Holiday Lights Spectacular

Holiday Lights Spectacular

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.

2024 HOLIDAY LIGHTS

5pm to 9pm

Friday to Sunday, November 22 – 24

Friday, November 29 – Wednesday, December 4

Friday, December 6 – Tuesday, December 31

Closed December 24 & 25

5pm – 9pm

Carousel ($) – Touch Tank – Face Painting ($) – Reptile House – Farm – Train – Gift Shop ($) – Pony Rides ($)

 

Admission is FREE. Please consider a donation of:
non-perishable food items
new (unwrapped) toys
gently used coats

Tickets/ 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:

  • MEET & GREET WITH SANTA

  • PRINCESS HOLIDAY APPEARANCE 

  • “Don’t Be A GRINCH” Weekend

  • ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATIONS 

  • Enchanted Igloo Rentals ❄️

 

Food Options

  • Café open
  • S’mores – outside café
  • Kettle Corn & Hot Cocoa – by Train
  • Zeppole – by Flamingo
  • Wetzel Pretzel – by Africa
  • Enchanted Igloo Rentals – picnic area

 

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 11/12/24

MEET & GREET WITH SANTA

(with professional photo opportunity)

Location: Gazebo

Add a visit with Santa to your holiday list! Meet & Greet is free and personal photos are allowed. Option to purchase professional photos on site. No appointments necessary.

5pm – 8:30pm *Line may close earlier

Friday to Sunday, November 22 – 24

Friday to Sunday, November 29 – December 1

Friday to Sunday, December 6 – 8

Daily December 13 – 23

 

Josh Lynn Photography
joshlynn.com
Turtle Back Zoo Santa <[email protected]>
@joshlynnphoto

PRINCESS HOLIDAY APPEARANCE 

Location: Picnic Area

Sing-a-long with popular princess characters. A mix of holiday songs (and princess songs) are sure to lift your holiday spirit! Performances at our Picnic Area at 6pm and 7:30pm. Plan your trip now, these princess sing-a-longs are only available

Saturday, December 7th

Sunday, December 8th

Saturday, December 14th

Sunday, December 22nd

“Don’t Be A GRINCH” Weekend

Location: Main Zoo Entrance

 Meet-and-Greet with the Grinch!

Friday, December 6

Saturday, December 7

Sunday, December 8

ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATIONS 

Location: Amphitheater 

Limited Nights! Watch a block of ice transform into an ice sculpture before your eyes at our Amphitheater Stage during our Holiday Lights Spectacular event. Ice Carving demonstrations on Fridays: November 29, December 6, December 13, December 20, December 27

6pm start.

Enchanted Igloo Rentals❄️

Location: Picnic Area

Add on a private igloo rental to your Holiday Lights experience!

Igloo’s are heated with soft seating, decorative lighting, a table & can fit up to 12 people.

Rental Includes: 1.5 hour rental with Holiday Commemorative Tumbler, Lighted Necklaces, Hot Chocolate, Holiday Cookies, Smores Pac’s with private smores pit at the igloos’ for $200.00.

Advanced reservations recommended. To book your rental date email: [email protected] or call #862-930-7679

Featuring

Santa Visits |
Train, Carousel, Reptile House, Essex Farm and Pony Rides OPEN

Schedule

Friday to Sunday, November 22 – 24

Friday, November 29 – Wednesday, December 4

Friday, December 6 – Tuesday, December 31

Closed December 24 & 25

5pm – 9pm

Admission

FREE *Donation Recommended

Turtle Back Zoo

ZOO HOURS UPDATE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11th to 10am - 3pm Daily