Jones Beach is known for its stunning illuminations that create a truly magical radiance. The colorful lights transform the beach into a fairytale-like setting that delights visitors of all ages. Whether you're strolling along the boardwalk or lounging on the sand, the illuminations create an enchanting atmosphere that is hard to resist. As the sun begins to set, the illuminations come to life, casting a soft glow over the beach. The vibrant colors dance in the darkness, creating a captivating spectacle that draws your eyes in every direction. The combination of different lights, from twinkling fairy lights to larger, more elaborate displays, adds depth and variety to the scene.
This 2022 rendition for Magic of Lights, which includes over two million lights total, will feature several brand new displays, including a 32-foot-tall animated Christmas Barbie, the life-size dinosaur-highlighted Prehistoric Christmas, and a BIGFOOT Monster Trucks display.
While our annual roundup of all the best holiday light displays is still to come, it s already time to load up the car, turn on the festive tunes, and hit the road for these top drive-thru displays. Both locations will feature Toyota Holiday Village, which allows guests to walk through an out-of-car area featuring Santa Photos, skating, refreshments, and other holiday activities.
The combination of different lights, from twinkling fairy lights to larger, more elaborate displays, adds depth and variety to the scene. One of the most mesmerizing aspects of the illuminations at Jones Beach is their ability to create a sense of magic and wonder. The lights seem to transport you to a different world, where anything is possible.
Top drive-thru holiday light events making spirits brighter in Dallas-Fort Worth
Like the Grinch that it is, coronavirus has stolen many things from us — but it can't dampen our holiday spirit. Sure, Santa will have to socially distance and the elves will be sanitizing toys. But when it comes to experiencing holiday lights, things are looking merrier and brighter than ever in 2020.
That's thanks to the number of drive-thru Christmas light events that are decking pathways around Dallas-Fort Worth this year.
Driving through mazes, displays, and tunnels of lights is a spectacular — yet safe — way to experience a little holiday magic. Most don't require you to leave the car, and they're contactless from the moment you order tickets online.
While our annual roundup of all the best holiday light displays is still to come, it's already time to load up the car, turn on the festive tunes, and hit the road for these top drive-thru displays.
Radiance! A Holiday Light Spectacular; Frisco, Weatherford, and Decatur, now-January 3
New in three North Texas cities this year, Radiance drive-thru lights experience is more than a mile long and takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station that will play coordinating holiday tunes as they meander through the light displays on each side of the car and through 160 feet of animated RGB light tunnels. Festive food and beverages, including hot chocolate and holiday cookies, are available for purchase without leaving the car. General admission tickets are $30 per vehicle, and VIP tickets are $50 per vehicle. Locations of all three events and more details are in this story.
Santa’s Country Christmas, Seagoville, now-January 1
Now in its fourth year of operation, Santa's Country Christmas drive-thru lights experience is located on Hwy. 175 in Seagoville, 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. The two-mile drive-thru park includes lights, animals, and music. They'll offer free Santa Claus photos starting Thanksgiving weekend. Admission is $25 per vehicle, purchased at the door. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Dallas Zoo Lights, Dallas Zoo, November 20-January 3
The zoo has reimagined its annual Dallas Zoo Lights for 2020, so visitors can now drive through a holiday safari of lights in their own vehicles. They promise guests will be able to cruise through a newly constructed pathway while taking in more than 1 million lights in elaborate displays, silk-covered animal lanterns depicting zoo animals, an ice palace fit for a trio of penguins, and more. Then park and stroll through Reliant Holiday Village at the end of the route. Timed entry tickets must be purchased online in advance; $65 per car for non-members, and $50 per car for members. For ticket packages, details, and more, visit the zoo's website.
The Magic of Lights at The Lakefront, Little Elm, November 20-January 2
The Magic of Lights at The Lakefront is a COVID-19-safe drive-thru event in Little Elm Park on the shores of Lewisville Lake. The mile-and-a-quarter route meanders through favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Tickets run $26-$100, depending on vehicle size. (There's a discount if you purchase tickets online rather than at the gate.) For more information and tickets, visit the event's website.
