Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns to Jones Beach Thursday

After patiently waiting for seven years, Long Islanders can once again take part in the traditional Jones Beach Holiday Lights Spectacular.

At sundown Thursday, the west end of Jones Beach will be illuminated with a total of 2.5 miles of elaborate lighting decorations and attractions.

The drive-through show was last held in 2007 before budget cuts turned out the lights.

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“The Holiday Lights Spectacular is a Long Island tradition that I am proud to help revive for the first time in seven years,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement earlier this month. “This impressive display attracts visitors from all over, providing an important boost to Long Island’s economy. I encourage all New Yorkers to take a trip and see this spectacle for themselves this holiday season.”

In addition to the drive-through, this year’s spectacular will feature a Holiday Village with local school choir performances, holiday music and refreshments, a Hay Maze, and pictures with Santa Claus.

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“We are excited to have the Holiday Lights Spectacular return to Jones Beach this year as it is a great way for everyone to immerse themselves in the holiday season and for us to be further involved in our community,” said Alan Ostfield, president of Live Nation North Atlantic.

The Holiday Lights Spectacular will run through Jan. 4. Hours are from nightfall to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from nightfall to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is $20 per vehicle and $25 on weekends. Every Tuesday, visitors can take part in “2-for-Tuesday” and drive through the lights a second time free of charge. For more information/to purchase tickets, visit the State Parks website here.

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Watch old footage of the Holiday Lights Spectacular below:

Photo: Peppini.com/YouTube