Thousands of visitors flock to a typically quiet Wall Township neighborhood each year for the over-the-top Christmas light show. Watch video
WALL - For the last decade, a spectacular display of holiday spirit has drawn thousands of spectators to a quaint Jersey Shore neighborhood for its tens of thousands of lights synchronized to rocking holiday music and a pyrotechnic display that shoots flames 20 feet in the air.
The 11th Annual Christmas Light Show is scheduled to return to 2702 Woolley Road for its first of three planned nights of shows on Saturday, Dec. 10. The other show dates are scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 17.
The shows, which run approximately 25 minutes, are expected to begin at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each night.
More than 12,000 total visitors flocked to the show's three nights of performances in 2015, organizers said.
However, event organizer Dan Brateris - who is the director of Experiential Learning at the New Jersey Institute of Technology - once again promises that this year's event will be the biggest and best one yet.
"It's more than just Christmas lights, it's more like going to a rock show," Brateris told NJ.com in 2012.
Organizers said this year's crew worked hard to refine the show by designing new effects and improving some fan favorites, which will include the installation of thousands of strands of lights, pyrotechnic effects, concert lighting, color changing lights, and robotic effects synchronized to Christmas music.
The shows - which also feature food, music and, of course, Santa - are completely free for anyone who wants to attend. However, people are encouraged to give donations, which benefit RallyCap Sports (formally Challenged Youth Sports) - a local charity that helps provide recreational opportunities for physically challenged children.
Guest to last year's shows donated nearly $19,000 to the charity, organizers said.
"The point of the show is to spread holiday cheer and it's free so everyone can afford to see it. We just ask that people who can afford to donate, donate what they can, because it is a great cause," Brateris told NJ Advance Media in 2015.
All parking is located at the North Wall Little League Field (2744 Belmar Blvd.). Attendees must park at the field and walk to the show, and are asked to carpool if they can. The walking route, which is monitored by police, is approximately a 10-minute walk.
Woolley Road will be closed with handicapped access at the discretion of the Wall Township Police Department.
Guests are advised to arrive 30 to 40 minutes prior to their show time and to bring a flashlight.
Shows may be rescheduled due to inclement weather.
Visit www.TheChristmasLightShow.com for more information and for the schedule of snow dates, if needed.
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.