Candy Cane Lane, American Airlines Center, Dallas, November 27-December 26
This all-new event is a multi-level visual Christmas attraction taking over an entire AAC parking garage. Each level combines Christmas outdoor experiences that include a vast array of holiday lights, classic holiday lantern characters, and wonderland surprises around every corner. Visitors can tune into a special playlist of holiday music to accompany the drive. Candy Cane Lane is fully covered, so it can take place rain or shine. Ticket prices are per vehicle and are on sale in limited quantities on the website. It's $35-$50 for General Admission, or $50-60 for VIP, which includes a socially distanced picture with Santa. Read more about the event in this story.
Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie, November 26-December 31
A Dallas-Fort Worth tradition 15 years strong, Prairie Lights holiday light park is returning for 2020 — with some modern updates for the COVID-Christmas season and one special gift for guests: cheaper admission. Per usual, the dazzling display of over 5 million lights, all arranged in festive holiday scenes, will wind for two miles along the shores of Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie. But the park’s out-of-car experience, the Holiday Village — the traditional stop midway through with hot chocolate, cookies, and other goodies for sale — will be replaced by a new drive-thru concession option; Santa also will not appear. Admission has been reduced to $30 per car (up to eight people), and a Fast Pass (line jump pass) is available for $99. Read about tips for ticket purchase, mask-wearing, and more in this story.
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, November 26-January 3
Texas Motor Speedway will once again open its gates to the public for the annual Gift of Lights drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular around the track. The lights experience will include over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights, while visitors get to stay in their warm cars, listening to Christmas music on KLTY. Due to CDC guidelines, they will not host the Santa’s Village this year. Instead, there'll be onsite food trucks that allow guests to order ahead online and pick up for the drive-thru. Tickets are $30-$60 depending on size of vehicle and may be purchased online or at the gate. Check the website for special discounts, tickets, and more.
Interlochen Lights, Arlington, December 18-25
The Interlochen neighborhood will present Interlochen Lights once again during the holiday season. Known as the best neighborhood light show in Texas, the event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music on radio stations 102.1 FM or 98.7 FM. This is one of the busiest spots in Dallas-Fort Worth during the holiday season, and it's free. The route will be the same as previous years. Watch for updates on their website as the event gets closer.
As you walk along the beach, you can't help but feel a childlike excitement and awe at the beauty surrounding you. The illuminations also provide a unique opportunity for photographers to capture stunning images. The vibrant colors and intricate details make for breathtaking pictures that truly capture the essence of Jones Beach at night. Whether you're a professional photographer or simply enjoy taking snapshots, the illuminations provide endless inspiration. Visiting Jones Beach during the illuminated hours is an experience that should not be missed. The magical radiance of the lights creates an atmosphere unlike any other, where the worries of the day melt away and you can simply enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you visit for a romantic evening stroll or a fun-filled family outing, the illuminations at Jones Beach are sure to leave a lasting impression..
Reviews for "A Magical Escape: Exploring the Enchanting Illuminations at Jones Beach"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was very disappointed with the Magical Radiance of the illuminations at Jones Beach. Firstly, the event was poorly organized, with long queues and lack of staff to guide the visitors. Secondly, the illuminations themselves were underwhelming. I was expecting a grand display of lights, but most of them were dim and unimpressive. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time and money on this event.
2. Jane Smith - 3 stars - While the Magical Radiance of the illuminations at Jones Beach had its moments, I was not completely satisfied with the experience. The event was overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy the illuminations without constantly bumping into other people. Additionally, there was a lack of variety in the light displays, with most of them being repetitive and not as mesmerizing as advertised. I appreciate the effort put into organizing this event, but it fell short of my expectations.
3. Mike Johnson - 2 stars - I attended the Magical Radiance of the illuminations at Jones Beach, and unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The event was chaotic, with poor crowd control and a lack of parking spaces. Once inside, the illuminations were mediocre at best. The lights were not synchronized well, and the overall ambiance was underwhelming. I left feeling disappointed and wishing I had not wasted my time and money on this event.
4. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - The Magical Radiance of the illuminations at Jones Beach was a letdown for me. The whole event felt disorganized, with long waiting times and inadequate facilities. The light displays were average, lacking creativity and originality. It seemed like a rushed and poorly executed event. I expected more from such a highly promoted illumination show, but it failed to impress. I would not recommend attending this event.