Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular

            When we think of the holiday season, and the many ways to enjoy it, it’s doubtful that a trip to the zoo is one of the first things that comes to mind for most of us.  Yet, that may just be the PERFECT thing to do!  Because now you and your family can experience the Turtle Back Zoo, a local favorite for many, in a whole new “light,” so to speak.  For the sixth consecutive year, the zoo will be transformed into a spectacularly lit winter wonderland, with more than 100,000 bulbs and 40 lit displays to delight guests. 

            Wait . . . . here’s the best part . . . . .

ADMISSION IS FREE!

            That’s right – free.  For the second year in a row, the Turtle Back Zoo is offering this beautiful family holiday treat completely free of charge, and is asking only for non-perishable foods, winter coats, and UNWRAPPED, NEW toys for the needy.  It’s a way for you to make the holiday shine a little brighter for those in need, while you enjoy the beauty of the zoo’s light display. 

            This festive fun can be enjoyed from 5:00-9:00PM on weekends through mid-December, and then nightly beginning December 14^th.  The event will feature illuminated figures of animals, holiday scenes, and stars, and many of the regular exhibits at the zoo will also remain open.  The zoo’s director, Dr. Jeremy Goodman claims many of the animals are more active in the cold weather.

            The zoo , located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange, NJ, was threatened with closure in the mid-1990s,  and has come back with $20 million in new exhibits and upgrades is part of the newly rebranded South Mountain Recreation Complex.  It is thriving and growing, and thankfully remains an important part of childhood memory-making for our area, just as it did for many of US s kids!  And just think of what a fabulous memory-maker the Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular would be!  Visit  http://www.turtlebackzoo.org  for more information.