North Faces, gingerbread lattes and holiday music on 106.7 FM can only mean one thing: it’s the most wonderful time of the year and we should all be getting into the holiday spirit. Everyone loves to drive around and look at holiday lights at least one night out of the season, and there is no better place to do this than The Holiday Light Spectacular at PNC Bank Arts Center.
After four years of cancellation, the lights are back up and are now sponsored by Buydig.com. From Nov. 20 to Jan. 4, you can visit PNC Bank Arts Center with your friends and family to see the show of a lifetime. With over 150 light displays and 2.5 miles of holiday scenery, the Holiday Light Spectacular will create a winter wonderland in the heart of NJ. You can also tune into PNC’s radio station, 102.5 FM, for holiday music that goes along with the light displays.
From the minute you pull into the parking lot, holiday lights will surround you. As you drive through this winter wonderland, you will see motion light displays of Santa playing sports, such as golf, paragliding, sledding, and even zip lining. As you continue through, you will drive through a section called “Favorite Tales,” where you will go back into your childhood as you drive past light displays of “Humpty Dumpty,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “The Three Little Pigs,” “Little Bo Beep,” “Rapunzel,” “Mother Goose,” and even “Jack and Jill.”
Once you pass the “Favorite Tales,” you will drive through the famous light tunnel and enter the world of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” where you will pass by light displays of each element from the classic holiday song, including five Gold Rings, four Calling Birds, three French Hens, two Turtle Doves, and, of course, a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Be on the look out for surprise guests, including the Energizer Bunny and Frosty the Snowman. You may even see Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at some point!
Once you drive through the light displays, be sure to park the car and take a walk through the JCP&L’s all new Holiday Village, which has fun for all ages. It includes a heated area within the park where friends and families can take pictures with Santa and everyone can enjoy some festive holiday treats as well. Santa will be at PNC now through Dec. 23.
Treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate, apple cider, eggnog, or hot coffee. You can also purchase holiday cookies, pretzels, or candy. There is even a section where you can decorate your own holiday cookie.
There are a few photo opportunities that families and friends can take advantage of as well. These include portions of the village with special backdrops, such as a winter wonderland scene and a holiday sled scene, specifically set up for family photos.
The fun doesn’t stop there. There is also the AmeriHealth NJ skating rink, which is located in the North Plaza. Skate with your friends and family while listening to holiday music. There is even an open fire right next to the ice rink if you do not want to skate and still want to enjoy the atmosphere.
If you want to see the Holiday Light Spectacular, PNC Bank Arts Center is open select dates from Nov. 20 to Jan. 4 and hours are from dusk to 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and dusk to 11:00 pm Friday and Saturday.
PHOTO TAKEN by Kelly Coffey
