Every holiday season, one of Long Island’s most beloved traditions lights up the night: the Jones Beach light show, officially known as Magic of Lights, transforms Jones Beach State Park into a dazzling drive-through wonderland of holiday displays. If you are in the New York area between November and January, it is one of the best family outings of the season.
Here is everything you need to know — what it is, when it runs, how much it costs, and how to make the most of your visit.
What Is the Jones Beach Light Show?
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach is a drive-through holiday light spectacular featuring millions of LED lights arranged in larger-than-life displays. You stay in your car and drive a route through the park, passing tunnels of lights, animated scenes, and towering holiday figures — all synchronized in a festive landscape.
The displays change and expand each year, but expect classics like:
- Awe-inspiring light tunnels you drive through
- Giant illuminated holiday characters and scenes
- Animated displays with moving elements
- A spectacular finale display near the route’s end
The whole drive typically takes 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, making it a perfect evening outing that does not require bundling up outside in the cold.
When Does It Run?
The Jones Beach light show typically opens in mid-to-late November and runs through early January, covering the full holiday season. It operates nightly, including holidays — Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are popular nights, so expect bigger crowds.
Hours are generally from dusk (around 5:00–5:30 PM) until 9:00 or 10:00 PM, with extended hours on peak nights. Always check the official schedule before heading out, since times can shift.
Tickets and Pricing
Admission is charged per vehicle, not per person — which makes it a great value for families. Standard pricing is typically in the $25–$35 range per car, with higher prices on peak nights (Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday weeks) and discounts on value nights early in the season.
Tips for saving money:
- Buy online in advance — online tickets are usually cheaper than drive-up prices, and some nights sell out.
- Go on a weeknight — Monday through Thursday nights are less crowded and often cheaper.
- Carpool — since pricing is per vehicle, pile the whole family into one car.
- Look for promo codes — local radio stations and tourism sites often share discount codes early in the season.
Getting There and Parking
Jones Beach State Park is located in Wantagh, New York, easily accessible from the Meadowbrook and Wantagh Parkways. The light show route uses the park’s main roads — just follow the signs and the line of cars once you enter.
Arrive with a full tank of gas and patience: on peak nights, the wait to enter can be 30–60 minutes. Going right at opening or later in the evening (after 8:30 PM) usually means shorter lines.
Making the Most of Your Visit
- Bring snacks and hot cocoa in travel mugs — there is nothing better than sipping something warm while lights stream past your windows.
- Turn off your headlights once inside the route (use parking lights) so you do not ruin the experience for others.
- Tune to the suggested radio station if the event offers synchronized holiday music.
- Keep kids’ expectations in check about the wait — bring a tablet or play car games if lines are long.
- Take photos — but designate a photographer so the driver can focus on the road.
Other Holiday Light Shows Near NYC
If Jones Beach sells out or you want to make a season of it, the New York area has several other drive-through and walk-through options: the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lightscape, and various town displays across Long Island. But Magic of Lights at Jones Beach remains the biggest drive-through option on Long Island, and its ocean-adjacent setting gives it a unique atmosphere.
Is the Jones Beach Light Show Worth It?
For families with young kids, absolutely. There is something magical about driving through tunnels of light while holiday music plays — and the per-car pricing makes it one of the more affordable big holiday outings in the NYC area. Couples enjoy it too as a low-key date night.
Just manage expectations: it is a 20–30 minute drive, not an all-evening theme park. Pair it with dinner in nearby Wantagh or Seaford to make a full night of it. The Jones Beach light show has become a genuine Long Island institution — go once, and you will probably make it a tradition.
The History of Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights is not unique to Jones Beach — it is a touring holiday light production that sets up in venues across North America each season. The Jones Beach installation has become one of its flagship locations, drawing from across Long Island and the New York City boroughs.
What makes the Jones Beach version special is the setting. Jones Beach State Park is already one of New York’s most beautiful public spaces — the historic bathhouse, the boardwalk, the ocean backdrop. Seeing it transformed by millions of lights gives the event a sense of place that a parking-lot light show cannot match.
The event has grown significantly since its debut, adding new displays and themed sections each year. Returning visitors often note how much bigger and more elaborate it gets — a good reason to make it an annual tradition rather than a one-time visit.
What to Know Before You Go: Practical Tips
Best Nights to Visit
Weeknights early in the season (late November through mid-December) offer the shortest waits and lowest prices. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest period — magical, but expect long lines. If you can only go on a weekend, arrive right at opening time.
What to Bring
Since you never leave your car, comfort is easy: blankets, pillows for kids, hot drinks in spill-proof mugs, and snacks. A fully charged phone for photos is a must. Some families bring holiday pajamas for the full cozy effect — and honestly, that is the correct energy.
Accessibility
Because it is a drive-through event, Magic of Lights is inherently accessible — you experience the entire show from your vehicle. This makes it a great option for elderly family members or anyone with mobility limitations who might struggle with walk-through light displays.
Pairing Your Visit: Dinner and More
Jones Beach is close to several great dinner options. The Wantagh/Seaford area has family-friendly restaurants perfect for before or after the show. Alternatively, pack a full holiday picnic and eat in the car while waiting in line — many families do exactly this, and it is part of the fun.
If you are coming from New York City, consider making a day of it: visit the beach boardwalk in the afternoon (winter beach walks have their own stark beauty), grab an early dinner, then head to the light show at dusk.
Common Questions
Can you walk through the Jones Beach light show?
No — it is strictly drive-through. This keeps traffic flowing and makes it weatherproof, which is the whole point.
Are pets allowed?
Pets can ride along in your car, but they must stay inside the vehicle. Many dogs seem to enjoy the lights as much as the kids do.
What happens in bad weather?
The show runs rain or shine — another advantage of staying in your car. Only truly severe weather (like a major snowstorm) would cause a cancellation, in which case check the official site for updates.
For the latest dates, pricing tiers, and any new displays announced for this season, check the Magic of Lights official website before you plan your trip — peak nights can sell out.