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Photograph: Courtesy Six Flags
Photograph: Courtesy Six Flags

The coolest drive-thru Christmas lights near NYC

Prepare to be dazzled: These great drive-thru Christmas lights are an awesome and safe way to get in the holiday spirit!

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The season of lights is getting even brighter: Drive-thru Christmas lights have popped up around NYC, and they're the perfect way to celebrate the holidays at a distance. 

Drive through Christmas lights, twinkling tunnels, larger-than-life seasonal displays—they're all ready to wow your little elves! We suggest you bring along some hot chocolate and crank up the Christmas songs for kids while out on your adventure. 

Although this December is looking a lot different than what we're used to, there are still ways to take advantage of Christmas events in NYC safely. It's been a difficult time, but we'll help you make the most of it. 

Drive-thru Christmas events

1. Peace, Love & Lights

Location: Bethel, New York 

The Woodstock site is getting a yuletide makeover. From Nov 23–Jan 3, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will host the drive-thru Peace, Love & Lights Festival, a one mile-long display of holiday lights with homage to the grounds' iconic past. Naturally, there are eye-catching Christmas displays—a 120-foot Twinkle Tunnel, an Enchanted Forest—but where else will you find Groovy Way, a lights attraction takin' you all the way back to 1969? It's a must for music lovers and the whole family! 

2. South Jersey Holiday Light Show

Location: Swedesboro, New Jersey

Dozens of illuminated attractions are waiting for you in Jersey! This mile-long Christmas celebration has a little bit of everything—a jumbo dragon in a Santa hat, a snowflake tunnel and so much more. From Nov 19–Dec 30, guests are invited to hit the road and pull up to the experience. Tune in to the radio for a synched performance. 

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3. Riverhead Holiday Light Show

4. Holiday Light Spectacular

Location: Middletown, New York 

The site of this year's popular drive-thru fair food festival is extending the fun to the winter with its Holiday Light Spectacular. Venture to the Orange County Fairgrounds for a multimedia lights show, displays and, naturally, delicious sweets that you can order directly from your car. (Yes, funnel cakes are on the list.) The event will run from Nov 27–Jan 3. 

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American Express Platinum Winter Lights will debut for the first time at Moorland Farms in New Jersey. Cardholders will have the opportunity to drive through two miles of twinkling lights, a recreation of American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker and a drive-through snow globe, all while their journey is accompanied by holiday tunes from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDs. Even better? This Christmas event is not just for fun—it's for a cause. Proceeds will benefit the American Ballet Theatre and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDs. To support Shop SmallⓇ, AmEx will also work with local businesses like Willow & Olivia and David Bradley Chocolatier to curate a selection of winter treats. Tickets are $15 per car and time slots are from 5:30–10pm are available from Dec 11–13 and Dec 18–20. 

 

6. Christmas Light Show & Village

Skyland Stadiums doesn't miss a trick: One mile of festive lights are at the ready, all while the expanded outdoor village will keep families busy with a hot cocoa bar, s'mores pit, ice skating, a ferris wheel and even walk-through light displays. Tickets ($29) are only available online. 

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