Winter WonderLights: A Magical Holiday Tradition in NJ
As the holiday season draws near, millions of families across New Jersey search for that one perfect tradition to bring the magic of the season to life.
By
Sep 1, 2025
Winter WonderLights: Where Over 2 Million Lights Create an Immersive Holiday Experience
NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — For many, that tradition begins with Winter WonderLights. One of New Jersey’s largest animated holiday light show drive-thrus, Winter WonderLights takes guests on an unforgettable journey of over 2 million dazzling lights, synchronized to festive holiday music. It’s a sight that’s both jaw-dropping and heartwarming, a celebration of the season that transforms every visit into a cherished memory.
But Winter WonderLights is more than just a light show. It’s a fully immersive experience that families can enjoy from the warmth and comfort of their vehicles. With towering 20- and 30-foot Christmas trees, five immersive tunnels, and countless larger-than-life displays, Winter WonderLights offers guests an interactive, magical experience that they can revisit year after year. And as a local, family-owned business, the show is a labor of love, built by two New Jersey families who wanted to bring something truly special to their community.
The Origins: A Dream Turned Tradition
Winter WonderLights was born from a vision shared by two local families who were passionate about bringing people together during the holidays. They wanted to create a holiday experience that was as magical as it was accessible, one that allowed guests to experience the holiday spirit in a completely new way. Starting with just a few modest displays, the families soon realized they had something special on their hands. The idea grew from a small-scale local attraction to one of New Jersey’s most talked-about holiday events, drawing thousands of visitors from across the tri-state area.
“We pour our hearts into this show every season,” says one of the co-founders. “Our goal is simple — to light up the night, spark holiday joy, and create lasting memories for every carload that comes through.”
The first few seasons were all about experimentation, as the families poured countless hours into perfecting their light displays. Every year, new displays were added, and themes evolved. As they grew, they realized that the magic wasn’t just in the lights, but in the experience they had created. People weren’t just coming to see lights; they were coming to be part of a story, a holiday tradition.
A Fully Choreographed Experience
What truly sets Winter WonderLights apart from other holiday light displays is the level of creativity and attention to detail that goes into each year’s offerings. The majority of the more than 2 million lights are synchronized to music, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience that immerses guests from the moment they arrive. The lights aren’t just thrown together on a loop — they are carefully choreographed, with each display contributing to the greater holiday story that unfolds as visitors move through the show.
As guests drive through Winter WonderLights, they’ll pass through five dazzling tunnels, each filled with lights that shift and move in time with the music. The towering 20- and 30-foot Christmas trees are a sight to behold, and the custom-built displays, crafted in-house by the Winter WonderLights creative team, are some of the largest and most intricate holiday installations in New Jersey.
“It’s not just lights on a loop — it’s a fully choreographed, immersive holiday experience,” says another co-founder. “We want every carload that comes through to feel like they’re stepping into a world of holiday magic.”
A Family-Oriented, Community-Driven Experience
What makes Winter WonderLights truly special is its commitment to being a local, family-oriented business. As a small business built by two New Jersey families, every decision is personal. From the design of the displays to the guest experience, the focus is always on quality, community, and family.
"We want guests to feel the magic from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave,” says one of the co-founders. The team behind Winter WonderLights works year-round to ensure that each season is better than the last. Each year, new displays are unveiled, adding something fresh and exciting for returning guests.
Winter WonderLights isn’t just a destination — it’s a tradition. Guests return season after season because they know they’ll always find something new, something magical, and something worth cherishing.
The team at Winter WonderLights also strives to make every guest feel welcome and at ease. With professional security, smooth traffic flow, and accessible amenities, the experience is designed to be as enjoyable and stress-free as it is magical.
More Than Just Lights: A Tradition of Giving Back
In addition to the dazzling lights and festive atmosphere, Winter WonderLights is also dedicated to giving back to the community. The event serves as an opportunity for local families to come together and share in the joy of the season. Each year, Winter WonderLights supports local charities and partners with community organizations to spread holiday cheer beyond the lights.
“We’ve been lucky enough to grow our event over the years, and as we do, we make it a point to give back to the community that’s supported us,” says one co-founder. “We believe in the power of holidays to bring people together — and we try to reflect that in everything we do.”
The Guest Experience: Easy, Affordable, and Magical
What keeps guests returning year after year is the unique combination of an incredible visual experience and a smooth, enjoyable guest experience. Winter WonderLights was designed to be a hassle-free, family-friendly event. Guests can enjoy the light show from the comfort of their own vehicles, with weekdays typically seeing much shorter wait times. While weekends and days around Christmas can have longer lines, guests can expect the experience to be just as magical, with the added excitement of a busier, festive atmosphere.
Winter WonderLights is open every day throughout the season, rain or shine, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Whether it's rainy or snowy, the lights will always shine!
The pricing structure is designed with families in mind. With affordable ticket options and unlimited season passes available, Winter WonderLights offers something for every budget. Special theme nights and promotions add extra fun for returning guests, and no "VIP" upsells or gimmicks — just one price for everyone to enjoy the full experience.
From the first flicker of lights to the last note of the holiday music, Winter WonderLights makes every moment count. It’s an experience that’s as stress-free as it is magical — and one that families can look forward to each season.
Growing the Tradition
As Winter WonderLights continues to grow, the mission remains the same: to create a holiday experience that sparks joy, fosters community, and creates lasting memories. With plans for new displays, expanded themes, and even more immersive experiences in the years to come, the future of Winter WonderLights looks bright.
"We’re just getting started," says one of the co-founders. "Our goal is to keep growing, keep improving, and keep giving our guests a place where they can come together and make memories. The holidays are about more than just lights — they’re about family, joy, and connection. We’re here to make that happen."
They are also proud to partner with Dave’s Delicious Fries food truck—guests can enjoy tasty treats like hot chocolate, fried Oreos, churros, funnel cakes, french fries, hot dogs, and sodas as they drive through the light display.
They have been featured on NBC, CBS, NJ 12, and Best of NJ, and are grateful for the continued recognition of their holiday event.
Visit Winter WonderLights website to learn more, buy tickets, and plan your visit today. Let us light up your holiday season with more than 2 million dazzling lights — and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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