11 BEST Christmas Light Show Displays in New Jersey for 2023

Looking for a fun family activity or date night? With the start of the holiday season, Christmas light show displays in New Jersey are aglow. From drive-throughs to simple (or not-so-simple) local home displays, there are a lot of options to choose from. But how do you know which ones to go see?

You don’t want to drive for an hour only to be disappointed when the lights don’t live up to the pictures, the price is more expensive than you thought, or the display isn’t on or open. Christmas lights should leave you feeling that warm and fuzzy holiday spirit, not disheartened when they don’t live up to expectations.

In this article, we’ll give you the top Christmas light show displays in New Jersey. You and your loved ones will know exactly what you’re getting into and won’t waste your time with mediocre light shows. Get ready for your eyes to widen in awe of these amazing lights.​

See Also:

• Best Things to do in New Jersey
• Areas to Avoid in New Jersey

 

1. Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village

This drive-thru light display is one of the biggest Christmas light shows in New Jersey. See over 2 million lights from the comfort of your car. The ride is a mile long, and afterward, you can enjoy the Ferris wheel and carousel, skate on the ice rink, take some pictures, check out the winter beer garden, roast s’mores, drink hot chocolate, or get some other seasonal snacks.

 

2. Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Six Flags offers shows, lights, and visits to the North Pole in their Holiday in the Park event. Sections of the park are extravagantly decorated with brilliant lights that provide opportunities for great photos. Take your little ones to see Santa Claus or hop on your favorite roller coaster. Enjoy one—or more—of the holiday treats offered around the park.

 

3. Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show

Historic Smithville is one of the best places to view Christmas lights in New Jersey. Come see as more than 120 Christmas trees magically float on and light up the lake, casting beautiful reflections on the water. The lights change, synchronized to your favorite songs of the season. With over 50,000 lights, this show will certainly shine.

 

4. Creamy Acres Night of Lights

During the holidays, this 100-acre dairy farm morphs into a magnificent New Jersey drive-thru Christmas light display hay ride. Crank the heater and enjoy this one-and-a-half-mile-long show synchronized to their private radio station. The extravaganza is freshly expanded with twice as many lights and scenes as in previous years. After you experience the lights, you can shop in their store and enjoy delicious food and treats around some fire pits.

 

5. Let It Glow

Unlike the typical Christmas light display, Let It Glow features lights from lanterns! This unique holiday display portrays lanterns in many different dazzling shapes. The event has all new lanterns this year and now has over 30 scenes. Each lantern is handmade and crafted with amazing details. Included with your ticket is a fantastic train ride, decorated with even more lights.

 

6. Christmas Fantasy With Lights – Storybook Land

Come and revel in a South Jersey tradition that has been going on for more than 30 years. At 5 pm, Santa Claus emerges from his chimney, waves his wand, and magically lights over one million bulbs in the park. The park’s rides, attractions, and snack bars are open for your enjoyment. You can also receive free hot chocolate and popcorn for every toy you donate to their toy drive.

 

7. Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular

With over 50 sparkling animal and winter characters, your promenade in Turtle Back Zoo will be nothing short of spectacular. They have all sorts of fun activities for you or the kids, including photo ops, a s’mores station, Grinch weekend, ice sculpture demos, train rides, sea lion feeding demos, and photos with Santa. Grab your coats and check out this fun holiday light display.

 

8. Diggerland USA Holiday Light Show

Experience a one-of-a-kind event at America’s only construction theme & water park. Listen to wintery music in your car and drive through incredible tunnels and past impressive displays of twinkling lights. With Diggerland USA decorated to the max, you’re sure to have an unforgettable night.

 

9. DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express

Bring the kids and enjoy this train ride through a million Christmas lights. Check out the holiday movie tent where you can take a picture with Frosty the Snowman. Meet and greet Santa and his elves in his workshop. Enjoy a cookie treat and a present from Santa. You can also walk through the holiday village where they have new paths this year.

 

10. The Cook’s Christmas Lights

For a light show with a more personal touch, head over to the Cook’s Christmas Lights. Every year this family decks out their house with over 8,000 pixels and more synched to music. It’s truly impressive to see how this house transforms the neighborhood into a winter wonderland for everyone to see.

 

11. Brookhollow’s Barnyard Holiday Light Show

Head over to this farm for either a walk-through or drive-through experience. The walk-through runs from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. The drive-through runs from the time the walk-through ends until 8 pm. Whether from the crisp winter air or the warmth of your car, this show promises to be a sight to remember.

 

Conclusion

These have been the best Christmas Light Show Displays in New Jersey. NJ certainly has plenty of options—many of which you don’t even have to leave your car (perfect for those chilly winter nights) or pay an expensive fee (great for families on a budget). Take the family or your spouse out one of these evenings and marvel in the spirit of this time of year. Whichever option you choose, we hope you enjoy the lights and the holiday season.