Dazzling Lights at Oakland Zoo’s Glowfari

By Staff Writers Cecilia Cheng & Amber Halvorsen

A night of colorful lights and music welcomes busy crowds back to the annual Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo. First launching in 2020, Glowfari is a daily event open from November 7 to January 25, 2026. The exhibit displays hundreds of extravagant animal lanterns to showcase the importance of wildlife and the Oakland Zoo’s efforts to conserve the environment. 

Trails of foggy paths lead to different sections of the venue, all decorated with glowing lanterns to resemble environments ranging from ocean coral reefs to grassy savannas. Standing up to 20 feet tall, these towering displays are crafted to model animals and vegetation, creating an immersive experience that transports guests into nature’s different biomes. The glowing exhibits are also accompanied with informational signs to educate attendees about the displayed wildlife, merging environmental awareness efforts with engaging displays.

Visitors are welcome to explore the different exhibits on foot, ride a gondola above Oakland’s dazzling city lights, or take a train tour around the zoo. Concession stands offering churros and popcorn, photobooths to commemorate the experience, and rides are also scattered around the zoo to provide attendees quality entertainment throughout the night. 

Glowfari brings the Oakland community together in a celebration of art, the holiday season, ecosystems, and the importance of biodiversity in the world. “It’s a really wonderful way to be in community,” returning guest Kimball Lane said. “I think Oakland needs a boost right now, and so this is a really nice way to be able to appreciate the town.” By creating a way for visitors of all ages and backgrounds to come together, Glowfari remains a cherished winter holiday destination for Bay Area residents.