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Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
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New Jersey's Best Christmas Light Shows and Holiday Drive-Thrus

The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
11/24/23 - By Laurie Rein

Make the most magical time of the year even more special with a visit to one of New Jersey's spectacular Christmas light displays. At holiday lights drive-thrus, you stay toasty in your car and journey through a sparkling course. At others, you can stretch your legs as you wander past holiday lights and experience the magic up close.

Whichever you choose, pile the kids in the car with some snacks, crank up the holiday tunes, and journey out to see one of these impressive holiday light displays.

Find must-do holiday activities and more ways to be merry in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families. 

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The Magic of Lights spectacular is returning to Holmdel this holiday season. Photo courtesy of PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights
The Magic of Lights spectacular is returning to Holmdel this holiday season. Photo courtesy of PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights

Holiday Light Drive-Thrus in NJ

Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland

West Berlin
Select dates through Sunday, January 7, 2024
Diggerland shines this holiday season with a 1-mile drive-thru course covered in hundreds of twinkling lights. America’s only construction theme park is illuminated with holiday displays, and visitors can enjoy tasty treats. Stream its radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit. READ MORE

PNC Bank Arts Center Magic of Lights

Holmdel
Daily through Saturday, December 30, 2023
Take a drive through this spectacular holiday light experience, which uses LED technology and digital animation. Tune your radio into a holiday soundtrack and wind past themed displays like "Christmas Around the World," "Toyland," "Nativity," and more. READ MORE

Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village

Augusta
Select dates through Saturday, December 30, 2023
Sussex County’s favorite stadium hosts this dazzling winter wonderland, showcasing a mile-long drive-thru course glittering with displays and an enchanting Christmas Village full of fun activities, delicious treats, memory-making photo ops, and much more. READ MORE

Winter WonderLights Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru

East Brunswick
Daily from Friday, November 24 through Sunday, December 31, 2023
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes, with 12 trees, a tunnel of lights, a tribute to first responders, and stunning, larger-than-life, holiday-themed displays synchronized to music playing in your car. READ MORE

Lilonsky Family Light Show

Marlboro–FREE
Daily from Friday, November 24-Monday, January 1, 2024
Drive by this fun family light display. Just sit in your car, tune your radio, and watch as the lights dance to the music. READ MORE

Night of Lights at Creamy Acres Farms

Mullica Hill
Select dates from Friday, November 24-Saturday, December 23, 2023
This dairy farm transforms into a 1-and-a-half-mile drive-thru Christmas Wonderland filled with brilliant light displays, including a musical dancing tree. The lights sync to holiday music played from your vehicle.  READ MORE

Glow at Washington Township

Washington Township–FREE
Daily from Friday, November 24-Sunday, December 31, 2023
Take a magical drive through this synchronized light display in Washington Township. Reservations for timeslots can be made online. READ MORE

Fleetwood Lights–A Christmas Lights House Display

Rockaway–FREE
Daily from Friday, December 1-Sunday, December 31, 2023
Fleetwood Lights, a Christmas lights house display, features almost 19,000 light pixels that are synchronized to music, creating a holiday display that you will not forget.  READ MORE
Take in the glittering and festive decorations at the Village at Ann Ellen. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Take in the glittering and festive decorations at the Village at Ann Ellen. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Walk-Through Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Jackson
Select dates from Friday, November 24- Monday, January 1, 2024
(details tba) Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, and a little flurry of magic nightly. Visit the North Pole Village, and hop aboard many popular rides.  READ MORE

The Village at Anne Ellen

Manalapan
Select dates through Saturday, December 30, 2023
Take an interactive evening stroll through the Village's Christmas experience. A hayride brings guests through the Christmas tree fields to the walking paths, which feature unique and brilliant displays. Don't miss the life-sized gingerbread house and igloo.  READ MORE

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

West Orange–FREE
Select dates through Sunday, December 31, 2023
Take a nighttime stroll through the Turtle Back Zoo to see more than 50 illuminated winter scenes and animal characters. Santa stops by the fun on select days.  READ MORE

Christmas Fantasy With Lights at Storybook Land

Egg Harbor Township
Select dates through Saturday, December 30, 2023
Help welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Storybook Land through the end of December. Each night at dusk, Santa appears at the chimney and waves his wand, magically lighting up the park. READ MORE

Orchard of Lights

Hillsdale
Select dates through Friday, December 29, 2023
It's that magical time of year when Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights. Take your car on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays. Then, visit Santa, warm up by the fire pit, and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market. READ MORE

Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show

Smithville–FREE
Thursdays through Sundays from Thursday, November 23-Saturday, January 6, 2024
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees magically float on Lake Meone and light up to the music around you. READ MORE

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular

Paramus
Select dates through Sunday, January 14, 2024
The Bergen County Zoo is illuminated with holiday cheer in the evening all season long. Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed, creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo. READ MORE

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