, 2026 to January 31, 2027, its seventh year, with all-new lanterns. Each date goes on sale 28 days ahead at 9am. It is closed on select nights, including December 24 and 25.
Is Glowfari stroller-friendly?
Yes, with caveats: about a mile of paved but hilly paths, so a stroller is strongly recommended for toddlers. The gondola is wheelchair accessible.