Your guide to holiday lights around metro Atlanta
Access Atlanta Staff
Holiday nights are meant to be spent under festive lights. We’ve rounded up some of the biggest and brightest holiday light displays in metro Atlanta, so pack up the car and hit the road for these spectacular sights!
From hidden gems to free, popular holiday light displays, find your favorite here:
Neighborhood light displays
Who doesn’t love the holidays? It’s a time to be with family, celebrate traditions and enjoy the season.
One of my favorite memories from when I was a child was getting in the car with my family at Christmas time, listening to festive tunes like Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” and driving around looking for our favorite houses decorated for the holidays.
This is still one of my favorite traditions, and if it rings true to you too, there are tons of homes decorated all out for Christmas, including a must-see private home in Decatur at 2464 Fontaine Circle. The family has been bringing joy to the neighborhood for over 30 years and is definitely worth checking out. It’s not the only home in East Atlanta that goes all out! Drive through Avondale Estates any night to see their incredible lights too.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights adventure is back and better than ever this holiday season. While plenty of the show’s fan-favorite features return (including its stunning light displays, dozens of permanent pieces of art and more), guests can expect new twists like an all-new exhibition in the Anne Cox Chambers Garden by French artist Cédric LeBorgne. It’s a winter wonderland everyone will want to experience this season! Now through Jan. 14, 2024.
Location: Midtown - 1345 Piedmont Ave NE; Website: atlantabg.org
IllumiNights Chinese Lantern Festival
With more than 80 nature-inspired lanterns and a variety of activities for kids, this Chinese lantern festival at Zoo Atlanta is just what the holiday season ordered. The festival runs now through Jan. 14, 2024.
Location: East Atlanta - 800 Cherokee Ave SE; Website: zooatlanta.org
Nightly Tree Lighting Shows
If you’re a fan of holiday cheer and festive tunes, don’t miss the Nightly Tree Lighting Shows at Colony Square. Experience the magic every night from 5 to 8 p.m. until Christmas Day as Midtown’s trees illuminate the sky, offering a delightful and free show for the entire family.
Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St NE; Website: colonysquare.com
Celebration at the Station
At Atlantic Station, you can see more than 200,000 lights in an 8-block walkable area. In addition, every night from 5-9 p.m., gather in front of the Christmas tree on the Atlantic Green to witness a spectacular celebration. Did we mention it’s completely free? Now through Christmas Day.
Location: Midtown - 1380 Atlantic Dr NW; Website: atlanticstation.com
Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park
This free holiday display features magical lights, hot cocoa, and popcorn. It’s the perfect place to take your children (or yourself!) for an evening of fun this holiday season. The display runs through the end of December.
Location: Dunwoody - 4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338; Website: dunwoodyga.gov
Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Lanier Islands
Great for the whole family, the Lakeside Lights Spectacular will take you on a holiday stroll through an enchanting winter wonderland of lights, trees and displays. Then grab a drink and sweet treat at The Tipsy Elf or grab some grub at LandShark Bar & Grill. Now through Jan. 15, 2024.
Location: Gwinnett - 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518; Website: margaritavilleresorts.com
Stone Mountain Christmas
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy one of the most affordable drive-thru displays in metro Atlanta. It’s just a 1.5-mile drive around the Life University campus in Marietta. It features more than one million lights, pony rides, a petting zoo and more for the whole family. Now through Dec. 31
Location: Cobb - 1269 Barclay Cir, Marietta, GA 30060; Website: life.edu
A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms
If you’re looking for a place to make some family memories this holiday season, look no further than Pettit Creek Farms! With beautiful Christmas lights, pictures with Santa AND his reindeer, and so many more family-friendly activities to choose from, Pettit Creek Farms is sure to become your favorite spot this season. Now through Dec. 30.
Location: Cartersville - 337 Cassville Rd, Cartersville, GA 30120; Website: pettitcreekfarms.com
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort and Gardens
If you’re looking for something to do this holiday season that’s a little farther out of town but still totally worth the drive, head to Callaway Resort and Gardens, just over an hour’s drive from Atlanta.
The Garden’s Fantasy in Lights is one of Georgia’s most beloved Christmas traditions, and it’s sure to bring your family and friends together over Christmas cheer. You can walk through the lights, drive through them, or even ride on a trolley as you explore all of the magic it offers. Now through Jan. 1, 2024.
Location: Pine Mountain - 17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822; Website: callawaygardens.com
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