I wish Yelp allowed for half stars. I would give this place a 2.5-3 stars. It's a cute fall/winter activity to do with your family. My partner and I went this weekend and there was minimal wait to get inside the light show ( if you're going closer to Christmas I imagine the wait time will start to increase). They're currently running a special where you get an extra free ticket to come back on a Tuesday if you drive a Toyota ( this year's sponsor). I wish there was a map or more directions as to what to expect because we went around one of the loops and then ended up in the parking garage to go into the village. The village was decent but I think better signage will allow people to better plan for the experience. Lights in of themselves were ok. They photograph best when you dim your exposure/ contrast on your phone. It's a cute date night activity for families and couples but don't expect to be too amazed. It is what you make of it... read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

We arrived on the Saturday before Christmas, 12 minutes before opening at 5 p.m. We had to wait 11 minutes after 5 before they opened the gates (I timed this). There were four lines of cars queued. The traffic volunteers were very helpful, and the ticket scanner gal was very sweet. People were calm and fine, no nastiness or rudeness about merging, etc. Other reviewers are correct. Several, I would say ten, of the light structures, had massive outages of the lightbulbs. YOU HAD ONE JOB. What the heck? About halfway through, they guide you to the Toyota / Verizon / what do I know advertising area for ice skating (fake -- it's on plastic), go to the bathroom (unheated), tons of really nice photo ops (enthusiastically recommend), overpriced food such as s'mores, pretzels, cocoa which we were warned off of by another reviewer, and some warming heaters. The line then snakes you through dino-land. Then you're done. Your GPS will be very confused because they've changed the lanes. Watch the signs to get back on the Parkway in your desired direction. Do I recommend this? I'm not really sure. The photo ops were great. The music on 87.9 was great. The lights, eh, most of 'em were pretty good. I don't get the Three Little Pigs and stuff. I feel like that was recycled from the Pittsburgh display they did in the early 90s. They found them in the back garage and figured, eh, why the f not, let's just put 'em up. No kid will even get that anymore. They had elves on motorcycles. Huh? Just doesn't seem like 2025. And I got my tickets back in early Nov. so I paid a lot less than most people - a la early bird special. So I mean, there were pluses and minuses. If we had been stuck in tremendous traffic, and paid the regular rate, I would be pi$$ed. The rate I paid, I guess it would be OK. However, we will never be back. Try Skylands in Sussex. It's cheaper. read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

See all

We waited in line about an hour and there wasn't really anything that stood out. The bathrooms were a bit messy and the hot chocolate was a bit overpriced. I wish there was more to see and activities. We spent more time waiting in line to get in than driving through enjoying it. read more

Amazing holiday experience here. A staple in my family that we look forward to every year. Thank you for being better than ever this year creating memories to last a lifetime. read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

See all

Definitely not worth it. Pros, came on a weekday so it wasn't busy. That's the only pro I have. Cons, traffic control was horrible. It's dark and foggy out no clear indication of how to get in. Ended up having to go back on the highway and back around then there were people stationed there to tell you which way to do. Won't completely hold the staff accountable, the signage at the turn to parkway and lights was right next to each other. I guess I could have paid closer attention. Idk. As for the lights on the drive through, half of them were dead. I've done other light drive throughs where they are jammed packed with lights so if a section is off it doesn't seem like you're missing out on anything. Radio station for the experience was all static. Thankfully I just turned on my Spotify Christmas station. Holiday village isn't anything special. Pics with Santa $35. Ice skating $12. There is a spot to purchase warm drinks if needed. A couple lit up trees and restrooms. All together it was disappointing. I would definitely drive out to any other light experience. read more

Ehh! I give 5 stars for the set-up. However this one is difficult to review because to make this any better would mean more expensive. I did not absolutely love this one. Some of the lights were difficult to figure out. The hot chocolate was $6 and horrible. Cmon at least make decent hot chocolate. Would have been much nicer if a little more effort was put into to this. read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

See all

The website says it takes 30-40 minutes to drive through. It took us 20 minutes. The light displays are beautiful but for me, not worth the drive there, the wait in line to get in (not too long but still a little wait) and the 20-minute ride through. read more

