NJIB Guide to New Jersey Christmas Light Shows and Events
Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season as we guide you through the best New Jersey Christmas light shows. From dazzling neighborhood setups to enchanting attractions, the Garden State transforms into a twinkling wonderland during this festive time. Whether you’re on the lookout for grand light shows or themed displays that capture the spirit of Christmas, New Jersey has something special for everyone.
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New Jersey Christmas Light Shows and Events:
The Village At Anne Ellen 2022
Now – December 30, Wednesday – Saturday
Welcome to The Village at Anne Ellen, where holiday magic unfolds into an enchanting experience in a winter wonderland of festive joy. Picture yourself strolling through a picturesque village adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decor, each corner holding delightful surprises. This walk-through light display features interactive exhibits, including a life-sized gingerbread house, an igloo, a candy cane factory, Santa’s coal mine, and a charming village of houses—all meticulously crafted to immerse visitors in the holiday spirit. Families can create cherished memories, surrounded by children’s laughter and the warm glow of the season. Explore Santa’s house, marvel at the candy cane factory’s magic, or venture into Santa’s coal mine where elves mine for the naughty kids. The Christmas village at Anne Ellen is where holiday dreams come true, celebrating the spirit of the season at every turn. It serves as a perfect backdrop for festive photos, creating lifelong memories, and embracing the magic of the holidays.
Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road Manalapan, NJ
Cost: $22, Kids $12
The Winter Lantern Festival
Now through January 2, 2024: 1pm -9pm (Thursdays to Sunday)
This event features over 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns and lights on display.The lanterns are made with hand-painted silk cloth and LED lights. Walk through a world full of lights and lanterns lovingly handmade by artisans—some with over 20 years of experience—and learn about the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals. Every detail, from the traditional Chinese silk cloth to the painted designs, will be illuminated as creatures made of lanterns come to life before your eyes.
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way (2nd floor around the ice rink), East Rutherford, NJ
Cost: $10 for children and $17 for adult
Morven’s “Festival of Trees”
Now – January 7, 2024, 10 am – 4 pm
Morven’s annual winter exhibition has become a must-see Princeton holiday tradition. Visitors enjoy the museum’s elegant galleries, mantels, and porches artfully decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations.
55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ
Cost: $0-$10
Let It Glow a Holiday Lantern Spectacular
Now – January 14, 2024 (Thurs – Sun)
The Friends of the Bergen County Zoo are pleased to announce that a brand new winter event is happening! Let it Glow – A Holiday Lantern Spectacular. This Extraordinary event is located inside the Bergen County Zoo. Let it Glow is a symphony of vivid glowing colors to tease your eyes and dazzle the mind. Come and enjoy an enchanting stroll throughout the zoo. These larger-than-life lanterns are amazing in picture but stunning in person! With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are more breath-taking than the last!
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
Cost: $18, $9 child
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
November 17 – December 30
The Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your car as you wind through the sparkling path of New Jersey’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price.
PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, NJ
Cost: $20+
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights
November 17-19, 24-26, December 1-3, December 8-31 (closed Dec 24 & 25)
During the holiday season, individuals can enjoy a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, bathed in the glittering lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. Embracing the spirit of giving, visitors are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats. The 2023 Holiday Lights event runs from 5 pm to 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting from November 17 to December 3, and nightly from December 8 to December 31 (closed on December 24 & 25). Admission is free, and attendees can engage in various activities such as visiting the carousel, touch tank, face painting, reptile house, farm, train, and gift shop (some activities may have associated fees). Reservations are not required. This special event offers a unique backdrop with some animals, focusing on an evening stroll through light displays and photo opportunities with friends and family. Seasonal activities include a s’mores station, Grinch weekend, and photos with Santa. While not all areas of the Zoo are open and accessible, visitors can explore the Touch Tank, Reptile House, and Farm to catch a glimpse of some animals.
