New Jersey has some truly epic Christmas light displays, but few have garnered as much national attention as the Cranbury Christmas Lights. What makes these the best Christmas lights in New Jersey? Read on to find out.
The Shaw house in Cranbury is much like any other in the neighborhood...until it transforms into a Christmas wonderland.
The display started about 10 years ago with around 10,000 lights. It has evolved into a holiday spectacular with over 100,000 lights, all beautifully arranged by this festive family. They've really given Cranbury Christmas lights an amazing name.
It's more than just a regular Christmas light display in New Jersey...
The lights dance to music, synchronized to a series of songs. And, we can't forget about the recent addition of pyrotechnics.
And this display has several one-of-a-kind features...
Like one of the world's largest pixel trees! It's 20 feet tall and features 7,000 pixels that all move to the music. This display also holds a local (New York/New Jersey) record for the most lights on a single Christmas Tree. There are over 50,000 lights on the family's giant 36' tree - more lights than the tree in Rockefeller Center.
The 70-minute show is absolutely FREE.
The lights are programmed to 18 different songs, including one programmed by the couple's son Alexander. Impressive! Younger brother Kristopher is also learning to program at a very young age - soon he'll be a pro! Though delighting in the lights is free, donations are encouraged. Money made is donated to the local food bank.
A generous donation can score you VIP access.
Your contribution of $100 or more will afford you a VIP tour, primo parking, and the opportunity to turn on all the lights (if you arrive by 5:45 p.m.). Stand inside the mega tree and be amazed!
This show is SO GOOD that it has been featured in multiple media outlets and two different shows. It's a symbol of Christmas in New Jersey!
Perhaps the display's biggest claim to fame was being a competitor on ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight. They've also been all over the news. - on Nightline, NBC Nightly News, and more.
These pictures don't do the display justice, see a sneak peek of the 2016 show below:
To learn a little more about the work that goes into the Cranbury Christmas Lights, check out this Great Christmas Light Fight clip:
Remember to be respectful of the neighbors and as generous as you can (100% of your donation goes to charity). The light show usually runs in the second half of December. For more holiday magic in New Jersey, check out these New Jersey Christmas Towns.
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