Christmas Lights in Atlantic County 2026: Where to Go

Atlantic County goes all in on holiday lights, from a storybook theme park in Egg Harbor Township to a musical light show over a lake in Historic Smithville. Here are the light displays and glowing holiday experiences confirmed for the 2026 season, with dates, hours and what to know before you go.

Christmas Fantasy with Lights at Storybook Land

• Where: Storybook Land, 6415 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
• When: Select dates from Saturday, Nov. 14 through Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026. Closed Dec. 24 and 25.

More than 1 million lights cover the classic family park, and Santa switches them on at 5 p.m. each operating night through Dec. 23. Rides run during the event, a musical light show plays near Bubbles the Coaster, and snow falls along the train route. Families can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s House through Dec. 23. Tickets are sold online only for a specific date and are not timed, and 2026 season pass holders get in at no extra charge. Ticket price reported for 2026 is $42.95 per person including tax.

Storybook Land Christmas Fantasy tickets and calendar

Light Show on the Lake at Historic Smithville

• Where: Lake Meone, Historic Smithville, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville (Galloway Township)
• When: Nightly from Friday, Nov. 27, 2026 through Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

As darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music plays out across Lake Meone in the center of the village. You can watch from either side of the lake or from the bridge, and the show is free. Pair it with a stroll through the decorated shops, or warm up at S’mores on the Greene, held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December from 5 to 8 p.m., weather permitting, for a small fee.

Historic Smithville December events

Luminary Light Festival at Absecon Lighthouse

• Where: Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City
• When: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.

New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse glows for one night with luminaries, a tree lighting, caroling and DJ tunes. The evening includes a Full Moon Climb up the 171 foot tower plus a specialty cheese and wine tasting. Admission is a $25 per person donation that supports the historic site.

Absecon Lighthouse events

Vintner Wonderland at Renault Winery

• Where: Renault Winery and Resort, 72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City
• When: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 through Monday, Jan. 18, 2027. Regular rink hours are Fridays 4 to 8 p.m., Saturdays noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m., weather permitting, with extended holiday hours.

The historic winery turns into a winter village built around a 60 by 100 foot outdoor skating rink, with a holiday artisan market, seasonal food and drinks, and private igloos, heated cabanas and fire pits by reservation. Signature nights include a Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Stories with Santa on select Thursdays and Saturdays in December. Advance tickets are required for signature events.

Renault Winery and Vintner Wonderland

Holiday Train Ride and Magic Talking Tree in Smithville

• Where: Historic Smithville, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville
• When: Train rides throughout December, weather permitting. Magic Talking Tree on Fridays Dec. 4, 11 and 18 (4 to 8 p.m.), Saturdays Dec. 5, 12 and 19 (noon to 8 p.m.) and Sundays Dec. 6, 13 and 20 (noon to 7 p.m.).

Little ones can ride the village holiday train for $4 per person and stop by the free Magic Talking Tree, a long running Smithville favorite. Time a late afternoon visit so you catch both before the lake show starts at 5:30 p.m.

Smithville holiday schedule

Tips for a Night of Lights

• Buy Storybook Land tickets ahead for weekend nights, since they are sold online only.
• Bring layers for Smithville and Renault, where most of the fun is outdoors.
• Check each official site the day of your visit, since weather can change outdoor schedules.

More in Atlantic County: holiday markets and craft fairs, tree lightings and Santa events, and Thanksgiving week things to do.