The Breathtaking Spring Festival You Won’t Want To Miss In Southern California — When You Can Visit

You can soon see a new exhibit at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California, but the new attraction isn’t the animals.

“Here we glow again!” The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens explained. “The wildly popular nighttime event, Glow in the Park, returns this spring with a spectacular new lineup of hand-crafted lantern displays that represent wildlife from around the world — and even under the sea!”

The larger-than-life-size animal and nature-scape lantern installations will be located throughout the park and illuminated nightly from March 17 through April 30. The “lanterns, engaging art installations, and interactive stations” form an immersive experience — and offer plenty of opportunities to take memorable photos, according to organizers.

“We are excited to welcome guests to experience the magic that is Glow in the Park,” Allen Monroe, president, and CEO of The Living Desert told TravelAwaits in a statement. “This year’s event is sure to delight as an entirely new lineup of lanterns will light up the night including lanterns of desert wildlife, animals of the sea, and even mythical creatures!”

The Living Desert Zoo And Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which is about 30 minutes from Palm Springs, is active with conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives.

Rather than simply presenting animals in captivity, the zoo also offers numerous interactive activities. For instance, during “Rhino Encounter,” attendees can meet one of the zoo’s black rhinos — Nia or Jaali — in a semi-private encounter to learn about the rhinos, how they are cared for, and also gain “an insider’s perspective about their individual personalities,” The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens explained.

Likewise, during “Feed a Giraffe,” attendees can get “nose-to-nose” with the world’s tallest animal, the zoo explained.

“An experience of a lifetime, giraffe feeding gives guests a one-on-one encounter with these graceful giants,” The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens continued.

Know Before You Go

Glow in the Park, which is presented by nearby Acrisure Arena, will be held nightly from March 17 through April 30, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. 

“We recommend purchasing tickets as far in advance as you can, as there is limited capacity and nights will sell out,” The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens cautions.

You can find more details and purchase tickets at Glow in the Park.