Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights 2026 in West Orange

Holiday Lights 2026 returns to the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange on Friday, November 20, with a winter stroll lit by more than 50 winter and animal characters. Admission is free, no reservations are needed, and the lights run 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on select nights through Thursday, December 31, 2026. Here is everything we found on the zoo’s official event page.

Holiday Lights 2026 at Turtle Back Zoo

• Town: West Orange
• Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
• When: Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22; Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29; then nightly from Friday, December 4 through Thursday, December 31, 2026. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Closed December 24 and 25.
• Cost: Free admission. Some rides, food and activities cost extra.

Zoo members get a preview night on Thursday, November 19. Once the lights open to everyone, the Carousel, Touch Tank, Reptile House, Farm, Pony Track, Train and Gift Shop are part of the evening, and face painting is available too. The Carousel, Pony Track, Gift Shop and face painting carry a charge.

Food is a big part of the night. The cafe is open, there are s’mores outside the cafe, kettle corn and hot cocoa by the Train, zeppole by the Sea Turtle habitat, and holiday treats by the Africa area. The zoo also asks guests to bring non perishable food, new toys or gently used coats to support its season of giving.

Santa Meet and Greet

• Where: The Gazebo, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
• When: Friday to Sunday, November 20 to 22, November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6 and December 11 to 13, then nightly Wednesday, December 16 through Wednesday, December 23, 2026. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free. Professional photos available to purchase.

Santa visits are first come, first served with no appointments, and lines may close before 8:30 p.m. Personal photos are allowed, so bring your phone if you want to skip the photo package.

Ice Carving, Princesses, Superheroes and the Grinch

• Where: Amphitheater and Picnic Area, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
• When: Ice carving Fridays at 6 p.m.: November 20 and 27, December 4, 11 and 18. Princesses: December 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Superheroes: Sundays, December 6 and 13. Grinch Weekend: December 18 to 20. Princess and superhero double night: Monday, December 21.

Live ice carving demonstrations take place at the Amphitheater on Friday nights. In the Picnic Area, princess sing alongs are presented with Perfect Princess Parties, superheroes appear for meet and greets on two December Sundays, and the Grinch takes over for a full weekend before Christmas. Monday, December 21 is billed as a last chance photo op with Elsa and Spiderman.

Heated Igloo Rentals

• Where: By the Picnic Area, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
• When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Holiday Lights nights, reservations required
• Cost: $500 all inclusive for a four hour rental

For a group outing, the zoo rents heated igloos with decorative lighting and soft seating for 8 to 10 guests. According to the zoo’s igloo flyer, the rental includes hot chocolate, a s’mores kit, chocolate chip cookies, a bucket of French fries, a bucket of chicken nuggets and a giant pretzel with mustard and beer sauce. Booking contacts are listed on the flyer on the event page.

All zoo rules apply during Holiday Lights: no pets, no smoking, power wheels or remote controlled devices, and visitors 17 and under need a chaperone. Daytime zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning November 2. Questions go to the zoo at 973 731 5800.

Event details

Holiday Lights is one of many ways to celebrate the season in Essex County, and we will keep sharing more holiday events here at Shop Essex County.