Have you ever wondered what the animals do during the festive season? Now is your chance during the Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, starting on November 21. This FREE holiday event lets you see holiday lights, animals hanging out, and you may even spot Santa making the rounds. What’s more, you can hop on a train ride, ride the carousel, take a pony ride, and visit the Reptile House and Essex Farm, too. Scroll down on what you need to know about Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, one of our favorite places this season, 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

Lights as far as the eye can see

Though the Holiday Lights Event at Turtle Back Zoo has all your favorite zoo animals, it’s the outdoor stroll through the enchanting light display that really makes the night special. The lights are everywhere, along with plenty of photo ops at locations like the Flamingo Tree, Amazing Asia, and the Snowflake Holiday Light Tunnel. There are other delights as well, like giant lit-up giraffes, majestic nutcrackers, and shimmering orbs, all set to seasonal music throughout the zoo to put you in the holiday spirit.

Hide-and-seek with zoo animals

Seeing the zoo at night is an experience much like a game of hide-and-seek—checking out the exhibits to see which animals are awake and ready to say hello is a great way to play I-spy with the kids. Look for easier-to-spot places that are lit up, and for more challenging ones, look in the darker areas to see which animals come out (hint: Head to the Clouded Leopard and the hyena exhibits — both animals like to be in the dark). The Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Essex Farm were also open during the event.

A train ride, a carousel spin, and Santa

All aboard—hop on the decorated and festive miniature train ride and rest your feet as it winds through the South Mountain Reservation. After that, make your way across the zoo to The Endangered Species Carousel, where kids can ride a panda, a tiger, or one of the 30 other rare creatures on this custom-built merry-go-round (it’s $3 per ride). While you’re there, stop by the Gazebo to visit Santa—he’s there on the weekends only at first, but will be there nightly starting on December 12. A professional photographer is available to purchase photos, or you’re welcome to use your phone to snap your own. 

Festive food options

Hungry for a snack or meal? Sit down at the Cafe or grab a snack from the food trucks like the Popcorn Truck or  Zeppole Stand. If you’d like a more authentic dining experience, stop by McLoone’s Boathouse in the South Mountain Reservation. It’s 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.

What to know before you go

The Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo is open 5 PM-9 PM Friday to Sunday, November 21-23, and daily starting November 28 to January 3. The zoo will be closed December 24, 25, and January 1. 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. If you want to ride the carousel, take a pony ride, or get face painting, each is available for a fee. Parking is free, and there are many parking areas around the zoo marked by signs. The Meet & Greet with Santa is free, and you can take your own photos or use the on-site professional photographer. Santa will be around at the Gazebo November 21-23, 28-30 and December 5-7, and he will be on site daily from December 12 through December 23.  

Visit Turtle Back Zoo through the website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052

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