As we approach the midst of the 2020 holiday season, spirited families search for local holiday attractions for family fun, while also maintaining COVID precautionary measures.

Although not as interactive as prior years, Southern New Jersey is full of exciting holiday experiences. The options range vastly, from drive-thru light shows to parks decked out in the holiday spirit. 

Following the success in their summer safari Drive-Thru, Six Flags Great Adventure introduces their Holiday in The Park Drive-Thru Experience. With reservations required, tickets cost $14.99 per person and allow access to “no shortage of magic with 12 immersive areas of more than a million dazzling lights, seasonal music favorites and even a sighting of Santa and Mrs. Claus,” as advertised on the Six Flags Great Adventure website. This event runs through November 30 to December 17 of 2020, Mondays through Thursdays. Along with the Drive-Thru, the park additionally features a Holiday in The Park Experience where you can enjoy rides and street entertainment.

Adventure Aquarium, located in Camden, New Jersey, presents Christmas Underwater. After making an online reservation, guests can explore life underwater through an aquarium decked out in Christmas decor. “New this year,” Adventure Aquarium’s website is proud to introduce, “Scuba Santa, the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree in the Shark Realm exhibit and the World’s Smallest Underwater Christmas trees in Caribbean Currents.” Running November 27 through December 24, this attraction provides an enjoyable, memorable day for the entire family. 

Historic Smithville offers Light Show On The Lake, continuing from Thanksgiving to January 5. Presenting “over 120 Christmas trees made from over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically floating on Lake Meone” (Historic Smithville), this attraction is sure to bring on the holiday spirit. As darkness falls, a show of lights and music glimmers across the lake. This jolly Christmas town has no limit on Christmas festivities, featuring Dickens Fest, a musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” with free admission, a Magic Talking Tree event, a Holiday Train Ride, over fifty specialty shops and more. 

“If what you’re looking for is the complete Christmas experience, Historic Smithville is definitely the place to go for you and your family. The lights shimmering over the lake were amazing as they went along with the music,” said Hainesport resident Jen Morringelli. “My family and I had a great time shopping and walking around and we definitely want to try out the attractions at Six Flags and Adventure Aquarium.”

There is certainly no lack of holiday fun amid the pandemic. Even with safety measures in place, the experiences capture the spirit felt through New Jersey residents. If you ever find yourself looking for fun, be sure to check out these merry events.