Put on your pajamas, grab some hot chocolate, and pack up the family for some magical holiday adventures! This holiday season, New Jersey is not short on holiday light displays. From drive throughs to hayrides to amusement parks, there is something for everyone. In this post, I am going to share some of the most magical experiences this year.
Magical Holiday Light Displays and Shows in NJ
Drive Through Experiences
Diggerland’s Drive Thru Holiday Light Show
Credit: Diggerland
Beginning November 17, families can head to Diggerland for a unique holiday experience. Guests will enjoy thousands of twinkling lights while driving through America’s ONLY construction themed park. Holiday music will also be provided on their very own radio station. The event will take place most evenings 5:30pm-9:30pm. Admission is $34.95 per car. Admission is only guaranteed if tickets are purchased in advance online. Holiday treats will also be available for purchase.
GLOW! Light Show
Washington Township lights up with magic this holiday season with the GLOW! Light Show. This fully immersive drive through experience features over 1 million pixels. It takes place daily through January 6, and tickets can be purchased online. After enjoying your magical journey, make sure to visit the Dazzling District Christmas Village which offers rides, music, Santa’s Workshop, games, treats, and more. Guests can also admire the 47.3-foot LED snowman that is synchronized to music.
Magic Of Lights
Credit: Magic of Lights
Returning this holiday season is the amazing Magic of Lights Drive-Through Holiday Lights Experience at PNC Banks Arts Center in Holmdel. The event takes place November 17 – December 30, and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. While there, don’t miss the all new Toyota Holiday Village featuring Illuminating Mega Trees, photos with Santa, s’mores station, outdoor ice skating rink, and more.
Orchard of Lights
Credit: Orchard of Lights
Take a leisurely drive and admire millions of twinkling lights at Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms. Families will drive around 32 acres of farmland and enjoy some holiday cheer. Families can also enjoy time by the fire pit, make s’mores, sip on hot chocolate, and visit with Santa. This event takes place November 22 – December 29. Tickets are $35/car.
Skylands Stadium Light Show
Skylands Stadium is offering their amazing drive thru holiday light show again this year. The event begins November 22 and ends December 30. Tickets are only $29/car and must be purchased in advance. After or before your drive thru, you can enjoy the Christmas Village. Admission is FREE!
Winter Wonderland Lights Spectacular
Credit: Winter Wonder Lights
This holiday season, take a drive through 1.5 million beautiful holiday lights! Located at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds in East Brunswick, the Winter Wonderland Lights Spectacular will be open daily beginning November 24 through December 31. Tickets are $30/car and should be purchased in advance. Don’t miss this larger than life light display with 30 foot trees and 4 magical tunnels, all beautifully choreographed to music playing in your car.
Walk Through Experiences
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
This holiday season head over to Brookhollow’s Barnyard in Boonton for their spectacular Holiday Light Show! This exciting walk-thru experience will run the end of November-December 31 on Thursday-Sunday. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door the day of the event. The light show is only $9.50/person.
Holiday Light Show in Historic Smithville
Credit: Historic Smithville
Floating on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville are 120 Christmas trees made out of 50,000 lights which are synchronized to music once the sun sets. Now that must be a magical sight! This magnificent light show takes place November 23 – January 6 and is FREE to admire.
Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo
This is one of my favorite holiday traditions! During the holidays, Turtle Back Zoo lights up like a magical wonderland. There are over 50 winter and animal light displays to admire as you walk around the zoo. In addition to themed events, guests can also meet Santa. Admission to this event is FREE but a donation of a non-perishable food item, new unwrapped toy, or gently used coats are appreciated.
Jefferson Winter Stroll
On December 2-3, take a ride to Camp Jefferson in Lake Hopatcong to enjoy a stroll through a winter wonderland. Sponsored by Jefferson Recreation, this is a FREE event. Guests can also enjoy holiday activities, entertainment, photos with Santa, food trucks, and so much more.
Sea of Lights
Credit: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Families can enjoy a magical indoor and outdoor holiday lights display at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk this holiday season. Sea of Lights takes place on select nights in December, and can be seen inside Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Aquarium. Each night guests can enjoy themed entertainment, including story times, character meet and greets, photos with Santa, and Diving Santa.
Hayrides
Christmas Musical Light Show Hayride
This holiday season, Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, NJ offers a truly unique holiday experience. Guests can enjoy a hayride around the farm to admire beautiful holiday lights as well as watch the Light Show on the Lake. This experience will take place November 24 through December 23
Holiday Lights Hayride
Enjoy a festive holiday hayride at Norz Hill Farm in Hillsborough Township. Every weekend November 24 – December 17, guests will take a journey through a winter wonderland. There will also be an interactive nativity and delicious treats to enjoy. Tickets are $15/person and can be purchased online.
Amusement Parks
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
Credit: Storybook Land
Since 1955, Storybook Land has been entertaining NJ families. This holiday season, make sure to visit this iconic amusement park as it is adorned with thousands of beautiful lights. It is truly a magical and memorable experience. Guests can also meet Santa. This event takes place now through December 30, and tickets can be purchased online.
Holiday in the Park
Pack up the kids and head to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ for a magical day and evening filled with holiday cheer. During the day, guests can enjoy holiday music and entertainment, and by night, the park turns into a twinkling wonderland. With millions of beautiful lights, tons of photo opportunities, and a chance to meet Santa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Holiday in the Park is open on select dates from November 24 – January 1. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entry.
Know of more light shows in NJ? Put them in the comments section below. Make sure to keep checking back in case I add some more to the list. Have a magical holiday!