Holiday lights on Jekyll Island, Georgia

Holiday lights on Jekyll Island, Georgia

10 Holiday Light Displays in Georgia

Spend holiday nights under festive lights at these dazzling displays.

Below are 10 of the biggest and brightest holiday light displays in Georgia. Pack up the car, turn on the holiday tunes, and hit the road for these spectacular sights! Find many more stunning displays across the state on the ExploreGeorgia.org calendar of events page.

Chinese lanterns at Zoo Atlanta

Handmade Chinese lanterns light up Zoo Atlanta

Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta

Wildlife lights the night at the IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival. Experience Zoo Atlanta after dark and be inspired by more than 80 animal lanterns – some more than 20 feet tall – depicting some of Earth’s most charismatic creatures. Each lantern is made and hand-painted by Chinese artisans, representing thousands of hours of work. Select gift shops and food and beverage locations will be open, as well as the Endangered Species Carousel.

Nov. 17, 2022 - Jan. 15, 2023

Visit IllumiNights at the Zoo

Aerial view of holiday lights at night in Atlanta

Atlanta Botanical Garden during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Photo by @jerrito1

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Garden Lights, Holiday Nights adventure at the Atlanta Botanical Garden thrills all of your senses! Orchestral Orbs glow harmoniously with holiday tunes. A Tunnel of Light from the radiant Ice Goddess to the Glittering Galaxy embraces visitors in enchanting light. Named one of the top 10 holiday light shows in the country by USA Today, this monumental event in the heart of Midtown Atlanta is one you don't want to miss.

Nov. 12, 2022 - Jan. 14, 2023

Visit Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Lanier Islands, Georgia

Tunnel of Lights at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

Margaritaville's Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Lanier Islands

Introduced in 2020, Margaritaville's Lakeside Lights Spectacular is a magical walk through a lighting extravaganza with festive seasonal music at Lanier Islands. Grab a drink and a sweet treat at Santa's Tiki Bar, play Polar Mini Golf, and add to the experience with wintry fun at License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville. With one of the fastest snow rides in North America, ice skating, snow play area, fire pits, and s’mores, carnival rides and more, Snow Island is one of the best Southern snow attractions and fun for all ages.

Nov. 19, 2022 - Jan. 16, 2023

Visit Lakeside Lights Spectacular

Magical Field of Lights at Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Field of Lights at Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Bundle up for a Jolly Trolley ride, or drive your own car through more than 8 million lights at Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Named one of the "Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights" by National Geographic Traveler, Callaway Resort & Gardens glistens with custom-built scenes. In 2020, a scene titled Magical Field of Lights made its debut to mark the 29th year of this spectacular Christmas event! The Field of Lights scene is nearly two football fields long, featuring a Christmas tree more than 10 stories tall, making it the tallest Christmas tree in the South. Inside the Christmas Village, shop for gifts from Georgia crafters and specialty treats.

Nov. 18, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023

Visit Fantasy in Lights

Holiday lights on Jekyll Island, Georgia

Holiday lights on Jekyll Island, Georgia

Holly Jolly Jekyll

Jekyll Island is home to more than a million lights during the Holly Jolly Jekyll season. The Great Tree alone has more than 45,000, which is more per square foot than the NYC Rockefeller Center Christmas tree! Purchase tickets online for the guided tram tours that take place on select nights. Trolley riders will enjoy festive holiday beverages, music, and a one-of-a-kind tour souvenir! 

Don't miss the light parade, holiday fireworks, and special drive-in movie presentations. Check the Jekyll Island events calendar for a full lineup of holiday fun!

Nov. 25, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2023

Visit Holly Jolly Jekyll

Shining star at Rock City Gardens

Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights in Lookout Mountain, Georgia

Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City Gardens

Tour Rock City Garden's Enchanted Garden of Lights, aglow with holiday scenes encompassing more than 1 million lights. Journey through the Arctic Kingdom Aurora Lights, reminiscent of the aurora borealis lights. Descend into a Magic Forest and walk through the center of a 43-foot tree. Shop for gifts in Downtown Yuletown, and treat yourself to sweets and hot drinks at the North Pole Lodge.

Nov. 18, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023. Reserved timed entry tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Visit Enchanted Garden of Lights

Sing-along train at Stone Mountain Christmas

Holiday train at Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Christmas

Kids of all ages will have a jolly Christmas at Stone Mountain Park when it's dressed up for the holidays with millions of lights. Experience the world's largest Christmas light show, an all-new 20-minute sensation with holiday songs, videos, special effects and a fireworks finale! Ride the Sing-along Train, journey through the Musical Frosted Forest, see Angelina the Snow Angel, visit Santa and more. Meet Rudolph, Clarice and Bumble as they return to the park from the North Pole, and don't miss the Polar Express 4-D movie experience.

Nov. 12, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023

Visit Stone Mountain Christmas

Trees decorated with holiday lights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens

Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens, Georgia

Winter WonderLights

This walk-through light show at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens features illuminated displays along a half-mile path that is certain to delight and inspire. Wander through the Garden of Delights, Candy Cane Lane and Cone Tree Plaza while you enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and shop for gifts in the holiday market. The half-mile trail takes 45-60 minutes to complete and is fully ADA accessible.

Select nights Nov. 23, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2023

Visit Winter Wonderlights

December Nights Holiday Lights

December Nights Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

December Nights & Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

Savannah's jewel of a Christmas dazzles with more than 1 million sparkling lights across the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens during December Nights & Holiday Lights. Located just 10 miles from downtown Savannah, these botanical gardens at a historic bamboo farm are a sight to behold in the daytime, too!

Select nights Nov. 25, 2022, through Dec. 24, 2022

Visit December Nights & Holiday Lights

Light Up the Holidays at Barnsley Resort

Light Up the Holidays at Barnsley Resort

Holiday Lights at Barnsley Resort

Visitors to Barnsley Resort (including those who are not staying overnight) are welcome to view more than 1 million lights and festive décor in the historic 1800s manor house ruins, surrounding gardens and English-style village. Holiday Garden fees are complementary to overnight guests and children five and under. Fees apply for all other visitors, and tickets are subject to availability and can be purchased online. Take advantage of the resort's special offers, and plan a getaway to spend even more time under the lights.

Select nights Nov. 26, 2022, through Jan. 2, 2023

Visit Barnsley Resort

Add to your holiday fun with many more events and activities in Georgia! Plan your holiday adventures on ExploreGeorgia.org/events/holidays.

Published: October 2022
Written by: Lesli Peterson
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