Million-Light 'Holiday Spectacular' Returns At Turtle Back Zoo

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A “family tradition” is returning for 2021 in Essex County: the free holiday lights spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo.

The popular celebration was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. But this year it’s back – and it will have much more than just lights.

Here are the plans, according to county officials:

“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 Sea Lion Sound, Essex Farm, Tam-ring Gibbons Reserve, Tropical Currents Aquarium and the Reptile Building. The Endangered Species Carousel will be open; rides are $2. Myrtle the Turtle, the mascot of Turtle Back Zoo, and several of his winter friends will be on hand to greet visitors at the Zoo. In addition, there will be special appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, ice sculpture demonstrations and carol sings.”

Admission to the holiday lights display is free. However, the zoo will be holding a donation drive to benefit local nonprofits, and will be collecting non-perishable food items, new and unwrapped toys, and new or “gently used” winter coats.

Hot chocolate and other refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, call Essex County Turtle Back Zoo at 973-731-5800 or visit www.essexcountynj.org.

“We invite the public to make this Essex County holiday tradition your family tradition,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

Here’s when the zoo’s holiday lights spectacular will take place this year:

Dates

• Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Nov. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28; Dec. 3, 4 and 5
• Daily from Friday, Dec. 10 to Friday, Dec. 31
• The Holiday Lights Spectacular will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25

Times

• 5 to 9 p.m. nightly

Place

• Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange

The zoo is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Current winter admission is $14 for adults, $12 for children and senior citizens, and free for children younger than 2 years.

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