Did you know that New Jersey is home to the most diners of any state in the U.S. and was the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen? These are facts that most people know about the Garden State, but few out-of-state-ers understand the popularity of one of our long-standing traditions: Christmas light displays!
All through the state, you’ll find Christmas light displays on people’s’ front lawns and roofs, sometimes synched up with a music track. South Jersey, in particular, is chock full of beautiful properties adorned with enchanting light displays, all of which I’m quite fond of.
Here’s a list of this year’s most festive South Jersey Christmas light displays, as developed by Fun New Jersey:
Trimble Street in Medford, NJ
Location: 2 Trimble Street, Medford, NJ 08055 – Southern NJ
Dates and Times: December 9th – January 1st, Daily, 7pm – 9pm.
About: A visit to Trimble Street in Medford, NJ will fill you with holiday cheer. This house is more than just a drive-by or a walk-through – it’s a walk-in! The entire property is decorated with cheery, festive lights, including the backyard. Additionally, a Christmas village display is set up on the screened-in porch and visible from the outside. There is a miniature drive-in, an old-fashioned McDonald’s, a ballet, a circus, a carousel, Graceland, ice skaters and much more.
Burlington Lights
Location: Tack Way and Steeplechase Road, Burlington, NJ 08016 – Southern NJ
Dates and Times: November 25th – January 1st, Sunday – Thursday 5pm – 10pm, Saturday – Sunday 5pm – 11pm.
About: The Burlington Lights first began many years ago, but in 2009 they added a computer-controlled light display that synced up to music. Each year, The Burlington Lights supports the Burlington Township Food Pantry in the form on monetary donations and non-perishable foods. Come gaze at 30,000 beautiful bulbs.
Know Before You Go: Tune into 96.1 FM. The Burlington Lights are unique because they have a different playlist of holiday songs every night of the week!
Christmas Tree Light Show at Historic Smithville
Location: 615 East Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205 – Southern NJ
Dates and Times: November 24th – January 2nd, Thursday – Sunday, Dark – 8:30pm (Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
About: See 120 evergreens floating on Lake Meone at the center of Historic Smithville. Watch as 50,000 lights shimmer and dance across the surface of the water in time to holiday music.
Know Before You Go: The light show can be seen from either side of the village. For a truly breathtaking view, gaze upon this spectacle from the bridge.
Sooy Lane Light Show
Location: 612 Sooy Lane, Absecon, NJ 08201 – Southern Shore Region of NJ
Dates and Times: December 1st – January 1st, Daily, 6pm – 10pm.
About: This over-the-top light show is a favorite among residents of the Southern Shore region. This residence was featured on TLC’s My Crazy Obsession: Holiday Collection. With giant icicles, a forest of trees and a walk-through tunnel, you won’t want to miss this spectacle.
Know Before You Go: This is a walk-through event, so be prepared to park your car. Since this property is located on a dead-end street, visitors are advised to park on Lazy Lane and other side streets to avoid congestion.
Couse Family Light Show
Location: 1497 Stagecoach Road, Seaville, NJ 08246 – Southern Shore Region of NJ
Dates and Times: TBA
About: For the fourth year in a row, the Couse Family light show will be brightening up the Southern tip of New Jersey. This light show has a record-breaking 930 computer controlled light channels all programmed by hand. The lights are synced to a custom-edited playlist of your favorite seasonal music.
Know Before You Go:Tune into 99.7 FM to listen live from your car.
Christmas Fantasy with Lights at Storybook Land
Location: 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 – Southern Shore Region of NJ
Dates and Times: November 12th – December 30th, 5pm – 10pm (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
About: A Southern New Jersey tradition for over 25 years, Storybook Land transforms into a winter wonderland in the weeks leading up to December 25th. The park is illuminated with over 1 million lights, and all rides and attractions are open.
Know Before You Go: Be sure to be here at 5pm, when Santa appears on the chimney, waves his magic wand and sets the park aglow.
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
Location: 1151 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, New Jersey 08037 – Southern NJ
Dates and Times: November 17th – December 31st, Monday – Friday 5pm –9pm, Saturday – Sunday 4:30pm – 9pm.
About: The DiDonato Family Fun Center welcomes families to take a ride through an enchanted holiday town. Santa is eagerly waiting for visitors in his workshop!
Know Before You Go: Unlike traditional walk-up or drive-by shows, you will be able to take a train ride around the property as you gaze upon thousands of lights. Tickets are available at the door, or you can also purchase them online beforehand.
Lower Shore Light Display
Location: 286 Lower Shore Road Barnegat, NJ 08005 – Southern Shore Region NJ
Dates and Times: December 15th – January 1st, Daily, 5pm – 10pm
About: Kim and her husband Rick have been putting on their outdoor light display at their home for the past 10 years. They do it so people can feel the Christmas spirit at the Jersey Shore. Their display features a driveway tunnel and a real look-alike Santa who waves.
Know Before You Go: The lights move to Christmas music, so visitors are welcome to roll down their window and listen.
Here Comes Santa Claus Christmas Light Show
Location: 2 Thorobred Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 – Southern Shore Region NJ
Dates and Times: December 10th – January 8th, Sunday – Thursday 5pm – 9pm, Friday – Saturday 5 – 10:30pm.
About: Be amazed by this computer-controlled light and sound show. With 42 channels of lights, this multi-media show is not to be missed. The eight-foot tall Santa is made with neon LED rope lights. The house is covered with color-changing LED lights, while the deer, ground, and spiral tree are made up of 6,000 standard bulbs.
Know Before You Go: The speakers will be on until 8:30pm, and you can also tune into 93.5 FM to hear the music from your vehicle. Visitors can either drive by in their cars, or park on a side street and view this marvel from the road.
Source: Fun New Jersey