The Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange is back again this year, and kicks off for the season on Sunday, November 22nd. Throughout the end of November and through December, visitors can experience over 100,000 lights and a variety of holiday-themed activities — great for kids and adults alike. Read on for more about the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, New Jersey.
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The History
The zoo has been hosting the Holiday Lights Spectacular since 2006, which began as part of the revitalization in the early 2000s. Thanks to an increase in funding and accreditation from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Turtle Back Zoo was able to significantly invest not only in the quality of its facilities, but also to expand its educational programs and community outreach. What started as a way to bring visitors in the cold winter months is now a family-friendly must-plan for those looking to soak up as much holiday cheer as possible.
Read More: 8 Christmas-Themed Activities in New Jersey
The Holiday Attractions
In addition to the 50+ winter and animal displays to see while strolling through the zoo, there are numerous regular attractions and activities to be enjoyed.
Of the year-round operations, guests can ride the endangered species carousel, visit the indoor reptile house, experience the marine life touch tank, and hop on the zoo train to move about, among other things, per Turtle Back Zoo’s website.
On Fridays + Saturdays, from November 22nd to December 13th, then nightly from December 13th to December 23rd, there is an opportunity to take professional photos with Santa at the gazebo. The professional photos are available to purchase however, guests are permitted to take personal photos at no charge.
Special events and activities also include Grinch Weekend and holiday story time.
Because no holiday fun can be complete without some treats, Turtle Back Zoo is roasting s’mores at the outdoor cafe as well. There will also be kettle corn, hot cocoa, zeppoles, and Wetzel’s Pretzels, and the cafe will be open for indoor dining. Guests can also rent “Enchanted Igloos” in the picnic area.
See More: Holiday Pop-Up Markets + Bars in New Jersey for the 2024 Season
Admission = Free
The Turtle Back Zoo will not be requiring admission for its holiday light display. Instead, the zoo is accepting donations of non-perishable food items, gently used winter coats, and new toys that will be distributed to local non-profit organizations.
There is free parking available throughout the South Mountain complex, and strollers are available to rent as needed. The Holiday Lights Spectacular is open Friday through Sunday from Friday, November 22nd to Sunday, November 24th, from Friday, November 29th through Wednesday, December 4th, and then takes place nightly starting Friday, December 6th through Tuesday, December 31st, 2024. It is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Head to Turtle Back Zoo’s website for more information.
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Where to Order Thanksgiving Pies in Montclair + Essex County
November is here — which means Thanksgiving is on its way, and it's great to start planning early. Thanksgiving is full of traditions — some are family-related, some are sports-related. But an argument could be made that the most important traditions are the food traditions, because let's face it, food is such an important part of this holiday. There is nothing better than a Thanksgiving pie made fresh and sweet. Several Montclair and Essex County businesses serve up sweet treats — the perfect pinnacle of pie for a Thanksgiving dinner. We've rounded up where to find Thanksgiving pies in Montclair and the greater Essex County area in New Jersey. Read on to learn where to get Thanksgiving pies this holiday season in and around Montclair and Essex County, New Jersey.
Disclaimer: This is a growing list. To request to be added, please send a note to [email protected].
The Able Baker | 187 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
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The order deadline for Thanksgiving pies at this small business is November 20th, and there are a variety of options for every sweet tooth. Pumpkin, pecan, and salted maple pies are all available, but the local apple double-crust pie is the most popular option. You can pick up the pies on November 26th or November 27th; click here to order.
Gencarelli's Bakery | 446 Broad Street, Bloomfield
This bakery is serving classic Thanksgiving pies, including apple crumb, the classic apple, and — although it's not traditionally related to Thanksgiving — lemon meringue. Customers can also order sugar-free apple crumb and apple pies. There is no pre-order deadline, but a minimum of a 24-hour notice is required for all orders. See here for the menu.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Planning in Montclair + Essex County
In the Company of Yum | Based Out of Montclair
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This online pie company is a woman and minority-owned business selling stunning pies in a variety of flavors. Owner Jessica Glass works hard to ensure everyone can celebrate all occasions with pie. The Thanksgiving menu recently went live and features options like Grandma Eloise's Sweet Potato, rum raisin apple, salted maple, and more. See here for the menu. The deadline to place orders is November 23rd.
Jayce Baudry French Pastry | 17 Church Street, Montclair
This French bakery is serving Thanksgiving pies for most of November. Customers can begin pre-ordering from November 11th through December 1st. The Thanksgiving menu can be found here, and it features stunning (we mean it, stunning) pies like the apple pie crumb, the pumpkin spice pie, and the chocolate pecan bourbon pie.