You know it's bad when we pull up and ask the employee if it's worth it and they were silent. I was in town for family and needed an activity for Christmas weekend. Family suggested so I did no research to see the bad reviews. $40 per car and from door to door from the house was an hour so maybe a 15 minute drive and that is probably generous. It's basically one big advertisement for sponsors, the lights represented the 12 days of Christmas song, light tunnel, dinosaur park? All underwhelming, could driving around neighborhoods for free. Feedback for them, maybe make it interactive somehow, play X song now while driving through, stops for selfies would have made a difference. read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

I really enjoyed it a lot, my daughter loved it she was excited to see so many lights that were there we'll definitely come back read more

See all

Spent $40 to wait in an hour-long line to experience a less than stellar light show that lasted about 12 minutes. In addition to this already being a complete rip-off, the experience entered into an agreement with Toyota and took away some of the light show in exchange for a "Holiday Village"... and there was hardly any publicity about that, or what it entailed actually. Knowing how much we spent, we would've checked it out - but opted for the thru-traffic lanes instead. Make the cost of the light show less and charge folks for using the Holiday Village - or, introduce time slots and demand pricing, not just general admission where the wait lines can become ridiculous. Moral of the story is, this is a scammed, outdated experience. Save your money, save your gas, save your time. Never again. read more

Nice drive through display of lights. Best experienced when not rushed. Let the other people pass you.

Holidays are here (or at least were) and everyone needs a bit of cheer from all the pandemic. Plans are made to see some Xmas lighting with the family. A girlfriend sent me the link to PNC events and we purchased the ticket $25 if paid online and in advance for per car. We read some reviews to avoid weekends because of the traffic so we decided to come 12/23rd (Wednesday) at opening hours of 5pm. We arrived on time to be stuck in the massive traffic jam of others trying to also enter the place. I learned that it is very disorganized and they were selling unlimited tickets and no dates and time slots specified so there were no sense of management organization. After inching ten feet in 30 minutes and nowhere near entrance, I decided to take my family home and drove opposite direction. It was a huge disappointment especially for the kids who were excited. Because we purchase the tickets already, we decided to come back after seeing some friends' post on social media that traffic was a breeze on the evening of 1/2/21. Mind you it's after new year and it was raining. Regardless, we were hopeful and didn't want to waste the ticket so we took the drive and sure enough, no traffic. The full thing from entrance to exit lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. We didn't get anything at the concession area. Did I mention it was raining? So, we drove through and it was really pretty with many oohs and ahhh from us. You can turn on their radio station and hear Xmas music throughout the drive. In some areas, there's two lanes and yes, decorations and lights are on both sides of the road. Overall, the lighting is pretty but it is definitely not worth the money or wait in traffic here. I guess we went so we can always say been there and done that. read more

Listen, if something has 51 one-star reviews, you should listen...unlike me. You are paying $25 to sit in traffic, waste gas and see a few lights. This is the most anticlimactic, stressful cluster $#*% there is. We were lucky, being relatively local we came from the south on the Parkway and only had to wait about 40 minutes before our tickets were scanned. If you came from the north, well you got hosed. We also got there at around 4:45, if you get there any time after you are also screwed. We had friends come from the North they waited for over three hours before even being scanned in, it took three hours along to just cross over the Parkway for them. Now, the lights, meh they are pretty anticlimactic, they did an ok job, but it just isn't worth the traffic. Drive around your neighborhood, you'll probably seem much of the same. Sure the "animated" ones and the tunnel is fun but not worth this level of suck. Not to mention some of them are pretty poorly done you can't even tell what they are, meh. Once you are in you are also in bumper-to-bumper traffic because there are a couple merge points. This is NJ people would rather smack their grandma than let you merge so it just creates a logjam. We stayed in one spot for another 20 minutes, while our toddlers had meltdowns. Because you can't get out, no bathrooms, nothing. Put some port-a-potties out! We were lucky this whole ordeal only took like 2 or so hours of our life we can't get back, our friends over 5 hours. Save your time, money and stress and skip this garbage. HBO Max sponsors it, so does Toyota, they should be embarrassed their name is on this, whoever puts this on should stop or figure out a better way to do this. read more

