Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacular

Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacular returns November 20th 2014.

Updated November 6, 2014 6:29 AM By JIM MERRITT Special to Newsday

Santa Claus is coming back to the beach.

The Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacular and its colorful displays of vignettes featuring whimsical characters is returning to the Jones Beach West End section for a six-week run, beginning Nov. 20.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Live Nation are reviving the popular holiday light show, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is expected to announce Thursday. The show was canceled seven years ago because of state budget cuts.

As in the past, motorists can drive through the west end, which will be flanked on both sides by about 2½ miles of giant light displays. The exhibit also is to feature displays created by local schools. The state also is bringing back the holiday village, where kids can take pictures with Santa, warm up with refreshments and snacks and listen to Christmas carols.

Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacular runs through Jan. 4, Mondays to Thursdays from dusk to 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. Fridays to Sundays. Admission is $20 per car on weekdays, and $25 Fridays to Sundays.

On Tuesdays, visitors can take a second drive-through at no charge.

Purchase tickets for Jones Beach Holiday Light Spectacularat the park or at seetheholidaylights.com or ticketmaster.com.