Holiday Light Display At NJ Zoo Will Glow With 1 Million Bulbs–And It's Free To Visit

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The holiday lights are coming back to Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, and once again – they're free.

The zoo’s latest Holiday Lights Spectacular display will open on Nov. 20 and conclude on Dec. 31 (see schedule below). It will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Here’s what to expect this year, organizers say:

"About 50 animal and holiday-themed figures will light up the winter night in Turtle Back Zoo and the surrounding Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. Over one million lights will illuminate figures of bears, tigers and elephants, along with holiday lights designed to look like wooden soldiers, stars and winter scenes. Several animal exhibits will be open, including the Essex Farm, Tam-ring Gibbons Reserve, Amazing Asia and the Reptile Building."

The 2026 holiday lights display will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:

• Nov. 20, Nov. 21, Nov. 22, Nov. 27, Nov. 28, Nov. 29
• Daily between Dec. 4 and Dec. 31

According to Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., the zoo will be transformed into a “Winter Wonderland,” complete with seasonal lighting exhibits and costumed characters.

The county executive invited guests to “stroll the landscaped paths of our zoo and admire the illuminated images of everything from toy soldiers to penguins.”

Admission is free. Hot chocolate and other refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, call Essex County Turtle Back Zoo at 973-731-5800.

The Turtle Back Zoo is located at the South Mountain Recreation Complex, 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange.

SANTA PHOTOS

Photos with Santa Claus and Ms. Claus will also be taking place. Personal photos are allowed; professional photos may be purchased on site. No appointments are needed.

“Meet and greet” sessions will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. (lines may close earlier) on the following dates:

• Nov. 20, Nov. 21, Nov. 22, Nov. 27, Nov. 28, Nov. 29
• Dec. 4, Dec. 5, Dec. 6, Dec. 11, Dec. 12, Dec. 13
• Daily from Dec. 16 to Dec. 23

WINTER STORYTIME

Jump, hop or slither to the Berson Family Center and join zoo educators for this year’s "Winter Storytime."

Families are invited to put on their favorite seasonal outfits, listen to an animal-themed story read by a zoo staff member, enjoy a snack, and meet a new animal friend. Programs last approximately 45 minutes.

This is a family-friendly event recommended for families with children ages 8 and younger. All attendees must have a ticket; children under 2 are free. The cost is $10/participant and does not include zoo admission.

Winter Storytime sessions will take place on the following days and times at the Berson Education Center, 560 Northfield Avenue:

• Dec. 17, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.
• Dec. 19, Dec. 20 at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

MORE FUN

Other activities planned this holiday season at the Turtle Back Zoo include:

• Ice Carving Demonstrations, starting at 6 p.m. in the amphitheater: Fridays, November 20 and 27; December 4, 11 and 18
• Princess Holiday Appearance in the Picnic Area: Fridays, December 4 and 11; and Saturdays, December 5 and 12
• Superhero Holiday Appearance in the Picnic Area: Sundays, December 6 and 13
• Don’t Be a Grinch Weekend in the Picnic Area: Friday to Sunday, December 18 to 20

DONATION DRIVE

The zoo will be collecting non-perishable food items, as well as new, unwrapped toys and new/gently used winter coats. Items will be donated to several organizations that provide assistance to people in need.

Donations collected over the years have amounted to more than 184 tons of non-perishable food, 365,000 toys and 25,000 winter coats, the county said.

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