Festive Places to Take Your Pup for a Cozy, Magical Ride
The holidays are the perfect time to bundle up, grab a warm drink, and set out on a glowing winter adventure with your pup. For families near Golden Paws Pet Resort and Spa in Robbinsville and across Mercer County, there are plenty of dog-friendly holiday light shows to enjoy. A number of them are right around the corner, and several others make for beautiful winter day trips.
Below is your guide to both nearby displays and festive day-trip destinations, all welcoming your dog to enjoy the magic with you!
Closest to Mercer County
Winter WonderLights, East Brunswick, NJ
Approx. 25 to 30 minutes from Robbinsville
One of New Jersey’s largest and most impressive animated light shows, featuring more than 1.5 million lights synced to music. The spacious route and central location make it perfect for a weeknight or weekend visit.
Dates: Nov 21 to Dec 28
Price: Approximately $35 to $45 per car
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in the car.
Why it is special:
A quick drive from Mercer County with a long, beautifully lit route and plenty of glowing scenes to enjoy.
Magic of Lights, PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
Approx. 35 to 40 minutes from Robbinsville
A New Jersey holiday classic with twinkling tunnels, oversized displays, and a nostalgic seasonal atmosphere.
Dates: Nov 21 to Jan 3
Price: Approximately $35 to $45 per car
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in the car for the drive-thru, but not permitted in the Winter Village area.
Why it is special:
A calm, cozy ride with spacious lanes and bright, picturesque displays.
Merry Mile of Lights, A. Casola Farms, Holmdel, NJ
Approx. 35 to 40 minutes from Robbinsville
A charming mile-long drive with classic holiday scenes. This is the only nearby light show that also offers a pet-friendly walking trail.
Dates: Nov 28 to Dec 28
Price: $45 per car
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in the car and on the walking trail.
Why it is special:
A great choice for pups who enjoy stretching their legs and exploring new sights.
Maple Leaf Farms Christmas Wonderland, Manalapan, NJ
Approx. 25 minutes from Robbinsville
Maple Leaf Farms transforms into a Christmas village each season with a vintage-style holiday walkthrough, festive displays, and a holiday lights train ride. It offers a slower-paced and cozy farm atmosphere.
Dates: Mid November through December
Price: Varies by event
Pet Policy: Pets are welcome in the outdoor nursery yard. Pets must be held, leashed, or placed in a cart when entering the store or greenhouse areas.
Why it is special:
A warm, nostalgic holiday setting with walk-through displays, train rides, and a festive farm market.
Worth the Drive
Celebration of Lights, Bridgeport Motorsports Park, Swedesboro, NJ
Approx. 45 to 50 minutes from Robbinsville
A peaceful drive featuring glowing tunnels, expansive displays, and long stretches of illuminated track.
Dates: Nov 29 to Dec 29
Price: Approximately $20 to $25 per car
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in vehicles.
Why it is special:
A quieter, more relaxed environment that is ideal for pups who prefer a gentle holiday outing.
Creamy Acres Night of Lights, Mullica Hill, NJ
Approx. 55 to 60 minutes from Robbinsville
A countryside holiday display with warm lighting, scenic views, and a calm, festive atmosphere.
Dates: Nov 28 to Dec 24
Tickets: Online purchase required
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in vehicles.
Why it is special:
A slower-paced route with beautiful farm scenery that creates a soothing winter experience.
Bonus Pick Just Over the Border
Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show, Yardley, PA
Approx. 30 minutes from Robbinsville
One of the region’s most immersive holiday attractions, offering millions of lights, glowing animations, themed tunnels, and a festive farm market with a Christmas village atmosphere.
Dates: Mid November through early January
Price: Usually $40 to $50 per car
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in the car for the drive-thru.
Why it is special:
It delivers a full village-style holiday experience with photo opportunities, warm treats, and beautiful winter scenery.
Make It a Day Trip
Skylands Stadium Light Show, Augusta, NJ
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Huge animated displays and one of New Jersey’s most impressive light tunnels.
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in the car.
Why it is special:
A large-scale, high-impact holiday light show worth the longer drive.
Orchard of Lights, Demarest Farms, Hillsdale, NJ
Approx. 1 hour 30 to 40 minutes
A glowing orchard transformed into a cozy holiday wonderland.
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in the car.
Why it is special:
A warm and inviting setting surrounded by orchard scenery and classic holiday decor.
GLOW: The Tinsel Turnpike, Sicklerville, NJ
Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
A colorful and energetic drive filled with bright displays.
Pet Policy: Dogs must remain in the vehicle.
Why it is special:
A high-energy light experience with vivid colors and bold displays.
Holidig Drive-Thru, Diggerland USA, West Berlin, NJ
Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes
Construction-themed holiday fun with animated scenes and playful displays.
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in vehicles.
Why it is special:
A unique twist on holiday lights with a fun theme that kids and families enjoy.
Tips for Taking Your Dog to a Drive-Thru Light Show
- Bring a cozy blanket or dog bed
- Crack windows for airflow
- Pack water and a small treat
- Keep holiday music at a calm volume
- Avoid feeding a large meal right before the outing
- Bring a portable light if your pup is nervous in darker spaces
- For photos, turn on interior lights briefly when stopped or moving slowly
A Magical Night Out With Your Pup Awaits
Whether you stay close to Robbinsville or venture further for a holiday road trip, these glowing destinations create the perfect backdrop for warm winter memories with your dog. If you visit one, feel free to tag us. We love seeing Golden Paws pups enjoying festive fun all season long.
At Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa, we love helping families make the most of the winter season. While you explore holiday lights and seasonal adventures with your pup, we are here to make sure they stay happy, healthy, and cared for all winter long. Whether they join us for a day of play, a grooming appointment, or an overnight stay, our team is committed to treating every pet like family.
At Golden Paws Pet Resort and Spa in Robbinsville, NJ, we offer:
Doggie Daycare and Enrichment for safe winter play and structured activities indoors and out
Overnight Lodging for cozy, comfortable stays while you are away
Grooming Services to keep your pup clean, soft, and camera ready during the holidays
Schedule a Grooming Appointment | Learn More About Doggie Daycare and Enrichment
Your pup deserves the very best this winter season.
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