Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring festive scenes and seasonal characters built with LED technology and digital animations. Visitors can also park and walk through the Toyota Holiday Village to enjoy an outdoor ice skating rink, roast s'mores over an open firepit, and watch Illuminating Mega Trees synchronized to holiday music. The village also features Santa's Workshop for mailing holiday wish lists, photo opportunities with Santa, and visits from the Grinch.
What to Expect
Drive-through holiday light displays paired with a walk-through festive village.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Magic of Lights
Food & Drink
The village offers hot chocolate and seasonal treats, including s’mores guests can roast at the firepit.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-lights fans
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Special November visit-only pricing: standard car, any day, $22.00/vehicle; gate price $30.00. Limo/party bus, any day, $54.99/vehicle; gate price $65.00. Bus, any day, $79.99/vehicle; gate price $90.00. November tickets are valid for November visits only and cannot be used in December; discount valid until November 30. Santa Saver offer: standard car, any day, $29.99/vehicle (shown as $39.99 reduced to $29.99), and standard car weekday (Mon–Thurs), $25.99/vehicle (shown as $35.99 reduced to $25.99); available online only, lock in savings before Nov 19 and use any time this season; discount valid until November 19. Season pass: standard vehicle, unlimited visits all season, $89.99/vehicle. – Get tickets
- Hours: Sun–Thur: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM.
- Parking: You stay in your car for the drive-through; to visit the Toyota Holiday Village, park in the designated spots and walk in.
- Pets: Dogs are permitted as long as they stay in the vehicle.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your vehicle pass online in advance for easier entry, and bring it printed or on your phone, because lost passes cannot be looked up at the gate.
- Visit in November with a November-only ticket for the lowest price of the season, but remember it cannot be used in December.
- Grab a Santa Saver ticket online before November 19 to lock in a discount you can use any time this season.
- Only buy a weekday ticket if you will come Monday through Thursday, because weekday tickets are not valid Friday through Sunday.
- Plan your visit before Christmas Eve if you want a photo with Santa, since he is in the Holiday Village only on select nights until then.
Special Events & Promotions
- New in 2026: November-only tickets at the lowest price of the season; these are valid for November visits only and can't be used in December.
- New in 2026: a Season Pass for a standard vehicle with unlimited visits all season.
- Santa Saver: discounted standard-car tickets (any day or weekday), sold online only until November 19 and usable any time this season.
- Santa is in the Holiday Village for photos on select nights up to Christmas Eve.
- The Grinch visits the Holiday Village through January 3.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs can ride through the lights as long as they stay in the vehicle. No dogs or other pets are allowed in the Toyota Holiday Village.
Can we get out of the car?
Stay in your vehicle on the drive-through, though you can take photos from inside. To get out, park in a designated spot and walk into the Toyota Holiday Village. It has an outdoor ice skating rink, s'mores at the firepit, the synchronized Illuminating Mega Trees, Santa's Workshop for letters to Santa, Santa photos and the Grinch.
What counts as a standard vehicle?
Any vehicle with three rows of seating or fewer, including SUVs and minivans. Vehicles with more rows use the Limo/Party Bus/RV pass, which has a limit of 15 passengers, or the bus pass.
What do I do with my headlights?
Turn them off as you drive through the display, or switch to dim if they won't turn off. Turn them back on when you exit. Keep a safe distance from the car ahead, since cars may stop suddenly.
What happens in bad weather?
If the lights must close for weather, closures are announced as quickly as possible, and alerts are posted on the Holmdel location page.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.