San Francisco Christmas Guide › San Francisco Christmas Lights 2026
When Nov 6, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027 (select dates)
Where Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605
Oakland Zoo glows after dark for Glowfari, with hundreds of hand-painted animal lanterns spread through the zoo. The displays are grouped into regional habitat themes, from California forests and the San Francisco Bay to the Montana plains, the Florida Everglades, and Hawaii rainforests.
Ride the festively lit Gondola up to the California Trail for more lanterns, then head to the Rides Area for amusement rides like the train (weather permitting) and visits with Santa on scheduled nights. The Landing Café, Tuskers Grill, Safari Café, and snack carts sell food and hot chocolate. The animals themselves stay in their indoor areas, so the lanterns get the spotlight.
Every guest, members included, needs a timed ticket reservation, and parking is included with admission. The Main Entrance and Children's Zoo may be hard on anyone sensitive to light, and music plays throughout the zoo, so noise-cancelling headphones can help.
Questions
Can you see the zoo animals during Glowfari?
No. The animals stay in their indoor areas and aren't visible to Glowfari guests, so the lanterns are the show.
Do members need a reservation?
Yes. Every guest needs a timed ticket reservation, members included. Members get 10% off by using the member ticket link.
Is parking included?
Yes, parking is included with Glowfari admission. Every parking area is in use, so you may be sent to the lower or main entrance depending on when you arrive.
Is it OK for someone sensitive to light or noise?
The event can be photosensitive, and the Main Entrance and Children's Zoo may be triggering for anyone prone to seizures. Music plays throughout the zoo, so noise-cancelling headphones help.