Get ready for one drive-through that you’ll enjoy at a locale that is all decked out to dazzle and delight Christmas light display seekers of all ages. The chilling wind and dark evenings of winter may be upon us, but Long Islanders have an excuse to head back to the beach a few months early.
Just about every Long Islander recalls the spectacular Christmas light show presentations at Jones Beach. Families and friends would gather by the carload, tune in their radios to WALK 97.5FM and slowly navigate their way along the road, guided by glistening light displays that were synchronized to the harmonious sounds of the season. The last of these shows took place seven years ago, and then budget constraints put an end to the annually anticipated event. Early in November of this year, cheers of nostalgia and excitement followed Governor Cuomo’s announcement that the show will go on once again, starting in 2014.
The seven year hiatus since the lights went out across the causeway has helped to kindle the enthusiasm as Long Islanders welcome back the show that provides Christmas cheer and promises to help revitalize Jones Beach. The show is just as magical as it used to be. Cars, trucks and motorcycles wind around the west end road, traversing 2.5 miles to take in 150 displays of light and animation that depict the defining images and traditions of the season. Local students crafted some of the displays, and Christmas music is still synchronized to the twinkles, flashes and animation along the way. With more than 300,000 lights, the Jones Beach show is the largest Christmas light show on Long Island.
The debut of the light show’s return features a newly expanded Holiday Village occupies a heated and festively decorated building where Santa awaits his loyal subjects every night for picture taking. Pet lovers can bring their furry friends on Wednesdays for pictures with Santa. Also in the Holiday Village, enjoy all of the charms and delights of the Christmas season, from sipping hot chocolate and savoring sweet treats and roasting s’more’s at the fire pits to shopping for unique holiday-themed gifts from local vendors and observing antique toy displays to the strains of Christmas melodies. On selected evenings, local school choirs croon the beloved holiday tunes that we all know by heart.
The Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacular runs daily through January 4, 2015. When the sun’s rays descend over the horizon of crashing waves, the colorful twinkling lights take over from dusk until 10:00pm on Mondays through Thursdays, extending to 11:00pm on Fridays through Sundays. Admission is charged by the vehicle and costs $20 on weekdays and $25 on Fridays through Sundays. For those who can’t get enough of the festive view, one admission grants a second drive-through at no extra charge on Tuesdays. All tickets may be purchased at the park itself or at www.seetheholidaylights.com Be sure to visit the website for a detailed schedule, as the park will be closed on certain nights, and then pack up the car with your loved ones and cherished friends, and may your night at the beach be merry and bright.
Just about every Long Islander recalls the spectacular Christmas light show presentations at Jones Beach. Families and friends would gather by the carload, tune in their radios to WALK 97.5FM and slowly navigate their way along the road, guided by glistening light displays that were synchronized to the harmonious sounds of the season. The last of these shows took place seven years ago, and then budget constraints put an end to the annually anticipated event. Early in November of this year, cheers of nostalgia and excitement followed Governor Cuomo’s announcement that the show will go on once again, starting in 2014.
The seven year hiatus since the lights went out across the causeway has helped to kindle the enthusiasm as Long Islanders welcome back the show that provides Christmas cheer and promises to help revitalize Jones Beach. The show is just as magical as it used to be. Cars, trucks and motorcycles wind around the west end road, traversing 2.5 miles to take in 150 displays of light and animation that depict the defining images and traditions of the season. Local students crafted some of the displays, and Christmas music is still synchronized to the twinkles, flashes and animation along the way. With more than 300,000 lights, the Jones Beach show is the largest Christmas light show on Long Island.
The debut of the light show’s return features a newly expanded Holiday Village occupies a heated and festively decorated building where Santa awaits his loyal subjects every night for picture taking. Pet lovers can bring their furry friends on Wednesdays for pictures with Santa. Also in the Holiday Village, enjoy all of the charms and delights of the Christmas season, from sipping hot chocolate and savoring sweet treats and roasting s’more’s at the fire pits to shopping for unique holiday-themed gifts from local vendors and observing antique toy displays to the strains of Christmas melodies. On selected evenings, local school choirs croon the beloved holiday tunes that we all know by heart.
The Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacular runs daily through January 4, 2015. When the sun’s rays descend over the horizon of crashing waves, the colorful twinkling lights take over from dusk until 10:00pm on Mondays through Thursdays, extending to 11:00pm on Fridays through Sundays. Admission is charged by the vehicle and costs $20 on weekdays and $25 on Fridays through Sundays. For those who can’t get enough of the festive view, one admission grants a second drive-through at no extra charge on Tuesdays. All tickets may be purchased at the park itself or at www.seetheholidaylights.com Be sure to visit the website for a detailed schedule, as the park will be closed on certain nights, and then pack up the car with your loved ones and cherished friends, and may your night at the beach be merry and bright.