Larger-than-life Animal Lanterns - Magical Nights at the Zoo

This wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo's commitment to conservation.

This year’s experience features new themes including the forests of North America with iconic native wildlife like mountain lions and wolves, our frosty friends of the Arctic with puffins and polar bears, the Deep Ocean featuring rarely seen sea creatures, and a stroll through the swamp as you encounter alligators and other animals of the Bayou!

Finish your experience with a ride on the train through the great red island of Madagascar, a wondrous world full of lemurs, chameleons, and other unique flora and fauna!

Don't forget to visit Santa in the Rides Area every night December 1-23 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (line closes at 8:45pm). Please note, Santa's hours are subject to change and he may have to head back to the North Pole if it gets too wet.

See the Oakland Zoo website for more information and tickets. Tickets go on sale 28 days in advance on a rolling basis. Contact us if you would like private transportation.