It’s almost that time of year. Typically, the day after Thanksgiving is when some New Jerseyans put out their home Christmas lights. Some do it even sooner, but this year, beyond the beauty of a well-decorated home in your neighborhood, there are many dazzling Christmas light displays all over the state.
They range from extravagant public displays free to all to commercial displays that typically charge per vehicle.
Here are five great Christmas light displays in New Jersey
Smithville Holiday Light Show
Historic Smithville is not only a great place to catch a great light show, it’s also a great place to get some of your holiday shopping done. Located on Lake Meone at the Historic Smithville and Village Greene, the Holiday Light Show will not disappoint as you gaze out into the lake at 120 Christmas trees decorated with 50,000 lights.
The Smithville Holiday Light Show runs from November 25th through Thursday, January 6th from 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm.
“The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights seem to dance and chase each other to the music all the while reflecting off the water’s surface. This show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge,” Historic Smithville describes the event.
The shops at Smithville are open 7 days a week during this time from 10 am to 7 pm during the week and close at 9 pm on Friday and Saturday. Learn more about the Smithville Holiday Light Show.
PNC Bank Magic of Lights
Located just off the Garden State Parkway at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, the Magic of Lights is one of the biggest and best light displays in New Jersey, but it can also be one of the most frustrating. The sheer popularity of this large drive-through light show sometimes makes for a difficult time getting in.
Tickets start at $30 per car and you can purchase snacks at the start of the tour. The light show winds through the parking lot and access roads around the art center and is themed with different sections including Toyland, Candy Land, Fairy Tales, Christmas Around the World, the 12 Days of Christmas and sports. Some of the more interesting spots include the ornament passage and snowflake forest.
Visit the PNC Bank Magic of Lights show at PNC Bank Art Center.
Six Flags Great Adventure Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Great Adventure’s spectacular winter festival, Holiday in the Park, will shine brighter than ever with millions of glittering lights, festive foods, thrilling, new rides, and holiday entertainment. Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience, which debuted in 2020, will return by popular demand. From November 13, 2021 through January 9, 2022, the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park will transform into an eye-popping winter wonderland. This immersive and enchanting holiday experience will offer guests two ways to experience the joy of the holidays. Coordinated sights, sounds, scents, and attractions will give each section a distinct character. The events are included with all active Memberships and Season Passes. See what’s happening at Holiday in the Park in 2021.
Storybook Land
Imagine a place where time stood still and mid-twentieth century values and memories were captured in a time capsule…and you can visit that time capsule. That’s what you get at Storybook Land all year long, but during the holidays, Storybook Land is one of the most special places in New Jersey. Each night the park has an official lighting ceremony complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Wind your way through the entire park, beautifully decorated for Christmas with storybook-inspired kiosks and themed areas throughout the park that have entertained generations of New Jersey children.
Christmas lights at Storybook Land takes place from November 13th until December 30th. Kids of all ages will enjoy Storybook Land during their winter festival and the rides stay open for the event.
See what else is happening at Storybook Land.
Holidig Lightshow at Diggerland
One of the newer additions to the New Jersey holiday scene is the Holidig light show at Diggerland. The holiday light show drive-through is your typical drive-through holiday experience, but with the addition of heavy construction machinery. The entire trip runs about 15 minutes through.
Check out what’s happening at the Holidig light show at Diggerland.
Do you have a Christmas or holiday themed event this year in New Jersey? Drop us a line and let us know. Send us photos and as much information as possible to news@shorenewsnetwork.com.