Holiday Light Shows Around New York 2023

Holiday season in NYC is almost here! There’s no shortage of holiday light displays to check out all over New York. Whether you’re looking to take a little road trip or find something right in your backyard, New York is home to some of the best holiday light displays around. Here are some of the best spots to check out this year!

Psst… Here are the best Christmas tree farms near NYC!

Click on your region to jump to events near you!

NYC
Long Island
New Jersey

NYC

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx

Nov. 17-Jan. 7, See website for complete schedule

All ages

Tickets start $26.95; free for children 2 and younger.

During the evenings, the Bronx Zoo comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. Explore 6 lantern trails (Africa, Asia, Forest of Color, Latin America, North America, Ocean), featuring nearly 400 lanterns representing almost 100 animal and plant species.

Enjoy NEW immersive light experiences, designed for kids of all ages to interact with and play. Favorite entertainment returns including the kid’s holiday train, ice carving demonstrations, illuminated performers, Wildlife Theater, and seasonal treats including roasted s’mores and hot cocoa.

Lightscape

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 4:30 pm, see website for exact dates

All ages

$17-$39

This after-dark, illuminated trail returns to Brooklyn with brand new works of art and promises an even more immersive and magical experience for visitors of all ages. Explore the beauty of the Garden under moonlight while enjoying seasonal treats and festive music.

NYC Winter Lantern Festival

Queens County Farm Museum, 75-50 Little Neck Parkway, Glen Oaks

Nov. 17-Jan. 7, Fridays – Sundays, 5 – 9 pm.

All ages

Tickets start at $17.99 for children and $21.99 for adults.

See the Queens County Farm Museum transformed into a spectacular world of light featuring more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns and lights creating an unforgettable experience for all.

Visitors will also be able to ride illuminated swings, seesaws and other interactive attractions, creating fun photo moments for friends and family, as well as enjoy refreshments on site.

Luminaries

Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey Street, Battery Park City

Nov. 24-Jan. 1, Daily, 8am-10pm

All ages

Free

You’re invited to interact with a mesmerizing display of 640 lanterns that dance in a symphony of colors and intensity, composing a breathtaking spectacle above the Winter Garden.

NYBG GLOW: An Outdoor Color & Light Experience

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx

Nov. 24-Jan. 13, see website for complete schedule

All ages

$54; $39 ages 2-12.

Discover the beauty of NYBG’s landscape and historic buildings after dark, breathtakingly illuminated. During these special evenings, the Garden’s iconic sights and buildings, including the Haupt Conservatory and the LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building, become dramatic, glittering canvases.

Thousands of dazzling, energy-efficient choreographed lights and sound along with picture-perfect installations create a spectacle not to be missed. While you’re exploring, enjoy drinks and light bites for purchase at one of NYBG’s outdoor bars or the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up.

Long Island

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival

Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow, New York

Nov. 9-Jan. 7, Thursdays – Mondays, 4:30 – 9:30 pm.

All ages

$22-$36; FREE entry for children ages 3 and under.

The magical “Wonder Journey” theme of this year’s LuminoCity festival promises to create unforgettable memories for families and friends through 53 experiences that celebrate the holiday season and more including the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland, an Underwater Oasis featuring a collaboration with the Long Island Children’s Museum, and more.

Magic of Lights

Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy. Wantagh

Nov. 17-Dec. 30, Fridays and Saturdays, 5 – 11 pm, Sundays – Thursdays, 5 – 10 pm

All ages

Tickets start at $20 per standard vehicle.

Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations.

Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Long Island’s favorite holiday tradition.

The Holiday Light Show

Splish Splash Waterpark, 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton

Nov. 17 – Dec. 31, see website for complete schedule

All ages

$20-$25 per car

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show™ is back for its 6th season! Featuring hundreds of dazzling, never-before-seen holiday themed displays to delight the entire family.

Pack a favorite snack and beverage, bundle up in the warmth of your car and tune your radio to enjoy the synced light performance as you travel the 1 mile route through the Riverhead Holiday Light Show™!

2023 Holiday Illuminations

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E Main Street, Smithtown

Nov. 24-Dec. 31, Fridays – Sundays, 5:30 – 9 pm and Dec. 25-28, 5:30 – 9 pm

All ages

$12-$22

Step into a world of holiday wonder that will ignite the spirit of the season. At the heart of the event will be a magnificent 55-foot Christmas tree that will stand tall, covered in shimmering lights and ornaments.

Be sure to bring your wish list, as Santa himself will be making a special appearance in his enchanting workshop, ready to hear your holiday dreams and pose for cherished photographs. Capture the joy of the season with your loved ones against the backdrop of this stunning tree.

The air will be filled with the sweet sounds of the season as live musical performances bring melodies of joy to your ears.