See all

Believe every single negative review about this place because it's ALL true! PNC & HBO MAX should be ashamed of themselves! They charge $25 for people to wait in line for hours? Only for them to decide that they're not letting anyone else ride through? 3 hours before closing time?? RIDICULOUS! We drove way over an hour to Magic of lights, waited and waited and WAITED and then was told they're full! FULL?? No warning. No apology. No explanation. I'm out of time and money and I'm not happy about it at all! It's honestly not worth all of the stress! The only thing I can recommend about this place is NOTHING! Donate that $25 to your local food pantry & ride around neighborhoods and view beautiful light displays for FREE! read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - 8:30pm!!!!!!! #livid - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

A ton of bad reviews but I believe its due to timing so a bit unfair. Heres my take on it. We arrive there 5pm on a Thursday. Yes, there was a queue already in place. But it was about 15 mins from where we were till we got scanned in. After which, we strolled through the place and it was about 20 mins total of viewing without any stops. There were 2 lanes and I never put my foot on the break due to other cars in front of me. First time being here and the light show was good. Some did look old but some parts were pretty cool. Kids enjoyed it a lot with a hot cup of chocolate and a soft warm chewy cookie we brought along with us. Most people complain about the long waits and etc. If you can get there when they open or right before, you are set with a good stroll through the light show. Remember we are in Covid times, everyone is trying to find something to do to entertain their families and boost up their Christmas spirits. These lines are expected since so many people coming from afar are doing the same. As we left, I did notice the long queue people complained about. I would agree I would hate to sit in that too. But with a bit of planning, the light show is enjoyable. read more

See all

The negative reviews are all correct I have nothing to add. However the one worker in the merch area was so kind. It seems just like a money grab scheme. read more

Not worth the money or your time ...no creativity put into this the lights were lackluster. The Santa village was horrendous wish I could say something good about it but nothing there would put you in the holiday spirit. Who wants to watch a Christmas movie outside on a fuzzy screen? Not me! Ice skating rink very small and skate rentals $12 adult and $9 for children. Did not look like a fun time I would pass on this and we did. All the stuff looked like it was thrown together with no thought or any attract decorations . Save yourself the money and ride around locally to homes that have been beautifully decorated for the season. This review gets Zero stars ...rip off! read more

This has become a family tradition. However, It seems more about the money these days rather than a nice family outing. The price keeps going up each year but they're not adding anything new to the display. Also some of the lights weren't working or fell down. Def not worth $40. You're better off driving around a nice neighborhood and looking at individual houses for free. Very disappointing!!! read more

Love the holiday season and was looking forward to this, but it's not worth paying the price. It's a cute drive though but it's so short - not even ten minutes long, thankfully we went on a week day and didn't have to wait long. I feel bad for the people that have to wait in long lines over the weekend. Staff at the end was not helpful . read more

Such a waste of time and money!!!! Drove for an hour and to see nothing spectacular!!! We always go see light displays every year and enjoys it but feeling very very disappointed with this one! read more

See all

Don't waste your time with this show. We first attempted to go a few days before Christmas and waited so long in long. Decided to leave after people saying they waited 3 hours. We came back the day after New Year's and the line was much shorter because Christmas was over. We already paid online so we had to go. Overall, I would say not worth the money seeing a couple of lights on some trees. Rather just drive around some nice neighborhoods you might see better decorations. read more

Just posting a few facts to add to your decision-making if you are considering this light show at PNC Bank Arts Center: - If you arrive from the north on the GSP, and are in creeping traffic prior to the sign "1 mile to PNC", expect to wait 3-3.5 more hours. We arrived at 8:30 and didn't get until almost midnight. Had we known what the wait-time was, we would have tried another day. There are no posted wait times. After an hour invested, it's hard to leave. - fill your gas tank before going! The anxiety of watching the warning light on your gas gauge while you are in line is not worth it. We left with a quarter of a tank and this is a 30 min drive - once you're completely off the GSP, I'm not sure how you would get out of the lines which resemble the standing mazes at Amusement parks - hungry after 3 hours in line? Popcorn $6 and cookie $6 - all lights are on 2-dimensional frames. No structures at all. No live displays. This was a huge disappointment. I've seen smaller light shows with clever 3 dimensional displays with lights. A reindeer with moving legs is not innovative anymore. - the 12 days of Christmas aren't right - the Nativity isn't right - there is a cool tunnel of lights to drive through, which was definitely my favorite part. My credibility to select a fun activity has gong to zero with my family. Overall, it is tough to justify a long wait for a very average display. We went on the Saturday after thanksgiving so perhaps the crowd is better on a weekday. read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - 2-dimensional displays. There are some fun themes, but the execution is very average. - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

