Best Holiday Light Displays At The Jersey Shore!

I always have much respect for the folks that put there electric bill in the rear view mirror for a month, and decide to go for broke. Literally. You know these people I'm talking about. I like to refer to them lovingly, as the Clark Griswalds of the world. Big hearts, big ambitions, big lights!

Although they are getting more and more prevalent, top notch family home displays are harder to find and require a lot of "driving around" and looking. So with that said, I have come up with a list of "professional" Holiday light displays right here at the Jersey Shore that will give you hours of enjoyment for the entire family. Some on this list are well known, while others might not have been on your holiday lights radar. Some are in Northern Monmouth County, while a few you will need to travel about as far south as you can in our great Garden State. However, they will all be worth it, because they have the money and the resources to put on some of the most spectacular holiday light displays you may have ever seen.

While holiday lights is the main draw of these establishments this time of year, there are other fun things to be found at some. Holiday foods, entertainment, ice skating, crafts, ornaments and more! So bring the kids, gas up the family truckster, and bring your card and some cash, for a holiday light show you won't forget. Speaking of which, don't forget to bring Cousin Eddie!

Cape May transforms into a Dickens village for the holidays, complete with carolers. There are numerous events and tours throughout the town, with many popular businesses and locations participating. For instance, guests can attend an evening guided Yuletide House Tour or their Christmas Candlelight House Tour. The latter tours Cape May’s gaslit streets, plus over a dozen homes, inns, B&Bs, churches, and hotels.

 The Six Flags Holiday in the Park event takes place predominantly on weekends throughout December. The event also runs daily the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Attendees can expect a variety of holiday shows, light displays, and a North Pole village all through the park. The North Pole is the place to pick up holiday gifts, and Santa will be in the park as well. Don’t miss their fully-lit five-story Christmas tree on display all season.

The holiday spirit is alive and well across Lake Meone thanks to the Holiday Light Show at Historic Smithville. Visitors can enjoy both popular and classic songs of the Holiday Season synchronized to a Christmas tree light show. Over 120 Christmas trees made entirely out of over 50,000 Christmas lights float across the lake each night. This floating display can be seen from either side of Historic Smithville, as well as from the lake’s bridge.

Visiting Storybook Land during their Christmas Fantasy with Lights is “Just Like Walking in a Winter Wonderland”. This annual tradition is over 30 years old. The best time to visit is right at opening (5:00 pm), when Santa Claus appears in his chimney. He waves his magic wand to light the park, which illuminates over one million Christmas lights. Look out for festive tunes from the award-winning Fralinger String Band and character meet-and-greets.

The Mahoney household goes all out for Christmas with over 50,000 lights, animated figures, blow molds, and Christmas trees. In the spirit of the holidays, they also accept donations with a Toys for Tots drop-off box. The light show runs rain or shine (or snow), from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm daily. Guests can also expect a few visits from santa throughout the season. Check their Facebook page for updates about Santa’s arrival.

photo: Joe Mahoney