There is no better way to spend the holiday season than enjoying a festive light show against the backdrop of a twinkly, dark winter sky. Make it a memorable family outing or a romantic date night. Mark your calendars and grab a warm coat, because we have found several light shows here in New Jersey to set your night aglow.
Magic of Lights PNC Bank Arts Center
November 17 – December 30
Sunday – Thursday | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Friday – Saturday | 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
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Hit the road, crank up the heat and embark on a holiday light excursion with your favorite crew. PNC Bank Arts Center is returning this holiday season with an unforgettable Magic of Lights spectacle that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. Buy your tickets here.
116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ 07733
“Let It Glow!” at the Bergen County Zoo
November 9 2023 – January 14 2024
Thursdays & Sundays | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Fridays & Saturdays | 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Bergen County zoo is returning this year for its unique “Let it Glow” light spectacle. Over 30 life-size displays of glowing animal lanterns illuminate the park, setting the scene for a perfect photo opportunity. Tickets include a walk through the zoo and a train ride.
216 Forest Avenue, Paramus NJ, 07652
Skyland Stadium’s Light Show
November 22 – December 30
Time slots vary by ticket
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Check out Skyland Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village this holiday season for an impressive mile-long drive through, lit up with over two million lights. After the lightfest, step into the Christmas Village and warm up by the fire with smores and hot cocoa, or take family photos with Santa. Buy your tickets here.
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show
November 23 – January 06 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
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Enjoy the dazzling light display at the Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show where over 120 glowing Christmas trees float on Lake Meone. Admire the reflecting lights dancing across the water accompanied by orchestrated music that will make you feel at home.
1 N New York Rd, Galloway, NJ, 08205
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
November 17 – December 31 | 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo is hosting an unforgettable holiday light show, featuring train and carousel rides, visits to the reptile house, the touch tank, and pony rides. Tickets are free; however, donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats are recommended in celebration of this season of giving.
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ, 07052
Six Flags Great Adventure Holiday in the Park
November 14 – January 1 | dates and times vary
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Calling all thrill seekers to spend this holiday season at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Holiday in the Park. Ride on your favorite roller-coasters and bask in the holiday cheer with light shows, festive feasts, a visit from Santa, and other holiday entertainment to make this holiday season one to remember. Get your tickets here.
1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527
Christmas StoryBook Land
November 18 – December 30 | dates and times vary
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Come to StoryBook Land, a family-run theme park and witness its impressive display of dazzling lights and holiday-themed festivities. With over 15 rides well-suited for the little ones, and visits from Mr. Claus himself, StoryBook Land is the perfect place to enjoy quality time spent with family. Buy your tickets here.
6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 08234
Winter WonderLights Spectacular
November 24 – December 31 | 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Winter WonderLights drive through
Winter Wonderlights drive through is an annual family-run light show at Middlesex County FairGrounds. There you can enjoy over 1.5 million twinkling lights, animated in sync to their holiday-themed radio station. Sing along to your favorite holiday tunes and enjoy the larger-than-life light displays! Buy your tickets here.
655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 17 – December 23
Sunday – Thursday | 4:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Friday – Saturday | 4:45 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
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All aboard the DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express! At DiDonato’s age friendly park, experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Mr. Claus and his elves in their workshop, enjoy some tasty treats, and get the perfect backdrop for a family Christmas photo. Purchase tickets here.
1151 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton Pike, NJ 08037
Johnson’s Corner Farm Holiday
November 24 – December 23
Monday – Thursday | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.| Friday – Sunday | 5:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m. |
Johnson Corner Farm Holiday Hay Ride
Johnson’s Corner Farm Holiday returns this holiday season with endless opportunities to bask in the joy of the holidays. Enjoy a Christmas hayride around the farm with a musical lightshow, visit the goats and cows at the animal farm, and warm up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Ticket reservations are required and available here.
133 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Creamy Acres Night Of Lights
November 24 – December 24 | dates and times vary
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Come witness Creamy Acres 100-acre dairy farm’s transformation into a winter wonderland this holiday season. Guests have the option of experiencing the “Night of Lights” drive-through within the comfort of their own vehicle or enjoying a limited availability hayride accompanied with holiday tunes. Buy your tickets here.
448 Lincoln Mill Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Christmas In Cape May
November 17 2023 – January 1 2024 | dates and times vary
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Victorian Cape May transforms into a charming Christmas village, buzzing with excitement during the holiday season. Enjoy a trolly ride through the historic town or take advantage of Cape May’s beloved candlelight house tours. Ticket prices vary based on tours and can be purchased here.
2 comments
These lists from the digest are always great.
NJ is a long state. It would be nice to have an embedded interactive map with all these destinations on the list articles. Some other websites like `The infatuation` do that and it’s very helpful.
Hey Jay, we’ve tried that once before in our “Top 40 Pizzas” list, but will definitely look into employing it for more articles in the future. Thanks for the suggestion!