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Ocean County has holiday lights for every style of night out, from a theme park lit with millions of bulbs to a free drive-through in the Pine Barrens. Here are the 2026 holiday light displays and festive attractions in Ocean County, NJ, with dates confirmed for this season.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure
- Town: Jackson
- Where: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Boulevard
- When: Select nights, Saturday, November 21, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027 (Season Passholder preview night Friday, November 20)
Holiday in the Park returns in 2026 after being canceled last year, and Six Flags has rebuilt it around four themed lands: Glittering Gateway, Santa’s Arctic North Pole, Sweet Street and Coastal Christmas.
The lineup includes a Tree Lighting Spectacular, The Glistening Snow Show and Holiday Road: LIVE on Tour at the Showcase Theater, with millions of twinkling lights across the park. Many rides stay open at night, and there is cookie decorating, gingerbread house building and visits with Santa. Operating nights vary, so check the calendar before you buy tickets.
Lighting Up Nature at Jakes Branch County Park
- Town: Beachwood
- Where: Jakes Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Road
- When: Friday, December 11, through Monday, December 14, 2026, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Ocean County Parks and Recreation sets up a neighborhood-style drive-through light display at its “Gateway to the Pines” park. It is only open four nights, so put it on the calendar now.
It is a perfect add-on if you are already driving around to look at holiday lights in your own neighborhood.
Christmas in the Pines at Harry Wright Lake
- Town: Manchester
- Where: Harry Wright Lake, Harry Wright Park
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (rain date Sunday, December 6)
Manchester Recreation’s celebration ends the day with lighted trails to follow around the lake. Before dark there are food vendors, a craft market, performances, hot cocoa, firepits and s’mores, and hayrides.
Santa makes a special visit from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Seaside Heights Tree Lighting and Fireworks
- Town: Seaside Heights
- Where: Seaside Heights Boardwalk
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 12 p.m.
The boardwalk tree lighting is a full day of carousel rides, an iceless skating rink, carolers, snow and Santa and Mrs. Claus, finished off with fireworks over the beach.
Barnegat Holiday Model Trains
- Town: Barnegat
- Where: Barnegat Recreation Center, 900 West Bay Avenue
- When: Tuesdays, December 1, 8 and 15, and Fridays, December 4, 11 and 18, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Admission: Free
The Barnegat Holiday Model Trains display celebrates its fifth anniversary in December 2026. It is a cozy indoor option for a cold night, and the Saturday morning hours work well for younger kids.
Festival of Trees at Cattus Island County Park
- Town: Toms River
- Where: Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard
- When: Wednesday, December 23, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission: Free
County agencies decorate themed trees, and visitors vote for a People’s Choice favorite. Entries in the park’s gingerbread house contest, themed “Out in Nature,” also go on display in late December.
Tips for a Night of Lights
- Check weather and operating calendars the day of your visit, since outdoor displays can change for wind or rain.
- Weeknights are usually less crowded than Saturdays in December.
- Pack hot cocoa and a blanket for drive-through displays.
More in Ocean County: Christmas tree lightings, holiday craft fairs and Thanksgiving week events are coming up across the county.
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