Embrace the magic of the season at these holiday events, including some of the best drive-through Christmas lights in New Jersey.
After saying farewell to the spooky season each year, we tend to shift our focus to one of the most magical times of the year when things get merry and bright. I always enjoy just walking or driving around my neighborhood to see the holiday lights and displays. There are usually some amazing Christmas lights near me that keep me in the holiday spirit all season long. The Garden State takes the holiday season seriously, with some of the most impressive light displays in the entire country. These range from the best drive through Christmas lights displays and small-town winter walks to wild lantern shows and even some of the most spectacular private home light displays anywhere. So come along with us and discover why no place in the country does Christmas lights like New Jersey.
1. Holiday In The Park – Jackson
Holiday in the Park is located at Six Flags Great Adventure, and this annual holiday tradition includes the biggest holiday light display in New Jersey. Select attractions will be open, but the highlight is seasonal shows, stunning light displays, and an elaborate array of delicious Christmas treats. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, available in a refillable mug, and roast marshmallows over one of the roaring fire pits. Holiday in the Park, which generally runs from late November through the first of the New Year, is the best way to see the Christmas lights in Jackson, New Jersey.
2. Winter Walk in Milburn – Milburn
Editor’s Note: Winter Walk was canceled in 2023 due to construction. Plans for the 2024 holiday season have not yet been announced. Stay up-to-date with the latest information on the official Facebook page of Winter Walk in Milburn.
The Winter Walk in Millburn is the perfect choice for those who want a more rustic holiday lights experience. Taking place at Taylor Park, this moonlight walk includes countless lights, decked-out trees and bushes, and some incredible views of the lake and the surrounding town’s homes. The Christmas lights in Milburn, NJ are looking to be spectacular again.
3. Winter Wonderlights – East Brunswick
Winter Wonderlights is the most famous drive through Christmas lights display in New Jersey. Located at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds, the popular Christmastime event generally takes place from late November through early January. Drive through shimmering light tunnels and past elaborately decorated Christmas trees. Even better, you can sync your radio to special Christmas music while you drive. Buy your tickets online and, if you plan on visiting more than once, purchase a season pass that allows unlimited visits all season long.
4. Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show – Augusta
The Skylands Stadium Christmas Spectacular is located at a massive stadium in Augusta, and they make the most of their space. This drive-through Christmas lights show in New Jersey features some of the state’s most inventive light displays along a dazzling one-mile path. Once you get out of the car, head indoors to the Christmas Village, where you can stroll through a gorgeous tunnel of lights, start your Christmas shopping, and pose for photos with Santa. That’s just the beginning, though. When you’re done exploring, indulge in hot cocoa and sweet holiday treats. The beloved Christmastime event in New Jersey runs from mid-November through the end of December.
5. Fleetwood Lights – Montclair
Fleetwood Lights, located in Rockaway Township, is the most impressive single-house display in the entire state and the best Christmas lights near Montclair, New Jersey. Produced by homeowner Marc Iuliani, the home features a dazzling array of lights and holiday props synched to Christmas music. Access to the home is limited to several hours each evening to minimize traffic and is open until New Year’s Eve.
6. Let It Glow, A Holiday Lantern Spectacular – Paramus
Let It Glow – A Holiday Lantern Spectacular is the most unique Christmas light display in New Jersey. Located at the Bergen County Zoo, this beloved holiday event replaces standard lights with ornate animal-shaped paper lanterns; some are even life-sized. You can walk the exhibit as you tour the zoo, or take a train to marvel at and snap photos of the lanterns. Buy a s’mores kit (kosher kits are also available) from the gift shop, and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Let It Glow runs through mid-January.
7. Magical Express at DiDonato Family Fun Center – Hammonton
The Magical Express is a unique Christmas experience hosted by DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, one of the most popular arcades in Hammonton, New Jersey. This train ride through the North Pole includes a tour through millions of lights, a visit to a Christmas village, and one of the most beautiful trees in all of New Jersey. Share your Christmas wishes with and pose for photos with Santa, and save time for a round of bowling. The Magical Express is held on select days in November and December.
What do you think are the best drive through Christmas lights in New Jersey? Let us know by filling out this nomination form. If you’re looking for another remarkable Christmas experience for the whole group this holiday season, check out this spectacular Cape May mansion, a VRBO in New Jersey that is decorated to the nines during the Christmas season.
If all this holiday splendor is putting you in a giving mood, check out Only In Your State’s ultimate gift guide for travelers.