Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters.
Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats.
2022 HOLIDAY LIGHTS
5pm to 9pm
Friday – Saturday – Sunday November 18-20
Friday – Saturday – Sunday November 25-27
Friday – Saturday – Sunday December 2-4
Nightly starting
Friday, December 9th – Saturday, December 31st
(Closed December 24 & 25)
** CLOSED Friday, December 23, 2022 due to weather **
Carousel$ – Touch Tank – Face Painting$ – Reptile House – Farm – Pony Track $ – Train – Gift Shop$
Admission is FREE. Please consider a donation of:
non-perishable food items
new (unwrapped) toys
gently used coats
Reservations are not required.
This special event is set to the backdrop of some animals. The focus is on an evening stroll outdoors through light displays and photo ops with friends and family, featuring some fun seasonal activities such as a s’mores station, Grinch weekend and photos with Santa! Not all of the Zoo is open and accessible. Areas to check out to see an animal or two that are open are the Touch Tank, Reptile House and Farm.
Scroll Down for Specific Dates & Times for:
- Santa
- Sea Lion Spectacular
- Ice Sculpture Demos
- Grinch Weekend
- Princess Weekend
Food Options
- Café open
- S’mores (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only) – outside café
- Pizza truck – by Africa Path
- Popcorn & Hot Cocoa – by Train
All Zoo Rules apply during this special event which includes, but is not limited to: no pets, no smoking, visitors age 17 & under must be accompanied by a chaperone, power wheel & remote controlled devices are not permitted on grounds. For a complete list of FAQs, visit turtlebackzoo.com/zoo-rules/
updated as of 12/23/22