Zero stars. I will never get those 4.5 hours of my life back. Showed up at 6, waited 4 hours to wait in another line for checking tickets, and then saw some sad lights in a parking lot. Be prepared to pee in a bottle and say goodbye to your relationships with the people in your car. read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - The real light show - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

See all

I loved this light show. I went on the day before the last and that was great because it wasn't as crowded as it usually is. The cars were able to move leisurely to fully enjoy all of the separate light shows. Ranging from Christmas decor to holiday cheer, it truly filled me with joy. If it returns, I definitely will go back! read more

This is a tough one. Once we got through the nonsense, my kids did love it but we were lucky and got there early on the first night opened. By the time we left, the snakes through the parking lot were twice as long and I can't imagine waiting 1.5 hours plus to go through. I guess if you can go early and on a weeknight it's good for kids. But weekends would be a hard no for me. read more

So to start, you MUST get there by 5. I repeat GET THERE AT 5 OR BEFORE. Otherwise, it will be a total nightmare for you. Dont even bother going. We got there at exactly 5 and we still had a 45 minute wait. By the time we left the line was spilled out onto the parkway and I am sure hours long. The light show itself is just ok, $30 for out dated lights is definitely not worth it. However, the kids absolutely loved it, and since they are the reason we went I guess that is the most important part. We also were able to bring our dog with us which was pretty cool. This is definitely NOT a 5 star experience but could be if they updated the lights and made it a way better experience. Solid 3 stars if you have kids, would have probably been less if it was just us adults. read more

Waist of time and money, won't be going back. We waited in car line longer than the drive through light show. The music is not playing with the right display and the display was nothing special. Wish I read reviews before going here with my family! read more

The organizers should be ashamed of this scam. We purchased an advance ticket for $25. I remember being surprised that it wasn't a timed admission and I should have stopped there. We drove an hour to get there, only to find a line for probably 3-4 miles, including this sign warning motorists that the show was full. We then saw a state trooper telling motorists to turn around and leave. I feel really bad for families that told their kids they were going to see lights and were turned away. It's not that hard to organize timed admission to some Christmas lights. We tried getting a refund and they tell you to try another day. I'll save the toll money. Scam. read more

Magic of Lights - New Jersey - Sign alerting drivers that the light show is at full capacity. - Festivals Near Me - Holmdel, New Jersey

WORST. EXPERIENCE. EVER. After waiting for 6 hours in line, we were able to see lights which could be best rated as 'average'. It was one of the worst experience we had with our 5 months old baby. The whole experience is completely unorganized - with no proper facilities, random selection of cars and lanes and no one to help if there's a need. Better to avoid this event under all circumstances. Never again! read more

The traffic is not worth it. We went today (tuesday) at 7pm and waited around an hour to see mediocre lights. Even without the traffic, the lights aren't that good or creative. I recommend finding a cute neighborhood to drive around. I felt terrible for the ppl coming in from PA and NY for this bs. read more

This was the most disappointing light show I have ever seen. I saw a sign from the road saying $20, but when we arrived, they said it was $40. The lights were largely old school lights with some animation, but driving through my town provides more festive lights. This looks like something out of the 1970s. Save your money and drive through a neighborhood where the residents decorate. It will be much more enjoyable. The most impressive part of the display was the traffic control. read more

When you enter there is a large light up elf who appears to be giving you the finger which is appropriate for this experience. 4+ hours snaking thru parking lots until you get to the ticket booth. Not enough staff in the parking lot to direct you and no way to escape. You are trapped. I saw 2 portapotties. Once inside the lights are just OK. Tbey have you tune to a radio station that plays random Christmas music and many ads. The music doesn't go with the themed areas. Like in the 12 days of Christmas area why not get the music for the 12 days of Christmas? The display needs work as there many bulbs out and some shapes we couldn't even tell what it was. We got on line at 7 and left at 11:45. Truly a horrendous experience. read more

Lots of traffic even off peak hours. Lights were okay but the traffic was a crawl. It just wasn't worth the effort. Also the village was a joke consisting of a run down tent and an "ice skating rink" with NO ICE! The rink was actually made up of hard plastic interlocking "mats" and kids were on ice skates trying to glide over plastic, not ice. It was ghetto and looked dangerous. If you are on the fence, I would recommend that you skip. read more