If you’ve ever wanted to make the season feel even brighter than usual, we’ve got just the spot—gather the kids, blankets, and a few snacks in the car and head to Augusta for the 10th annual Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village where the holidays come alive with over two million lights and lots of holiday cheer. Every year, the Augusta stadium is transformed into a one-mile drive-thru with a Christmas Village sprinkled with lots of ho, ho, ho to enjoy. From light tunnels to holiday vendors to roasting s’mores—Skylands Stadium is a memorable way to get into the festive spirit—and is one of the best holiday activities in New Jersey. Scroll down for the details on what to expect while you’re there. (featured photo credit: Skylands Stadium)
Get into the holiday spirit at Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village
Twinkle lights in a tunnel—what could be more fun? Photo Credit: Skylands Stadium
Take in two million twinkling lights
What’s better than seeing over two million lights worthy of a Christmas Light Fight episode? Seeing them from the comfort of your car. As you drive the road at Skylands, you’ll go through the twinkling, fully enclosed light tunnels and wreath arch. Filled with enchanting scenes, like colorful bears skating and glistening dancing trees, the mile-long route has excitement at every turn. And just when it feels like you’ve seen it all, you’ll find more festive and wintery touches as you drive, with sparkling colors cascading throughout your car. The magical ride concludes with a stop in the Christmas Village.
Santa is ready to hear all about your list. Photo Credit: Skylands Stadium
Wander through the Christmas village
Park the car and walk through an icicle-light tunnel to discover a charming village where kids can share their wishes with Santa and take photos for a fun memory. While the kids get their list to Santa, you can shop the local artisan booths for gifts and pick up a kit at the S’mores Station. Take a seat in one of the Adirondack chairs around the fire pit and toast marshmallows for a tasty treat while listening to live music. If you’re thinking about dinner, you can reserve a table at the Double S Smokehouse for BBQ (they are also taking reservations for a special Santa Brunch on December 23). Other festive food spots are the ice cream booth, hot chocolate station, and a beer garden for parents looking to try a seasonal brew.
The lights at Skylands Stadium Light Show will dazzle and delight the whole family. Photo credit: Skylands Stadium
What to know before you go
The Skylands Stadium Light Show & Christmas Village is open every day from now until December 30, 2023. The show is open rain, snow, or shine, and takes 30 minutes to drive through. Tickets are sold in increments of 15 minutes and must be purchased online in advance, selecting a day and time slot. Tickets are $29 per carload, including the light show, Christmas Village, and parking. VIP tickets are $79 and are good for any day or any time, allow you to skip the entry line, and include two souvenir light-up toys. The Village is free to enter, though food and Santa photos are at an additional cost. Skylands Stadium is stroller-friendly but beware of some uneven or unpaved surfaces.
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship Place
Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 383-7644
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
