Glowfari, Oakland Zoo's nighttime lantern festival, returns Friday, Nov. 6 for its seventh year. It runs through Sunday, Jan. 31, 2027. The zoo says all the animal lanterns are new this year. The themes include California forests, San Francisco Bay, Montana, the Florida Everglades and Hawaii.
When it's closed
Glowfari is closed Nov. 9, 10, 16, 17 and 26 (Thanksgiving); Dec. 24 and 25; and Jan. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26.
Hours
Timed entry runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Entrances close at 7:30 p.m., and everyone must leave by 9 p.m. Re-entry is allowed until 8:30 p.m. with a hand stamp. The gondola runs and is lit up for the season, but its line closes at 7:45 p.m. The rides area is open 5 to 9 p.m. The live animals stay in their indoor areas and won't be visible.
How tickets work
Every guest needs a timed reservation, members included. Tickets for each date go on sale online at 9 a.m. exactly 28 days ahead; for example, Nov. 28 tickets go on sale Nov. 1. The zoo uses plan-ahead pricing, so tickets bought further in advance cost less. Tickets are non-refundable and can't be moved to another date. The exception is a zoo-cancelled night, which gets a full refund. Members get 10% off, and parking is included. Daytime zoo tickets aren't valid for Glowfari.
Santa and food
Santa is in the rides area Fridays through Sundays from Nov. 6 to 15. He's there every night from Nov. 20 to Dec. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. Several cafes and carts stay open in the evening. A new VIP package adds preferred entry, a reserved indoor hospitality space, premium food service and Gondola Express Pass privileges. The zoo also warns that the lights may affect people with light sensitivity. The zoo is at 9777 Golf Links Road.