The season for grand displays full of twinkling lights is upon us, and New Jersey is full of shows and drive-throughs showcasing thousands (and sometimes more) of holiday lights all in one place.
Regardless of where you plan to spend your time this holiday season, there are light events across the state, so you’ll be sure to find one wherever you are. Here are seven light shows and drive-throughs happening in New Jersey this holiday season:
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, West Orange
In true Turtle Back Zoo fashion, their displays feature the sparkling lights of animal characters and other winter symbols. The entire zoo will not be open to explore, but visitors can stop by the touch tank, reptile house and farm. The event also has photo opportunities throughout the zoo, as well as seasonal activities, a s’mores station and photos with Santa.
Tickets: Admission by donation of non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys and gently used coats..
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.
Go: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, 973-731-5800; turtlebackzoo.com/holiday-light.
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, including a light tunnel, flashing trees and other iconic Christmas figures. Afterwards, you can stop by the winter village to meet Santa, go ice skating, feast on 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: Open most days until Dec. 30. Check their calendar for specific times and availability.
Go: 94 Championship Place, Augusta; 973-383-7644; skylandsstadium.com/lightshow.
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Visitors are taken through a guided drive-through tour across 32 acres of elaborate holiday light displays at the Orchard of Lights. The display features things like light arches and tunnels, as well as holiday characters and scenes. Afterwards, you can stop by the fire pit and make your own s’mores, or pick up sweet treats at the Demarest Farms market, take photos with Santa and listen to the singing of Santa’s reindeer.
Tickets: $35 per car and must be purchased online.
Hours: Open most nights from Nov. 22 until Dec. 29. Check their calendar for specific times and availability.
Go: 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, 201-666-0472; orchardoflights.com.
Winter Chinese Lantern Festival, East Rutherford
The Winter Chinese Lantern Festival is an indoor experience where visitors are taken on a 30 minute walk through lights and handmade lanterns, made of traditional Asian silk cloth and painted designs. Visitors can also 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.
Go: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, 833-263-7326; winterlanternfestival.com/new-jersey.
Winter WonderLights, East Brunswick
A family-owned business operated for more than two decades, Winter WonderLights is a drive-through experience featuring more than 1.5 million lights animated to different holiday music. At the show, you can find 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 have 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.
Go: 655 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, 800-951-3770; winterwonderlightsshows.com.
Magic of Lights, Holmdel
Magic of Lights is a drive-through light show, where visitors are guided through an arrangement of Christmas lights, trees and decorations while listening to festive music through their live show radio station.
On Operation Sleighbells Mondays until Dec. 18, you can donate an item of children’s winter clothing for $5 off your ticket. The event also offers Two for Tuesdays, where guests can drive through the show twice for the price of one 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.
Go: 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, 980-285-2105; magicoflights.com/events/newjersey.
Diggerland’s Holiday Drive-Thru Light Show, West Berlin
At Diggerland’s Holiday Drive-Thru Light Show, vehicles will navigate their way through a magical light course that features holiday displays, tunnels and decorated construction vehicles. The course also has it’s own radio station for visitors to enjoy classic Christmas songs during their experience.
Tickets: $34.95 per vehicle and can be in person or purchased online.
Hours: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. most days until January. Check their calendar for specific dates and availability.
Go: 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, 856-768-1110; diggerlandusa.com/special-events/holiday-light-show.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].