Jones Beach 'Magic of Lights' returns for the 2024 holiday season

The festive North Pole comes to Jones Beach this holiday season with a drive-through featuring millions of holiday lights and a jolly village where Santa meets and greets those who have been both naughty and nice.

The return of the annual "Magic of Lights" experience at Jones Beach in Wantagh on Nov. 22 kicks the holiday season into full gear on Long Island. 

"The 'Magic of Lights' at Jones Beach State Park has been occurring for more than 15 years and is now being enjoyed by a whole new generation of visitors,"  says George Gorman, regional director of New York State Parks. "More and more people look forward to this holiday tradition as it continues to grow and expand."

The all-ages event will take guests on a journey through more than 2 million lights with various scenes lit by LED technology. New attractions this year include a zoo animal scene, North Pole scene, toy soldier spectacular in Toyland  and an expansion of the 12 days of Christmas display. There's also a winter wonderland expansion in the works with Old Man Winter, who is 48 feet wide 28 feet tall.

Other light  displays include a prehistoric Christmas, a Bigfoot Monster Truck display and Barbie dollhouse. Stop in the Jolly Holiday Village to see illuminated trees, take pictures with Santa, visit concessions and more. Kids can print out a letter to Santa and drop it off at the mailbox for a timely delivery to the North Pole.

"Magic of Lights" will be open 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Jan. 4.