Magic of Lights NJ is an annual holiday event that brings joy and wonder to families in New Jersey. This enchanting experience transforms the PNC Bank Arts Center into a dazzling winter wonderland, filled with thousands of sparkling lights and festive displays. Visitors to Magic of Lights NJ are treated to a one-mile drive-through experience, where they can marvel at the stunning light installations from the comfort of their own vehicles. As they make their way through the winding path, they will encounter a variety of themed sections, each more magical than the last. One of the highlights of Magic of Lights NJ is the Tunnel of Lights, a mesmerizing display of lights that creates a magical, immersive experience for visitors. As cars pass through the tunnel, they are surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
10 Best Drive-Thru Christmas Light Shows in and near NJ
As cars pass through the tunnel, they are surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Another popular feature of Magic of Lights NJ is the Holiday Village, where visitors can get out of their cars and explore a charming winter village. Here, they can enjoy holiday treats, take a ride on a festive train, and even meet Santa Claus himself.
Experience the magic of holiday lights 2023 right from your car!
Get into the spirit with holiday cheer with these nearby drive-thru shows. From the comforts of your own vehicle, your whole family can relax and enjoy a spectacular Christmas light show. Beautiful colorful holiday lights will certainly bring out the kid in all of us. Get ready to take great photos. Please check venue for any changes. Check NJ Kids Calendar for more events.
1. Winter WonderLights Spectacular
Nov 24, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023. A 1/2 mile Drive-Thru journey. Celebrate Winter Wonder Lights at the Middlesex County Fair Grounds. This spectacular show is filled with over 1.5 million animated Christmas lights. Listen to your favorite holiday music. Fun for all ages. Tickets available online or at the gate. 655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ.
2. Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show & Village
Nov - Dec, 2023. This one mile Drive-Thru light show experience is great fun for kids and adults of all ages. Skylands Stadium is transformed into a dazzling array of 2 million lights this Christmas. Enjoy an Outdoor Village and Winter Carnival. Details online. 94 Champion Place, Augusta NJ.
3. Diggerland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Opens Nov 2023. Get in to the holiday spirit. Drive through Diggerland’s construction theme & water park to see lights, holiday displays, and tunnels. Listen to holiday music in your car. Tickets available online. 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ.
4. Magic of Lights at the PNC Bank Arts Center
Through Dec 30, 2023. Drive your vehicle through 1-2 miles of themed holiday lights and digital animations at the PNC Bank Arts Center. You’ll be treated to favorite holiday scenes and characters using the latest LED technology. This winter wonderland comes alive with Christmas trees, The North Pole, elves, Santa and more! Purchase your tickets in advance. 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel, NJ.
5. Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
Nov 22, 2023 - Dec 29, 2023. Drive your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of amazing holiday light displays at Demarest Farms. Enjoy hot cocoa and market treats. Don’t forget to take pictures with Santa and listen to Santa’s singing Reindeer. Buy tickets online. 244 Wierimus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ.
6. GLOW at Washington Township
Through Dec 30, 2023. Spectacular night time drive-thru Visit Glow Show. A one of a kind synchronized drive-thru holiday light show with over 2 million lights. Buy tickets online. 217 Cross Key Roads, Washington Township, NJ.
7. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza
Nov 24, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023. From the safety of your own car, drive along 1.2 miles of interactive fun and see thousands of holiday lights and magical animations. At the Westchester Winter Wonderland, you can experience the North Pole, Santa, Rudolph's Runway, Snowball the Elf and much more! Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla, NY.
8. Magic of Lights Jones Beach State Park
Nov - Dec 30, 2023. Family friendly drive-thru Holiday Light experience at Jones Beach. Start off on a 2 mile course and see over 40 holiday scenes of LED light displays. Featuring The North Pole, candy canes, a Victorian Village, elves, Santa, toy land, and more! Don't miss seeing the Snow Dogs this year. Buy tickets in advance. 895 Bay Parkway Jones Beach, NY.
9. Hershey Sweet Lights
Now through Jan 1, 2024. Sit in the comfort of your own car as you and your family enjoy the Hershey Sweet Lights drive-thru attraction. A 2-mile course featuring a Winter Wonderland with 600 illuminated animal displays. Listen to a custom radio station with Christmas tunes. Buy your tickets online.1183 Sandbeach Rd, Hershey, PA.