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ
Cost: Free to attend
Diggerland Drive-Thru Light Show
November 17 – January 7, 2024
Embark on an extraordinary experience at the Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show hosted by Diggerland, the unique construction theme and water park. Visitors can drive through the park, witnessing a spectacular light show, holiday displays, and enchanting tunnels, and tune in to the dedicated radio station to infuse their car with the festive spirit. Diggerland invites families to make this drive-thru holiday event a cherished tradition.
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
Cost: $34.95 per car
Christmas Fantasy with Lights
November 18 – December 30, dates and times vary
In the most magical time of the year, Storybook Land invites visitors to join the enchantment. At 5:00 pm each night, Santa Claus waves his magic wand, illuminating Storybook Land with over 1 million lights for the holiday season. Tickets are available for either weekdays (Mondays through Thursdays) or weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).
Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Cost: $32.95
South Jersey Holiday Lights Show
November 18 – December 30 (Select Dates); Opens at 5 pm
The South Jersey Holiday Light Show is the only drive-through holiday light spectacular in Southern New Jersey. Featuring dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday-themed displays to delight the entire family. Visitors are welcome to bundle up in their car, pack a favorite snack or beverage, and tune their radio to enjoy the synced light performance as they travel the more than 1 mile route through the holiday light show. The show is approximately 20-25 minutes long.
Bridgeport Speedway, 83 Flood Gate Rd, Swedesboro, NJ
Skylands Stadium’s Light Show and Christmas Village
Select Dates November 22 – December 30
Visitors are invited to their favorite stadium for the holidays to explore an outdoor Christmas Village featuring various attractions. Highlights include a Drive-Thru Lightfest, an outdoor skating rink, opportunities for photos with Santa, a S’mores station, local artisan shops, carnival rides, and a selection of seasonal food and drinks.
Skylands Stadium, Augusta, NJ
Cost: $29 per car
Family Christmas Activities at Johnson’s Corner Farm
November 24 – December 23
Join together by the fire pits at Johnson’s Corner Farm’s Discovery Barnyard to toast marshmallows and witness the lake illuminate in a stunning display. Don’t miss out on the Christmas “Light Show” Hayride for a festive journey through more of the farm adorned with holiday lights.
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ
Cost: $9.95+
Christmas Underwater
November 24 – December 24
In the spirit of the season, Adventure Aquarium presents Christmas Underwater from November 24 to December 24! Guests can experience the festive magic as Scuba Santa takes a dive with sharks, sea turtles, and rays, spreading Christmas cheer to all visitors. Both on land and sea, holiday surprises await, featuring the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree and enchanting snow-like flurries in the Snowtunda.
Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
Cost: $27.99 – $47.99
Holiday Lights Trolley Ride
Select Dates November 24 – December 31
A trolley ride along the historic streets of Cape May is a delightful experience, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. As Christmas music fills the air, participants can also learn about the historical roots of many contemporary Christmas traditions. The Victorian charm of Cape May shines particularly bright during the holiday season, making this trolley ride an ideal outing to share with friends and family, reveling in the Christmas spirit of Cape May. The trolleys are open-air, and it’s recommended to bring blankets for added comfort.
1048 Washington St., Cape May, NJ
Cost: $20 Adults, $15 Kids
Holiday Lights Hayride
November 24 – December 17
Looking for family Christmas activities and holiday fun? Bring your family and friends for a festive holiday lights tractor-drawn hayride. Norz Hill Farm offers Hayride experiences complete with holiday lights, outdoor interactive displays, a spin by the animals, and perhaps a stop by Santa’s cornfield office! If you looking for family Christmas activities, Norz Hill Farm’s provides the best family fun and holiday lights in New Jersey.
