Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange opens Holiday Lights 2026 on Friday, November 20, turning the zoo grounds into an evening walk past more than 50 lit winter and animal characters. Admission is free and no reservation is needed. Zoo members get a preview night on Thursday, November 19.

Dates and hours

The lights run from 5 to 9 p.m. on these nights:

  • Friday through Sunday, November 20 to 22
  • Friday through Sunday, November 27 to 29
  • Every night from Friday, December 4, through Thursday, December 31, except December 24 and 25, when the zoo is closed

The zoo asks visitors to bring donations during the season: non-perishable food, new toys and gently used coats.

Santa, ice carving and the rest of the schedule

Santa holds a free meet and greet at the gazebo from 5 to 8:30 p.m., with no appointment needed and personal photos allowed; professional photos can be bought on site. He is there November 20 to 22, November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6 and December 11 to 13, then every night from December 16 to 23. Lines may close before 8:30.

Other nights carry their own add-ons:

  • Ice carving at the amphitheater, 6 p.m. on Fridays: November 20 and 27, and December 4, 11 and 18.
  • Princess sing-alongs at the picnic area, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. on December 4, 5, 11 and 12.
  • Superhero meet and greets on Sundays, December 6 and 13.
  • A Grinch weekend at the picnic area, December 18 to 20.
  • A double night on Monday, December 21, with both superheroes and princesses.

What is open after dark

The carousel, touch tank, reptile house, farm, pony track, train and gift shop stay open during the lights, along with face painting. The carousel, pony rides, gift shop and face painting cost extra. Food runs from the cafe to s'mores outside it, kettle corn and hot cocoa by the train, zeppole near the sea turtles and holiday treats by the Africa section. Heated igloos by the picnic area can be booked, and they require a reservation.

Regular zoo rules apply in the evening: no pets, no smoking, no power wheels or remote-controlled devices, and visitors 17 and under need a chaperone.

Daytime visits

The zoo's regular hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the season, with last admission at 3 p.m. Daytime tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors 62 and older and for children 2 to 12, and free for children under 2. Its Winter Workshop, a holiday craft program, runs December 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Getting there

The zoo is at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange, in the county's South Mountain Recreation Complex. The zoo's phone is 973-731-5800, and the full event listing is on the zoo's website.

Sources