Ladyfingers Bakery + Bar | 1109 Broad Street, Bloomfield
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To satisfy your sweet tooth, Ladyfingers Bakery + Bar, sister restaurant of The Brookdale and Fanny's, features 10-inch pies with flavors like chocolate pudding, apple, pumpkin, and pecan pie on its menu. Although there isn't a pre-order deadline, pre-orders are encouraged, as there will be limited availability in-store. To place an order, email [email protected] or call 973-343-5110.
Le French Dad Boulangerie | 10 Church Street, Montclair
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Le French Dad will provide a variety of Thanksgiving pie options. Customers can expect to see apple, pumpkin, and pecan pie on the menu, as well as a box of seasonal doughnuts like apple cider, pumpkin spice, and more. The pre-order deadline is November 22nd, and the online order deadline is November 24th. All orders must be picked up at the Church Street location on November 26th or November 27th. To place orders, see here.
Libelula Bakery + Kitchen | 5 North Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
This spot brings Peruvian, Dominican, and Latino culinary culture to the Montclair food scene. This Thanksgiving, it will be providing Thanksgiving pies and even catering to order for the holiday. Pie choices include spiced apple pie, pumpkin tart, chocolate salted caramel, and pecan pie bars (sold in a dozen or half-dozen). Call the bakery + restaurant at 973-707-2082 for more information.
The Little Daisy Bake Shop | 622 Valley Road, Montclair
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Known for its colorful baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, scones, and whoopie pies, this Montclair shop has curated its own Thanksgiving menu. Pie choices include pumpkin pie, key lime pie, apple crumb pie, and a maple pumpkin cheesecake pie. Other sweets include pumpkin spice cake, a Thanksgiving-themed cake, and more. There is no pre-order deadline, but orders must be placed with a minimum of 24 hours' notice and picked up on November 26th. Click here to browse the entire Thanksgiving selection.
Mattarello Bakery + Café | 254 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
With doughnuts, cakes, gluten-free items, and more, this local Montclair bakery is also a great place to buy holiday pies. From apple pie to Nutella pie to apricot, there are lots of yummy choices here. Readers can find the menu for online ordering here. There isn't a set date for pre-order deadlines, but this bakery encourages customers to order before November 25th.
Palmer's Bakehouse | 1 Highland Place, Maplewood
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At Palmer's Bakehouse, pre-orders for pies are being accepted until November 19th. This includes the brown butter pecan pie, classic apple pie, and so much more. Biscuits, scones, and many other sweet options are also available. Pickups will be on November 26th and November 27th. Place your order here.
The Pie Store | 100 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
This bakery’s specialty is sweet and savory British pies, alongside groceries imported from the UK. The shop has in-store and online delivery, and the sweet pies, like apple and cran-apple, complement savory pies and hearty soups for a one-stop Thanksgiving shop.
Plum Bakery Gluten-Free | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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Gluten-free eaters: this one is for you. Plum Bakery is accepting orders until November 23rd at 3PM. The Thanksgiving online orders can be picked up on November 27th after 11AM. You can find options like apple crumb, cranberry apple crumb, coconut custard, pumpkin, and more. Click here to order.
Stuff by SJ | 342 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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This woman-owned small business makes handmade cakes, cupcakes, treats, and — of course — pies. These beautiful Thanksgiving pies can be picked up ahead of time, or you can sign up for free local delivery on November 27th. On the menu are a pumpkin pecan streusel, a classic apple pie, a Dutch apple pie, and a classic pumpkin pie. You can pre-order your Thanksgiving pie here. There is no official pre-order deadline, but Stuffed by SJ recommends customers order before Sunday, November 24th.
See More: Your Guide to Thanksgiving Pies in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Bayonne
Bonus
Anthony’s Cheesecake + Restaurant | 71 Washington Street, Bloomfield
This bakery will serve a variety of holiday desserts. Thanksgiving pies may not be on the menu, but customers can order cheesecakes in the New York style, pumpkin, apple crumb, and more. Seven-layer cakes, quiches, and other baked goods, like homemade brown butter cookies and pumpkin swirl tres leches, will also be available. See the full menu here.
She Imagined Sweets | 147 Valley Road, Montclair
This charming little bakery, known for its mini cheesecake creations, will be open on Thanksgiving day from 12PM to 3PM and is taking holiday catering orders. This spot does not serve pies, but the "Flavors of Fall" package, which comes with pumpkin, caramel apple, and cinnamon roll cheesecakes, would make a great addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
