Holiday Lights 2025
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.
5pm to 9pm nightly
Thursday, November 20 : Zoo Members Only Holiday Lights
Friday to Sunday, November 21 – 23
Daily Friday, November 28 – Saturday, January 3
(CLOSED December 24, December 25 & January 1)
Admission is FREE, Reservations are not required.
Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats.
Carousel$ – Touch Tank – Reptile House – Farm – Pony Track $ – Train – Gift Shop$ – Face Painting$
Food Options $
- Café open
- S’mores – outside café
- Kettle Corn & Hot Cocoa – by Train
- Zeppole – by Sea Turtle
- Holiday Treats – by Africa
- Igloos – by picnic area – reservations required
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/
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 (Lines may close earlier).
- Friday to Sunday, November 21 – 23
- Friday to Sunday, November 28 – 30
- Friday to Sunday, December 5 – 7
- Daily December 12 – 23
ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATIONS
Location: Amphitheater
Watch a block of ice transform into an ice sculpture before your eyes. 6pm start.
- Friday, November 21
- Friday, November 28
- Friday, December 5
- Friday, December 12
- Friday, December 19
- Friday, December 26
- Friday, January 2
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
- December 5th & 6th
- December 12th & 13th
*NEW IN 2025 – Superhero Photo Ops December 7th & 14th!
“Don’t Be A GRINCH” Weekend
Location: Main Zoo Entrance
Meet-and-Greet with the Grinch!
- Friday, December 19
- Saturday, December 20
- Sunday, December 21
IGLOO Rentals
Location: Main Zoo Entrance
Rent for 4 hours from 5pm – 9pm
Holds 8 – 10 guests
Features:
- Heated
- Decorative Lighting
- Soft Seating with Tables
- Lighted Necklaces
- Hot Chocolate
- S’Mores
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
To book contact [email protected] or #862-930-7679.
MORE INFOMATION
Call us for more information on events, bookings, or zoo visits! To book a group reservation or party, call and ask for Group Sales. Our Group Sales Department phones can be busy at times, so you many need to leave a message. Teachers, please include a preferred callback time if needed, so we can try to connect. Please allow at least 48 hours for a return call before trying again.
Call - (973) 731-5800