Holiday Lights 2026

About this event

Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. 5pm to 9pm Nightly Friday to Sunday, November 20 – 22Friday to Sunday, November 27 - 29Nightly Friday, December 4 – Friday, December 31 Thursday, November 19 : Zoo Members Only Holiday Lights(CLOSED December 24, December 25 ) Admission is FREE, Reservations are not required.Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats. Carousel$ - Touch Tank – Reptile House – Farm - Pony Track $ - Train – Gift Shop$ - Face Painting$ Food Options $ Café open S’mores - outside café Kettle Corn & Hot Cocoa – by Train Zeppole – by Sea Turtle Holiday Treats - by Africa Igloos – by picnic area - reservations required 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/ MEET & GREET WITH SANTA(with professional photo opportunity)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. 5pm – 8:30pm (Lines may close earlier). Friday to Sunday, November 20 - 22 Friday to Sunday, November 27 – 29 Friday to Sunday, December 4 – 6 Friday to Sunday, December 11 – 13 Nightly December 16 – 23 ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATIONSLocation: Amphitheater Watch a block of ice transform into an ice sculpture before your eyes. 6pm start. Friday, November 20 Friday, November 27 Friday, December 4 Friday, December 11 Friday, December 18 "Don't Be A GRINCH" WeekendLocation: Picnic Area Meet-and-Greet with the Grinch! Friday, December 18 Saturday, December 19 Sunday, December 20 PRINCESS HOLIDAY APPEARANCELocation: Picnic Area Sing-a-long with popular princess characters. A mix of holiday songs (and princess songs) are sure to lift your holiday spirit! Performances at our picnic area at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Plan your trip now, these princess sing-a-longs are only available Friday, December 4 Saturday, December 5 Friday, December 11 Saturday, December 12 Perfect Princess Parties DOUBLE NIGHT! Monday, December 21st: Superhero & Princess (Elsa & Spiderman last chance photo op) SUPERHERO HOLIDAY APPEARANCELocation: Picnic Area Meet-and-Greet with some of your favorite superheroes! Sunday, December 6 Sunday, December 13