Amaze Light Festival Brings Sprawling Holiday Lights Display to Citi Field

Billed the largest holiday lights display in the country, tons of twinkling displays await to be explored at the Amaze Light Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Billed the largest holiday lights display in the country, tons of twinkling displays await to be explored at the Amaze Light Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
12/8/22 - By Danielle Wilson

Bundle up and brighten your family's holiday season with a fun-filled trip to see the twinkling holiday lights at the Amaze Light Festival at Citi Field. The immersive experience is the largest holiday lights show in the United States, with thousands of colorful, shimmering lights and larger-than-life displays.

New York City has no shortage of family fun to enjoy while counting down to Santa's arrival, with traditional activities like visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or touring the popular Dyker Heights Christmas lights. Still, the Amaze Light Festival is a must-visit if you're looking for something new and out of the box! Read on for our experience and find more seasonal fun in our Guide to the Holidays and Christmas in NYC to find all our top picks for families.

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Amaze Light Festival entrance
Larger-than-life displays are bedecked with twinkling holiday lights at the Amaze Light Festival.

The Amaze Light Festival is located in a parking lot at the Mets' Citi Field, which offers tons of room for roaming. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the friendly staff before jumping in line to have their tickets scanned and bags checked. Ample space and smooth asphalt mean you won't have issues navigating with strollers or wheelchairs.

Our toddler's excitement built as we rolled her under the luminous archway. From colossal teddy bears and reindeer to candy canes and ornaments, the larger-than-life installations were purely mesmerizing to children and the young at heart. The photo-ops make for great Instagram-worthy snaps or backdrops for a holiday card.

RELATED: Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC in 2022

Amaze Light Festival: Castle of lights
Wander through a castle of twinkling lights at the Amaze Light Festival.

Amaze Light Festival guests embark on a magical adventure, journeying through five interactive holiday-themed worlds with adorable storybook characters Zing and Sparky leading the way. Visitors enjoy energetic performances every two hours, including singers, dancers, and a large animated light display. There's even a special light show every 30 minutes.

While the vibrant holiday lights are the main show-stopping attraction at the Amaze Light Display, there are other elements of this holiday experience to enjoy. If you want to stay warm on the chillier days, buy a hot chocolate, holiday-themed spirits, or grab a bite from the various food trucks selling everything from pasta to burgers and sweet and savory treats.

RELATED: 12 Must-Do Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2022

Amaze Light Festival: Zing's Thrill Hill
Hit the tubing hill at Amaze Light Festival for an added fee. Photo courtesy of the festival

For an additional fee, visitors can go tubing down "Zing's Thrill Hill" or hop aboard the Arctic Express train with friends and family. We heard tons of giggles, screams, and cheers of excitement as the train pulled out on its tour.

The VIP experience is a nice perk—though pricey—with tented seating to keep warm, passed appetizers, and specialty-themed holiday cocktails available for an additional fee. 

If you've still got holiday shopping to do, the Amaze Light Festival offers many options. Check out the German-style holiday market, a "toyporium" with a charity focus featuring the season's most popular toys, and the candy-filled Sparky's Sweet Spot for lots of treats!

Know Before You Go to the Amaze Light Festival

  • The Amaze Light Festival is held in the Citi Field parking lot and open select days through Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 4pm-10pm.
  • Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring the Amaze Light Festival; download the Amaze Light Festival app on iOS or Google Play before you go to help plan your evening.
  • Advance, timed-entry tickets are required; tickets can be exchanged for a different date or time, but there are no refunds unless there's a cancellation. 
  • Children under 2 are FREE. Children ages 2-12 range from $41-$97 (VIP); Adult tickets are $50-$106 (VIP); discounted family packs and group rates are available.
  • General admission grants access to the Amaze Light Festival, the light show, stage show, immersive worlds, market, toyporium, candy store, and arctic stroll. 
  • Zing's Thrill Hill and the Arctic Express Train Ride require a $5 per person ticket add-on.
  • If you're driving, parking is $30 per car. The Amaze Light Festival is easily accessible via the 7 train to Mets/Willets Point.
  • There are port-a-potties on-site.
  • Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes; there's a lot of ground to cover.

Unless noted, all photos by the author

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