Event · Community

Holiday Lights 2026 — Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

When

Through Dec 31 · 5:00 PM–9:00 PM5–9 p.m. nightly: Fri–Sun Nov 20–22 and Nov 27–29; nightly Dec 4–31 (closed Dec 24 & 25). Members-only night Nov 19.

Where

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

All ages; 17 & under with a chaperone

Cost

Admission is FREE; reservations not required; some attractions and food extra ($)

Organizer

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo / Zoological Society of New Jersey

A winter evening stroll through the zoo under sparkling lights of more than 50 winter and animal characters. Free admission, no reservations; guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, new toys and gently used coats. Extras include free Meet & Greet with Santa at the Gazebo (5–8:30 p.m. on select nights), ice-carving demonstrations at the Amphitheater on Fridays at 6 p.m., the train, touch tank, reptile house and farm, plus paid carousel, pony track, face painting and food. Visitors 17 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone.