Oakland, CA – December 13, 2024 – As the holidays approach the Bay Area, the Oakland Zoo transforms into a wonderland of lights and music, bringing magic and happy feelings to all who visit. Glowfari, the Zoo’s annual light festival, has officially returned, brighter and more spectacular than before. From the Oakland Zoo website, “This year’s experience features new themes – take a float down Africa’s longest river, the Nile, to view wading wildlife and ancient Egyptian structures, a trip to the farm to visit barnyard favorites like cows, chicken, and sheep, a hike up the highest peaks to visit animals at the top of the world like ibex and alpaca, and a return to the past to see dinosaurs take over the California trail.” This year’s event offers a breathtaking display of over 100 light-up and larger-than-life animal displays.
The Glowfari experience combines art, nature, and holiday cheer. Visitors of all ages can stroll along pathways adorned with lighted creatures that also have snippets of reading material to learn more about the different animals.
The animal-themed displays are strategically placed throughout the Zoo, creating an enchanting journey that educates visitors about the animals they represent while offering a visual and auditory experience.
Artists craft these displays to offer visuals to reflect each animal’s characteristics. The displays also reflect the holiday season with colorful lights.
The event runs through December and January. The animal-themed displays are placed in open areas of the Zoo to help the animals sleep while there are guests. The ticket also includes using the gondola to reach more displays overlooking the California Bay Area and access to more food options.
“Glowfari is months and months of prep! Virtually as soon as one year is done, it is time to start planning the subsequent one, as far as working through the themes for the different sections of the Zoo, and what specific lanterns would go into each,” said Patrick Wolff, Senior Manager of On-Grounds Programs at the Oakland Zoo. “The items all arrive on site a little over a month before opening day, so it’s many weeks of at-the-Zoo prep.” Plans for the next Glowfari are already in the works. Events like Glowfari have helped the Zoo with financial situations due to the COVID lockdowns. Wolff goes on to say, “being closed for so many months during lockdown meant that things were really hard. It was also a very welcome event for the community because it was outdoors, so it was safe, but also a place to gather together after so much isolation.”
During Glowfari, families can sip on hot chocolate or coffee, enjoy holiday treats, and meet Santa Claus. They also feature live performances throughout the evening. There is something for everyone.
“My favorite part are the parrots,” says Dennis Javelo, a local teacher in Oakland and father of one. “I have been coming here since the pandemic, and now that I have a child, Glowfari has become an even more special tradition for us. I like watching his face light up when we walk by the different displays. It’s not just about the lights; it’s about being together as a family and sharing in this magical experience.”
Javelo continues, “It’s great for family fun, dates, even as a solo night enjoying the lights. I especially love the educational experience—every exhibit has a little story or fun fact about the animals. My son loved hearing about the different species as we walked through each section. It’s a perfect way to spend quality time while learning something new.”
The family-friendly atmosphere of Glowfari offers something for everyone, and for Javelo, it’s the perfect way to create lasting memories. “Be sure to bring a jacket,” he laughs. “Attending is totally worth it, especially when you’re taking in all the amazing displays while overlooking Oakland. We ended up walking over a mile, but it didn’t feel like it because there’s so much to see. Also, my time is limited during the day. I’m glad the Zoo has something to offer at night.”
As Glowfari grows in popularity, Javelo’s story highlights one of the ways the Oakland Zoo’s magical light festival brings families together—celebrating the joy of the season and the wonders of the natural world.
Bay Area economic hardships have affected restaurants, businesses, and the Zoo. “I do know that [Glowfari] is a huge help toward making sure that the Zoo can continue its operations. Costs are ever-increasing, so even if the Zoo changes nothing in our own programming year to year, we have to find ways to raise increased funds to stay at the same level we had been the year prior. So an event like Glowfari is a huge help toward that,” says Wolff. Â Glowfari is essential to the Zoo’s financial stability and its ability to serve the community as the Bay Area bounces back from the economic post-COVID challenges.
Tickets to Glowfari are available online and visitors are encouraged to purchase in advance because of high demand. Another plus is that parking is free. This is the perfect kick-off to the holiday season, and all who come will remember the magical atmosphere.
Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo
When: December 1-23, 26-31, 2024 | January 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 2025
Where: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA
Hours: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets: Available Online
Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo is a great event that celebrates the season, animals, and nature and is an easy way to make lasting memories with loved ones.
