We track 1 display in Newark.
Displays here switch on around sunset. In Newark that means about 5:05 PM in early December and 5:05 PM by mid-month — the earliest sunsets of the year fall right in the middle of lights season. It is properly dark by about 5:36 PM, which is when the displays look their best. December nights in Newark typically drop to around 23°F.
| Date | Sunset | Fully dark |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | 5:05 PM | 5:35 PM |
| Dec 15 | 5:05 PM | 5:36 PM |
| Dec 25 | 5:10 PM | 5:40 PM |
Residential displays have no facilities of their own — no parking, no toilets, nowhere to warm up — so it is worth knowing what is around. Within about three miles of the Newark cluster, OpenStreetMap maps 4 public car parks and 0 public toilets. Only 16 cafés or takeaways nearby, so bring a flask if you want one. Note the lack of public toilets in particular if you are taking children.
$10attractionglowing trees along walking trailsSanta visitslive reindeerice sculptureslive musicadvance tickets only
Dawes Arboretum near Newark lights its trees for a walking event held on select early-December nights, adding Santa, reindeer, ice sculptures, and live music. Tickets ($10 adults, $5 for kids 5-15, under 5 free in 2025) must be purchased in advance, with no sales at the gate.
✓ Verified 2025-2026
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