The movie “Nightmare Before Christmas” has come to life at the New York Botanical Gardens with a spooky light trail featuring oversized lifelike characters, an eerie soundtrack that keeps visitors on their toes and lights and fog that make you feel like you’re in the actual movie.
Tickets range from $39-$55 each, depending on the package. The event runs through Nov. 30.

Idea by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick, the movie follows Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloweentown, who grows tired of his ongoing routine of scaring people. When he stumbles upon Christmastown, full of warmth and joy, he decides to take over Christmas by kidnapping Santa. Yet, Jack soon learns that his plans can go super wrong. This animated flick is a well-known and family-loved film and is watched on Halloween and Christmas. For those who know “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” then you ought to know the wonders the characters bring to life.

On the night of my family’s visit,  my siblings and I had no idea why were were headed so late to Fordham, which is across the street from the Gardens. But then we got hit with a fun surprise.

My sister, Sufia Baksh, jumped in excitement once she saw the lights from afar.  And when she saw the event, she ran, pulling my brother along, to see what else was in store.

“It was amazing because I got to see the cool character,”  my brother, Adam Baksh said.  I remember seeing sparkles in my brother’s eyes as we reached Jack Skeleton.

“I had a great time with my family and enjoyed the scenery as well,” my dad, Asif Baksh said.

The imagery, the lights and the characters made the event magical. “I would definitely do this event again,” Bibi Ali, my mother said

If you decide to go, here’s what to expect:

•  “The ticket prices were a little expensive in my opinion, but it was well worth it after seeing the expressions on my kids’ faces,’’ my dad said.
• If you go, especially on the weekend, be ready to walk about two hours and to wait in long lines to have photos taken with each figure from the film.
  My mom said the long lines are worth getting selfies with your favorite character. She had everyone in line for each character, even when the line to snap a photo took about 30 minutes. “Honestly, I didn’t mind the crowd; it was expected,” she said.
• My mom would like to see discounts for children. “I think children 5 and under should be free,’’ she said. “Twelve to-16-year-olds should’ve been $30 or less, but the adult prices were fair,” she said.
• The trail had a nice little stand of desserts, finger food and drinks. “I did not like it as much because there was not much there,” Sufia said.  This is true, but it was beautiful and the menu seemed delicious. Once we went to get something, some of the best items were gone. My brother disagrees: He had a chocolate chip cookie, which he describes as “so good.”

If you get a chance to go, you’re sure to have a good time: The decorations, characters and the event itself are spooky good fun.

For more information about the event visit: thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com.