Norz Hill Farm, 120 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough, NJ
Cost: $13+
Old Fashioned Christmas on the Farm & Walk through Light Show
November 24 – December 23, Every Thursday – Sunday 4-8 pm
Upon arrival, families can head to Allaire Community Farm’s historic 100-year-old Barn, transformed into a festive Farmers Market. Amidst a charming Christmas village display, they can obtain admission, feed bags, Polar Express tickets, Yuletide wagon ride tickets, and enjoy warm hot chocolate. Exiting the market, the journey into the Farm unfolds like a magical Lifesize Christmas village, offering a preview of the upcoming adventure. With indoor and outdoor petting zoos, Santa photo ops, holiday movies, a Model Train House, and a picturesque holiday ambiance, visitors are immersed in festive spirit. Opting for a Yuletide Wagon ride or Polar Express tickets adds magic, guiding families through tunnels of lights, the Mighty Christmas Village, and outdoor paddocks with various animals. The event proceeds directly support the nonprofit organization’s mission, benefiting rescued animals and programs for special needs individuals, teens with mental health issues, and Veterans with PTSD throughout the winter season.
1923 Baileys Corner Rd, Wall Township, NJ
Cost: $6 Children 18 & under, $10 Adults, Children under 1 are free
Winter WonderLights
November 24 – December 31
In New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show drive-thru at Middlesex County Fair Grounds, over 1.5 million lights dance to cherished holiday tunes. The family-owned business, with a two-decade history of creating spectacular Christmas light displays, presents Winter WonderLights, featuring 30′ Christmas trees, four magical tunnels, a tribute to first responders and the US Armed Forces, and other breathtaking, larger-than-life holiday displays—all synchronized to the music playing in visitors’ cars. This year, a new addition is Dave’s Delicious Fries Food Truck on-site, offering renowned fries and other delectable snacks, allowing guests to bundle up in their cars, tune in to the radio, and enjoy an incredible holiday experience.
655 Cranbury Rd East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $30 per car, $125 season pass
Holiday in the Park Six Flags Great Adventure
Select Dates November 24 – January 1, 2024
Get ready to experience your favorite amusement park in a festive way that puts you in the holiday spirit. Hope on the Ferris wheel, ride a coaster or take a spin on the carousel, all while being surrounded by glittering lights. There will be shows, rides, food, and of course, beautiful holiday displays along with the arrival of Santa.
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ
Cost: $50 and up
Creamy Acre’s Night of Lights County Christmas Hayride
November 25 & 26, December 2 & 3, December 9 – 24
Experience holiday traditions at Creamy Acres as the 100-acre dairy farm becomes a Christmas Wonderland with dazzling light displays, Musical Dancing Tree shows, and festive lights. Families can enjoy the magic from their vehicles, tuning in to the private radio station for favorite Christmas songs. The Night of Lights Light Show Extravaganza now features a doubled display, creating an even more awe-inspiring one-and-a-half-mile drive-through experience.
448 Lincoln Mill Road, Mullica Hill, NJ
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the gate.
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
Select Dates November 23 – December 30
Embrace the enchantment of the holiday season at Demarest Farms. Immerse yourself in the joy and wonder of the Orchard of Lights, guiding your vehicle through 32 acres of dazzling holiday light displays. Cozy up by the fire pit, indulge in hot cocoa and treats at the retail farm market, and capture memories with Santa. Engage in festive activities such as crafting your own s’mores, listening to Santa’s singing reindeer, and more.
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ
Cost: $35 per car
Smithville Village’s Holiday Light Show
December 1 – 31 every night, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on lake Meone and light up to the music around you. It is an orchestrated show of lights and music played out across the lake.
615 East Moss Mill Road, Galloway, NJ
Cost: Free
Sea of Lights Holiday Lights
December 9, 16, 22 & 23, 27 & 28, 4 pm – 8 pm
Celebrate the season at the annual Sea of Lights Holiday and Lights Spectacular, taking place on December 9th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, and 28th from 4-8 pm each night. Delight in various entertainment from 5-8 pm, featuring Santa’s photo sessions on December 9th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd, followed by his festive dive into the Aquarium tanks on December 27th & 28th at 5 pm & 6:30 pm. Exciting new holiday entertainment includes Princess Sweets & Treats with the Winter Princess & Queen, Elf Storytime, Snow-ville Shows, Eyes of the Wild Animal Shows, and character meet-and-greets with the happy reindeer and dancing snowman from a beloved “chilly” movie. This festive extravaganza unfolds inside the Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
