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Location
Best time
Visit during Christmas season (5 PM - 9 PM) for free entry after 5 PM through sponsorship. The zoo transforms into a festive wonderland with holiday lights, decorations, carousel rides, Santa meet-and-greets, and you can still see animals like bison and giraffes. Plan for 2-3 hours and consider renting a private igloo (up to 10 guests, 4 hours) which includes hot chocolate and snacks.
Visitor tip
Bring kids during Christmas events for dedicated activities including face painting, Santa meet-and-greets (scheduled times), carousel rides, and pony rides. The carousel area near the festive decorations is particularly photogenic and beloved by families.
Visitor tip
The zoo maintains a pleasant, well-organized layout with clear tour paths and abundant photo opportunities. Staff are notably friendly and helpful, making it easy for families to navigate and maximize their visit experience.
About Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Wild animals, petting zoo & train ride. Popular local go-to for families features wild animal exhibits, petting zoo, carousel & mini-train.
What visitors say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Magical Christmas Experience We visited Turtle Back Zoo during the Christmas season and it was a beautiful and very special experience. The zoo was decorated with lights and Christmas decorations that created a magical…
This is a review for Christmas experience at the Zoo Wow… can’t believe I didn’t know about this despite living in NJ for 8 years! Turtle Back Zoo turns into a complete Christmas paradise after 5 PM, and it’s absolutely magical. I…
You cannot beat the price per person on a weekend to enter this Very nice zoo! Stop by if you love animals and take a look at all the beautiful wildlife that lives here !! The zoo is very clean and the staff is so helpful and kind ,…
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Did You Know?
- Turtle Back Zoo offers free admission after 5 PM during the Christmas season through corporate sponsorship, with the zoo remaining partially open to view animals like bison, giraffes, and toucans
- The zoo features a petting zoo experience where visitors can pet and feed cownose stingrays, a unique interactive animal encounter
- During holiday season, Turtle Back Zoo offers rentable private igloos that accommodate up to 10 guests for 4-hour periods, including hot chocolate and snacks
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