From classic carols to contemporary holiday tunes, the atmosphere will be set for you to sing along, dance, and revel in the festive spirit. As the sun sets and darkness falls, enjoy a breathtaking lighting ceremony.

Girl Scout of Suffolk County’s Holiday Light Show

Southaven County Park, 761 Victory Ave., Yaphank

Nov. 25-Dec. 30, Tuesdays – Sundays, 5 – 8:30 pm

All ages

$15

Purchase tickets in advance

See the lights up close as you walk through over 1/4 mile trail—4x bigger than last year—filled with displays (some designed by Girl Scouts). Take photos at special areas, like at the giant Christmas tree.

Hang out at the Chill Zone to warm up by the multiple fire pits, enjoy giant lawn games, like Jenga, and don’t forget to visit Santa for a photo!

2023 Holiday Light Spectacular

Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville

Dec. 2-17, Fridays and Saturdays, 5 – 9 pm, Sundays, 5 – 8 pm

All ages

$10; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

The annual Brookhaven Town Holiday Spectacular is an indoor, walk-through holiday light show benefiting the Holtsville Ecology Site.

Over the years, thousands of families have walked through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take their photos with Santa in his workshop.

New Jersey

Let It Glow a Holiday Lantern Spectacular 2023

Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus

Nov. 9-Jan. 14, see website for complete schedule

All ages

$18; $9 ages 3-17

Enjoy a walk throughout the Zoo with larger than life lanterns of animals and nature.

Holiday Lights Spectacular

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave. West Orange, NJ

Nov. 17-Dec. 31, see website for complete schedule

All ages

Free admission; donations recommended

Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters.

The focus is on an evening stroll outdoors through light displays and photo ops with friends and family, featuring some fun seasonal activities such as a s’mores station, Grinch weekend and photos with Santa!

Orchard of Lights

Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd. Hillsdale

Nov. 22-Dec. 29, see website for complete schedule

All ages

$35 per car

Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays, warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market. Plus, take pictures with Santa, make your own S’mores, and listen to Santa’s singing Reindeer.

Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village

Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta

Nov. 22-Dec. 30, see website for complete schedule

All ages

Tickets start at $29

Enjoy more than two million dazzling lights on a mile-long drive-through course. Be sure to also visit the Christmas Village where your family can take photos with Santa, enjoy live music, check out the S’mores Station and local artisan shops, and more.

Winter WonderLights

Winter WonderLights, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ

Nov. 24-Dec. 31, Daily, 5:30 – 10 pm

All ages

$30 per car

Winter WonderLights drive thru now has over 1.5 million lights animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes.

There are twelve 20’ trees, the 200’ tunnel of lights, a tribute to our first responders and tons of other stunning, larger-than-life holiday themed displays for the entire family – all synchronized to the music playing in your car!

Celebrate the season’s wonderful holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa). Guests are welcomed to bundle up in their car, bring your snacks/beverages and tune their radio to enjoy the show to give you an incredible experience.

Gaga Madness

Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.

Dedimus Potestatem

Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today! Sessions We currently&nbsp;offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow&nbsp;</a>or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@potestatem.co?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@potestatem.co</a> <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a> This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a> Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech &amp; Debate</a>&nbsp;(competitive and non-competitive programs available) This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a> Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a> Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently. Mock Trial&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>) Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a> This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students&rsquo; civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a> The focus of the&nbsp;Philosophy&nbsp;class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a> The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics:&nbsp;(Ages 10-18)</a> Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette&nbsp;(Ages 5 and up)</a> Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a> This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a> Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world. College application course&nbsp; Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a>&nbsp; These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a> These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed. Computer Programming: Coding for Kids In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Penguin Coding School

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Penguin Coding School believes that <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">anyone can code<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The most compelling motivation for learning to code is that it enables building something kids can call their own. What makes this approach "worth it" for the kids is that at the end of the road, they see that their code actually does things in the real world. Not in some playpen, but in the real Internet where anyone can access it.&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Programs:<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Penguin Coding School <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">provides comprehensive coding education to kids ages 5-18. In-person &amp; Online classes are available in Scratch, Minecraft, Roblox, Python, Javascript, Java, Robotics, and Mobile Apps. Their small class size, award winning teachers and age-appropriate curriculum ensure every child will learn coding with a smile. Penguin Coding has in-person classes and summer camps in Cobble Hill and Park Slope, as well as three Massachusetts locations. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Free Trial Classes:&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sign up for our award-winning<a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://penguincodingschool.com/freetrial?utm_campaign=FreeTrials&amp;utm_source=NYF&amp;utm_medium=Directory"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">free trial classes</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. They offer a 60 minute free trial class in Scratch, Python, Roblox, Java, Robotics and much more! Appropriate for absolute beginners as well as those with some experience (trial classes are used to place students in the right level).

Holiday Light Shows Around New York 2023