Event Details
Holiday Lights Spectacular
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: November 17 – December 10
Every Night: December 11 – January 1, 2018
Closed: December 24 & 25
5pm to 9pm
Free Admission
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. Different themed activities featured each December weekend makes visiting extra exciting!
This Weekend December 1 – 3: Classic Holiday
Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes that coordinate with the theme!
Friday, meet the Grinch
Saturday, all about Santa’s helpers, meet our Elf
Sunday, go back to a classic holiday toy with our stilt walking toy soldier
Characters are located by the Main Zoo Front Entrance till 8:30pm.
Santa, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Location: Party Gazebo
5pm – 8:30pm
Ice Carving Demonstration, FRIDAY ONLY
Location: Ampitheater
5pm – 6:30pm
Face Painting, nightly
Location: Touch Tank
Face painting & temporary tattoos between $5 – $8
Tis the SEAson Sea Lion Show, nightly
Location: Sea Lion Sound
6pm & 8pm (approx. 15 minutes)
Food Options & Gift Shops, nightly
Multiple Locations: s’mores station (outside café), café open, both gift shops open
Animal Art Sales, TBD
Location: Reptile House
Other Attractions:
-train, carousel, reptile house, aquarium, farm and pony rides OPEN