Actor Chris Sarandon, the speaking voice of Jack Skellington in the 1993 film “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” visited Disney Tim Burton’s ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden for some Halloween fun Oct. 29.
Running through Nov. 30 at NYBG, the immersive nighttime experience transports visitors to the magical worlds of Halloween Town and Christmas Town with brand new scenes, music, and video projections.
This was my second year visiting the Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden, and somehow it was even better than last year. Maybe it was the extra fog machines — the atmosphere felt more engaging and Halloween-like. My adult children loved it, too.
The precise attention to detail made the entire event feel alive — the music, mesmerizing colors, and imaginative animations all came together beautifully.
I found myself stopping often just to take it all in — the glowing pumpkins, the familiar characters, snapping photos of it all.
Actor Chris Sarandon visited Disney Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden on Oct. 29, 2025. Advance/SILive.com |Dr. Gracelyn Santos
The staff kept everything running smoothly, guiding guests along the trail and even offering to take photos at several points. It made the experience feel personal and easy to enjoy.
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The self-guided walk lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and takes place Wednesdays through Sundays from dusk until 10 p.m. Tickets start at $33, and the experience is open to all ages.
Guests will encounter “dazzling lights, 3D sculptures, and all-new immersive moments” along the trail, set amid the garden’s lush scenery.
The event also features themed refreshments and merchandise booths, described as “a wonderland of moonlit magic.”
Actor Chris Sarandon – the speaking voice of Jack Skellington in the 1993 film – visited Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden on Oct. 29, 2025. (Courtesy Carrington Spires)Courtesy Carrington Spires
The trail is mostly paved, though some sections include uneven or sloped terrain. Wheelchairs are not available and visitors who need mobility aids are encouraged to bring their own.
The Light Trail takes about an hour to complete, so visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers to adjust for changing temperatures. A fully charged smartphone is recommended for taking photos along the route.
Once inside the Light Trail, guests may explore at their own pace along a one-way path. Re-entry is not permitted after exiting. Even those who haven’t seen the movie will still enjoy the event, promoters say.
The trail is paved and stroller-friendly to accommodate families with children.
Disney Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” Light Trail will delight guests through Nov. 30 at New York Botanical Garden. Advance/SILive.com |Dr. Gracelyn Santos
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