New Jersey hosts an assortment of immersive light displays, transforming ordinary spaces into radiant spectacles in true festive spirit. Whether it’s the captivating drive-through adventures, guided tours through meticulously crafted scenes, or enchanting indoor lantern festivals, each attraction promises a unique and awe-inspiring journey through the world of holiday lights.
Top Spots to See Christmas Lights in New Jersey
- Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, West Orange
In true Turtle Back Zoo fashion, the holiday lights event showcases sparkling displays featuring animal characters and winter symbols. While the entire zoo is not open for exploration, visitors can stop by the touch tank, reptile house, and farm. The event also offers photo opportunities, seasonal activities, a s’mores station, and the chance to capture memories with Santa.
- Tickets: Get a pass by donating non-perishable food, toys, and gently used clothing.
- Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday from Nov. 17 to Dec. 3, then daily 5 to 9 p.m. from Dec. 8 to Dec. 30; closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
- Location: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, Turtle Back Zoo.
- Event Duration: Open until Dec. 31
- Skylands Stadium Light Show and Village, Augusta
The 10th annual Christmas Light Show and Village at Skylands Stadium takes visitors through a mile-long drive-through show featuring more than two million bright lights. After the dazzling display, you can stop by the winter village to meet Santa, go ice skating, enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores, and participate in festive games.
- Tickets: $29 per car for standard admission or $79 per car for VIP admission. Tickets must be purchased online, in advance.
- Hours: Check their calendar for specific times and availability.
- Location: 94 Championship Place, Augusta; Skylands Stadium.
- Event Duration: Open most days until Dec. 30
- Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
The Orchard of Lights is a guided drive-through tour across 32 acres of elaborate holiday light displays. Featuring light arches, tunnels, holiday characters, and scenes, the Orchard of Lights promises a magical experience. After the tour, stop by the fire pit for s’mores, visit the Demarest Farms market for sweet treats, take photos with Santa, and listen to the singing of Santa’s reindeer.
- Tickets: $35 per car and must be purchased online.
- Hours: Check their calendar for specific times and availability.
- Location: 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, Orchard of Lights.
- Event Duration: Open most nights from Nov. 22 until Dec. 29.
- Winter Chinese Lantern Festival, East Rutherford
The Winter Chinese Lantern Festival at the American Dream Mall offers an indoor experience with a 30-minute walk through lights and handmade lanterns. Crafted from traditional Asian silk cloth and painted designs, the lanterns create a captivating atmosphere. Visitors can even make their own paper lanterns to take home.
- Tickets: $10 for children ages four to 13; $17 for those 13 and older, plus a $2.30 booking fee.
- Hours: 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, until Jan. 2.
- Location: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, Winter Lantern Festival.
- Event Duration: 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, until Jan. 2
- Winter WonderLights, East Brunswick
Operated by a family for over two decades, Winter WonderLights is a drive-through experience featuring more than 1.5 million lights animated to different holiday music. The show includes 30-inch Christmas trees, four magical tunnels, and a tribute to first responders and the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, the event will also feature Dave’s Delicious Fries Food Truck on-site.
- Tickets: $30 per car for one-time general admission, or $125 per car for a season pass.
- Hours: 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31.
- Location: 655 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, Winter WonderLights.
- Event Duration: 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31
- Magic of Lights, Holmdel
Held at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, Magic of Lights is a drive-through light show featuring Christmas lights, trees, and decorations. Visitors are guided through the festive arrangement while listening to holiday music through their live show radio station. Don’t miss Operation Sleighbells Mondays, where you can donate children’s winter clothing for $5 off your ticket.
- Tickets: $35 per car when purchased online.
- Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, until Dec. 30.
- Location: 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, Magic of Lights.
- Event Duration: Open until Dec. 30
- Diggerland’s Holiday Drive-Thru Light Show, West Berlin
Diggerland’s Holiday Drive-Thru Light Show features construction vehicles covered in lights, navigating through a magical light course with holiday displays, tunnels, and decorated construction vehicles. The experience includes a radio station for visitors to enjoy classic Christmas songs during their drive.
- Tickets: $34.95 per vehicle
- Hours: Check their calendar for specific dates and availability.
- Location: 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, Diggerland USA.
- Event Duration: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. most days until January
Final Words for A Radiant New Jersey Holiday
As the holiday season blankets New Jersey in shimmering lights, these displays serve as more than just visual delights. They encapsulate the joy, warmth, and tradition of Christmas, inviting families and friends to create cherished memories while basking in the radiant beauty of these captivating holiday spectacles. Explore the enchanting realms of light displays across the state and revel in the magic that defines the festive spirit of New Jersey.
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