NYC Christmas Lights Public Transit: Jersey City Holiday Guide (Car vs. Train)

The Ultimate Guide to NYC Christmas Lights (Public Transit Edition): Car vs. Train from Jersey City

Favorite Holiday Traditions (Been There, Love That)

A. Public Transit Recommended

Favorite Holiday Traditions – NYC Christmas Lights (Public Transit is Best!)

• Rockefeller Center Tree & Saks Light Show (NYC): The timeless classic! The tree's dazzling lights and the music-synced light show on the Saks façade. Beware of the crowds, though. Tree lighting for 2025 is December 3.

  

  Go early in the afternoon to beat the massive crowds and still catch the beautiful displays.

  

  The quiet before the storm! Catch the Tree before the crowds came for the official lighting.

• Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) (Bronx, NY): A must-see model train show. There were beautiful displays both inside and outside, but the indoor space was the real show stoppers. Looking up, down and all around, every space was well crafted and well designed. Lots of NYC architecture and history spread throughout the warm Conservatory. Leave your strollers outside and walk through at your own pace, great for toddlers and families. This is a family favorite!

  

  This is the magic! Watching the trains run on beautiful, miniature replicas of iconic NYC landmarks.

  

  Getting into the holiday spirit! We love the festive photo spots inside before seeing the trains.

  

  Welcome to the New York Botanical Garden! The Conservatory is always warm.

• Holiday Displays All Around (e.g., American Dream Mall): The huge trees are located in luxury hall D. Santa and huge holiday display is located in the center of the mall. We didn't wait for photos with Santa, but snapped a few with the trees and other little displays.

  

  The American Dream Mall knows how to do holiday displays! You can spend the day enjoying it all.

  

  We loved finding all the dedicated photo spots at the American Dream Mall!

• Liberty Science Center (Jersey City): A cute little experience. Our favorite was the miniature train ride, perfect for toddlers. The holiday displays throughout the center were great. Like many of their events, they always provide themed experiments, or art and STEM hands on activities.

This holiday display featuring the NYC skyline and light-up snowman was a highlight of our visit.

Officially entering the North Pole! We loved how LSC transformed the entrance area for the holidays.

This mini train ride was so cute for small toddlers. It's an essential stop on any trip to LSC.

• The Christmas House at The Oculus (NYC): This immersive installation was a family friendly trip to bring festive cheer and lots of photo opportunities. They are no longer located in The Oculus.

  

  The Best Photo Ops: The immersive Christmas House experience, complete with an entire room dedicated to A Christmas Story! Did you spot the famous leg lamp?

B. Car Highly Recommended

• Bergen County Zoo Lights (Paramus, NJ): The lights were dazzling and bright. While most of the animals are away for the winter months, but there were lots of displays. The zoo is the perfect size for toddlers to walk independently. The train was operating and the ride was a great break from the walking and a fun way to see the lights.

  

  Don't miss the beautiful lantern walkways at the Bergen County Zoo. Reminder: A car is recommended.

  

  The Bergen County Zoo Winter Wonderland is one of the best holiday light displays in North Jersey!

• Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ): Your go-to spot for farm-fresh holiday fun. Reservation required, and the queue was still long. But the drive through the farm was quite nice. Rose really enjoyed it.

Our 2025 Holiday Bucket List (New Adventures)

A. Public Transit Recommended

• LSC Santa Pajama Party: Every Friday & Saturday, Thanksgiving to Christmas 530 - 930P. Lots of family fun.

  
  

• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Inflation Day (NYC): The behind-the-scenes event anticipation. I've learned that they have a viewing the evening before in UWS, because there is NO way I'm waking up at 5A with a toddler and waiting in the cold. So fingers crossed this is as magical as seeing them on Thanksgiving.

  
  

• Bluey at CAMP Store (NYC): The new, interactive experience that's easy to get to. Take the PATH to 14th St Station and walk to the store for fun. We visited in the summer and there were lots of little areas to explore and photos to take. Beware you wait in the store with all the tempting items for sale.

B. Car Highly Recommended

• Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights: Free admission, donate non-perishable food, new toys or new/gently loved winter coats. 5 - 9P Friday to Sunday Nov. 21-23 and Daily Friday Nov. 28 to Sunday Jan. 3. Check out their website for specific events, like meeting Santa or princesses.