10. Christmas Spirit Light Show in Lancaster PA
Nov 24 - Dec 31, 2023. A one mile drive-thru Christmas Spirit Light Show at Clipper Magazine Stadium. Showcasing thousands of changing colored lights and holiday displays. Don't forget to see the Christmas Tree Lane and Santa. Listen to Christmas songs on your car radio and sing along. Buy your tickets online or at the gate. 650 North Prince St, Lancaster, PA.
Dinosaurs and Santa are stars of this light show at PNC Bank Arts Center
In a state like New Jersey, each year a dream of a white Christmas has at least a chance of becoming a reality, but if your wish is for a prehistoric Christmas, that is happening right now in Holmdel.
The PNC Bank Art Center in Holmdel has been home to the New Jersey Magic of Lights Holiday Drive-Through for the last five years and this year they’ve added something new — dinosaurs.
PNC Bank Arts Center general manager Jorelle Aronovitch said other than the drive-through being a “completely safe family event, I think the best part about the light show is Prehistoric Christmas, because I am very excited about those dinosaurs.”
Who wouldn’t be intrigued to see an LED Santa in his sleigh being pulled across the night sky by a team of pterodactyls rather than reindeer, or a tyrannosaurus rex wearing a Santa hat chomping down on a decorated Christmas tree?
Monday, December 06, 2021 - Attractions in the Prehistoric Christmas section of the Magic of Lights drive-through at PNC Bank Center Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Monday, December 06, 2021 - Attractions in the Prehistoric Christmas section of the Magic of Lights drive-through at PNC Bank Center Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Monday, December 06, 2021 - Attractions in the Prehistoric Christmas section of the Magic of Lights drive-through at PNC Bank Center Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Aronovitch said the drive-through course covers about two and a half miles and includes over a million lights, all LED.
In addition to the prehistoric section, she added, “We have some of the old favorites — back flipping Santa, some of the fairy tales, The Nativity, The 12 days of Christmas, of course.
“So you stay in your car, you’re hanging out with your family. Kids can sit on your lap.”
There’s a family reloading zone at the end of the course to regroup and use port-apotties before heading back onto the Garden State Parkway. (The PNC Bank Arts Center has its own parkway exit).
“And of course there’s concessions, hot chocolate, cookies available,” Aronovitch pointed out. “Light up, necklaces, all sorts of swag and treats, you can get along the way.”
The drive-through runs every day, opening at 5 p.m. and closing at 10 p.m., or 11 p.m. on Friday, and Saturday nights, and it runs through Jan. 2. “The only night, we’re not open is New Year’s Eve,” Aronovitch said.
Standard vehicle tickets are $25-$30.
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The Holiday Village is a great place to create lasting memories with family and friends. In addition to the drive-through and Holiday Village, Magic of Lights NJ also offers special events and activities throughout the holiday season. From live performances by local musicians and dancers to themed nights and special discounts, there is always something exciting happening at Magic of Lights NJ. Overall, Magic of Lights NJ is a magical experience that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you're looking to create new traditions with your family or simply want to bask in the beauty of the lights, this event is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the magic for yourself!.
Reviews for "Allow Yourself to be Transfixed by the Magic of Lights in New Jersey"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Magic of Lights in NJ. The display was underwhelming and not nearly as extravagant as I anticipated. The lights were dim and not as vibrant as I had seen in pictures. The overall experience felt rushed and lacking in creativity. I expected more from such a renowned event, and I wouldn't recommend it to others seeking a magical and awe-inspiring light display.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had high hopes for Magic of Lights in NJ, but unfortunately, it fell far short of my expectations. The admission fee was quite steep for what turned out to be a lackluster display. The lights were unimpressive, and the synchronized music did not add any charm or excitement to the experience. It felt like a money-grabbing scheme rather than a carefully crafted light show. I was left feeling disappointed and regretting my decision to attend.
3. Robert - 2 stars - I was expecting to be mesmerized by the Magic of Lights in NJ, but I ended up feeling let down. The display lacked variety and creativity, with most of the lights being simplistic and repetitive. The organization of the event was also poor, resulting in long lines and frustrating wait times. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to create a truly enchanting and captivating light show. I wouldn't recommend it to those seeking a memorable and magical experience.
4. Emily - 1 star - Magic of Lights in NJ was a major disappointment for me. The lights were underwhelming and didn't live up to the hype surrounding the event. The display felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive theme. Additionally, the customer service was subpar, with staff members being unhelpful and unenthusiastic. I expected a more immersive and enchanting experience, but unfortunately, it fell short on all fronts. Save your money and find a better holiday light show to attend.