Have you ever wondered what the animals do during the festive season? Well, we found out when we visited the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. Not only was entry FREE, but we could see holiday lights, hop on a train ride, ride the carousel, take a pony ride, and visit the Reptile House and Essex Farm all in one night. Scroll down on what you need to know about Turtle Back Zoo, one of our favorite places and on our list of must-see places in NJ during the year, too. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Holiday Lights At The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
The famous flamingo tree was lit up at night during the holiday lights at Turtle Back Zoo. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Lights as far as the eye can see
Though the Holiday Lights Event at Turtle Back Zoo features various zoo animals, the main event is the outdoor stroll through the enchanting light display. The lights are everywhere, and we found plenty of photo ops and lights at locations like the Flamingo Tree, Amazing Asia, and the Snowflake Holiday Light Tunnel. We also enjoyed seeing the giant lit-up giraffes, majestic nutcrackers, and shimmering orbs. As we walked along, the vibrant lights and seasonal music really put us in the holiday spirit.
Amazing Asia is an excellent spot for photos and animal sightings. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Hide-and-seek with zoo animals
Seeing the zoo at night was an experience in itself. It was like a game of hide-and-seek— my daughter loved to look through the zoo to see which animals she could find. Finding animals in the lit-up areas was easy, but the darker spots were a challenge and a lot more fun. We are happy to report that we found the Clouded Leopard and the hyenas. The Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Essex Farm were also open during the event.
The free train ride around the South Mountain Reservation is not to be missed. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
A train ride, a carousel spin, and Santa
All aboard—we hopped on the decorated and festive miniature train ride and rested our feet as it wound through the South Mountain Reservation. After, we went across the zoo to The Endangered Species Carousel ride where kids can ride on a panda, tiger, or one of the 30 other rare creatures on this custom-built merry-go-round (it’s $3 per ride). When we were done with the ride, my daughter spotted the man in the red suit, as Santa visits on weekends and some special dates before the big day, plus a professional photographer is available or you can take your own photos.
The s’more stations add a seasonal touch to the evening. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Festive food options
After, we were getting hungry and happy to find so many choices for food. We could sit down at the Cafe or grab a snack from the food trucks like the Popcorn Truck or Zeppole Stand (these looked amazing). Though we didn’t have time, if you want more of a sit-down dinner, McLoone’s Boathouse down the road in the South Mountain Reservation is a special spot overlooking the water with options like Butternut Squash Ravioli, Mussels With Attitude, and the Seafood Sampler, which includes clams, oysters, and jumbo shrimp.
Take a spin on the indoor Endangered Species Carousel at Turtle Back Zoo. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
What to know before you go
The Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo is open every night from November 22-24, November 29-December 4, and December 6-31 (closed December 24 and 25). It is free to enter, but donations are encouraged, and you can bring non-perishable foods, new (unwrapped) toys, or gently used winter coats. Be prepared—there is a lot of walking during the holiday stroll, and parts are uphill, but strollers are welcome. The train departs approximately every 15 minutes from the station and is wheelchair accessible. Parking is free, and there are many locations around the zoo indicated by marked signs. The Meet & Greet with Santa is free, and you can take your own photos or use the professional photographer on site. The 2024 Santa dates are November 22-24, November 29-December 1, December 6-8, and December 13-23.
Visit Turtle Back Zoo through the website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Ave.
West Orange, NJ 07052
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