The animals at the Oakland Zoo go to bed pretty early in the cold winter months. That presented a problem for the zoo–it couldn’t stay open into the evenings in the Winter, since there was nothing for visitors to see.
The zoo’s solution, Glowfari, is absolutely brilliant–both literally and figuratively. The annual display has become a mile-long extravaganza of light, sculpture, and music. It’s a wonderful reason to visit the zoo after hours, enjoying a unique evening and lending much-needed support to this Oakland institution.
Glowfari, which replaces the Oakland Zoo’s former holiday-centered Zoo Lights event–is modeled on displays of Chinese lanterns. Fabric-covered metal lanterns are illuminated from within, glowing radiantly, especially after the sun goes down.
Except here at the Oakland Zoo, the lanterns aren’t covering just any theme; all the lanterns show various animals, in many cases the same ones who you can visit during the day at the zoo. And these lanterns are massive–many are human-sized or even larger, towering over visitors and wowing them with lights and sometimes motion, too.
Here’s everything to know about visiting Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo.
When Does Glowfari Open in 2022?
Tickets for Glowfari in 2022 go on sale on November 1. You can get them on the Oakland Zoo’s Glowfari website.
The actual event opens a bit later, but it now runs into the New Year. Glowfari is open:
- November 11-13, 16-23, 25-27, 30, 2022
- December 1-23, 26-31, 2022.
- It is also open from January 1-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, 2023
It used to be a holidays-only event, but now you have a lot more time to visit Glowfari! Basically, the zoo is trying to give you something to do on those cold, dark nights when you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see their animals.
How much are Glowfari Tickets?
Glowfari tickets aren’t too expensive, especially relative to other Bay Area activities.
- Adults: $24
- Children (2-14)/Seniors (65-75): $20
- Members: You still have to pay for tickets if you’re a member, but you get a10% discount
- This is great! Under 2 and over 76: Free
- Parking: Free
Remember that tickets are timed, and reservations are absolutely essential, since Glowfari is popular. Get your tickets online well in advance of the event.
Visiting Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo
When you first arrive at Glowfari, you’re greeted by giant glowing flamingos surrounding the zoo’s flamingo pond (currently under renovation). You then wander at will throughout the zoo, encountering individual lantern animals or whole scenes featuring related animals at nearly every turn. There are hundreds of animal lanterns throughout the zoo, providing plenty of reason to roam its grounds and take them all in.
In 2021, Glowfari expanded dramatically. I went in 2020, but at the time it was a more subdued, smaller event, perhaps because Covid-19 lockdowns were just ending. Now, the zoo has gone all out, adding new lanterns each year.
Here’s a video I made from my 2021 visit.
What’s New at Glowfari in 2022
Here’s what’s new in 2022.
- A “walkabout” through Australia that features kangaroo and koala lanterns. I visited the zoo recently and saw them installing the new lanterns, and they look great
- California-themed lanterns including whales, otters and jellyfish
- A “trip back in time” with dinosaur and magalodon shark lanterns
There’s also a mystical beast themed train ride, with unicorns, fairies and more. Basically, it seems like Oakland Zoo is expanding beyond their animals-only theme, and embracing trendier mythical animals and kid-friendly ancient animals as well.
Best Things to See at Glowfari
One of my favorite exhibits is a giant bamboo forest filled with over 40 glowing panda bears, meant to simulate the forests of Asia. There’s also a massive African savannah area you can wander around, complete with life-sized elephants, a giraffe that bends down to “drink”, and a massive peacock whose rainbow-color features extend and retract on a timer, extending several stories into the air. There are also colorful light-up swings and a lighted dance floor you and your kids can jump around on.
One of the best things to do at Glowfari is to ride the Oakland Zoo’s gondola high into the Oakland Hills. Drifting soundlessly through the night more than 100 feet above the ground feels magical.
At the top, you’ll find a giant bug-themed display filling the zoo’s California wildlife section, including a 65-foot long ant tunnel that’s delightful for kids. If you don’t like bugs, this is going to be a challenging section; steer clear of the 10-foot tarantula with moving legs.
Other Activities and Food at Glowfari
On your visit, you can head to the Tuskers Grill near the entrance or the cafe at the gondola landing for food.
- Tuskers has more basic, kid-friendly fare
- The Landing Cafe atop the Oakland Hills has beef empanadas, Impossible chili, and other grown-up items.
The zoo’s train operates during Glowfari, whisking you through an enclosure filled with sleeping wallaroos and emus, who seem vaguely confused and annoyed to see you there. You can also peek in at the zoo’s snoozing tortoises, who bask under heat lamps at night. Otherwise, the animals are safely asleep in their sheds and interior areas.
You can visit Santa at Adventure Landing right next to the zoom on Sundays in November and every night December 1-23 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm (line closes at 9:15pm).
How long does it take to go through Glowfari?
On my 2021 visit to Glowfari, I arrived at 4:56pm and left at 7:45pm. That means I spent almost three hours at Glowfari.
I would budget at least two hours to go through the whole Glowfari, or three hours to be safe. Plan to walk a lot–again, the exhibits themselves are closed, so visiting is mostly about taking a stroll through the zoo. If you plan to visit the upper area by taking the gondola, budget more time.
If you’re visiting with little kids, you can also hang out around the giraffe, lion and elephant areas and not ride the gondola.
I stopped for food, so that made my visit longer. If you eat before visiting, two hours is probably plenty.
My Review of Glowfari
You’d think that zoo-sized light display would be gaudy or tacky, but it’s not. Each lantern is a hand-painted work of art that’s been preserved and used for years. It’s a legitimately wondrous experience to wander among these lighted giants and take in the zoo at night.
The zoo’s choice of music is a highlight of the experience, too. Speakers set among the lanterns plan animal-themed popular music. I heard Elton John’s Crocodile Rock, Ylvis’s What Does the Fox Say?, and Katy Perry’s Roar playing, among many other clever selections during my 2021 visit.
Glowfari is also incredibly important for the Oakland Zoo, which is primarily supported by visitor tickets and came dangerously close to closing for good due to Covid-19. The zoo works with a Chinese lantern company called Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc to run the event and create the authentic lanterns.
You get to enjoy artistic animals and help feed the zoo’s real animals with your ticket purchase, a major win-win. Dress warmly, as it gets chilly, especially up in the hills. There’s hot chocolate available to purchase at the food stands, too. It’s a wonderful way to spend time with your family or a fun thing to do for a couple, too.
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