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Description
Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of winter and animal characters.
Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats.
5pm to 9pm
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: November 17 – December 3
Every Night: Friday, December 8 – Saturday, December 31
(Closed December 24 & 25)
CAROUSEL$ – TOUCH TANK – FACE PAINTING$ – REPTILE HOUSE – FARM – TRAIN – GIFT SHOP$ – CAFE$
ADMISSION IS FREE. PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION OF:
- NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS
- NEW (UNWRAPPED) TOYS
- GENTLY USED COATS
This special event is set to the backdrop of some animals. The focus is on an evening stroll outdoors through light displays and photo ops with friends and family, featuring some fun seasonal activities such as a s’mores station, Grinch weekend, Princess weekend and photos with Santa! Not all of the Zoo is open and accessible. Areas to check out to see an animal or two that are open are the Touch Tank, Reptile House and Farm.
Food Options
- Café open
- S’mores (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only) – outside café
- Food truck – by Africa Path
- Hot Cocoa – by Train
- Zeppolas - by Sea Lion
Meet & Greet with Santa (with a professional photo opportunity)
5pm – 8:30pm
Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays: November 17 – December 10
Daily: December 15 – 23
Location: Gazebo
Add a visit with Santa to your holiday list! Meet & Greet is free and personal photos are allowed. Option to purchase professional photos on site. No appointments necessary.
Ice Sculpting Demonstrations
Fridays: November 17 – December 22
Location: Zoo Amphitheater
Time: Carving starts at 6pm
Limited Nights! Ice Carving demonstrations on Fridays. Watch a block of ice transform into an ice sculpture before your eyes. Demonstrations take place during our Holiday Lights Spectacular event.
“Don’t Be A GRINCH” Weekend
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: December 1 – December 3
Meet the Grinch! At Zoo Main Entrance
PRINCESS Holiday Weekend
TBD
Please confirm with the Turtle Back Zoo prior to your visit for notification of any possible schedule changes. https://turtlebackzoo.com/discover/holiday-lights-spectacular/
Who
All Zoo Rules apply during this special event which includes, but is not limited to: no pets, no smoking, visitors age 17 & under must be accompanied by a chaperone, power wheel & remote controlled devices are not permitted on grounds. For a complete list of FAQs, visit turtlebackzoo.com/zoo-rules/
