The Lollipop Road

I remember the sparkling and twinkling of the lights, the brisk cold air and on occasion, if we were lucky, the snow covered landscape that came to life during the Festival of Lights at LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro, Massachusetts.  It was such a memorable tradition for me as a child that we decided to make a holiday light show part of our family tradition for our kids too.

Finding and choosing a display seems to be half the battle these days.  With economic hardships impacting businesses and families alike, many displays just aren’t lit this year.  In New Jersey, the options are already limited and in 2009, the PNC Holiday Light Spectacular was canceled, limiting the choices even further.  Luckily, the display that we’ve been visiting for three years running didn’t disappoint.

Schaefer Farms in Flemington, New Jersey has been displaying it’s Holiday Light Show since 1949.  It is a mix of Christmas and Chanukah with a day on the farm.  So, although not completely a traditional display, it’s lots of fun for younger kids.

The one mile loop takes you through flashing, animated musical displays of all shapes, sizes and colors.  You’ll be able to listen to the music in the comfort of your vehicle by tuning your radio to FM 91.7.   As you make your way around the loop, you can take your time and stop for photos as long as you stay inside your vehicle.

About two-thirds of the way around, there is a pullout where you’ll be able to park and watch a large musically timed light display.  This is certainly the best part of the show.  We were excited to see that they had changed the motif this year, replacing the house with a large barn.  Overall, it is a fairly basic display and a bit on the pricey side at $12 per carload, but I suppose all that matters is that the kids really enjoy it.

Once you’ve completed the loop, you can park, take more photos and do a little shopping inside the store.  You’ll find small Christmas knick-knacks and other typical farm store items inside and trees and such outside.  On the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December (6PM-8PM), Santa is also on hand to take photos and receive orders.  Photos are free if you use your own camera.

About 500 feet down the road there is also a home-grown display called Christmas City.  This display started back in 1991 and has grown each year since.  It’s pretty extensive and although not as complex as some professional displays, it is worth a stop if you’re in the neighborhood.  Entry is by donation and they are having an open house on December 19th and 26th from 6PM-8PM.

Here is a list of Holiday Light Displays nationwide to get you started on your search.  Leave us a comment telling us about your favorite holiday light display.

For more amazing photos, please visit Photo Friday at DeliciousBaby.

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