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IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta

Here’s Where To See Holiday Lights In Atlanta

Where are the best places to see holiday light displays in and around Atlanta? Here are several great choices.

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens

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Callaway Gardens annual light show is packed with things to do. (Photo courtesy of Callaway Gardens)

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens opens Nov. 17 and runs through Jan. 1, 2024. There’s a brand-new Tree of Traditions, a 40-foot Pixel pine, lighting up Callaway Christmas Village. Don’t miss the winter wonderland of twinkling lights, oversized ornaments and a forest of decorated trees. Climb aboard the Jolly Trolley for a journey along the 7-mile Fantasy In Lights drive-through experience, illuminated with 10 million twinkling lights and 17 Christmas scenes.

Where: 17800 U.S. Highway 27, Pine Mountain, Ga.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

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The sparkling lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden will put you into the holiday spirit. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden)

There’s plenty of room to glow during the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s 13th annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights extravaganza, Nov. 18 through Jan. 14, 2024. New this year are the following: (1) A white skynet suspended near the Flower Walk. The 144-foot-long by 11-foot-wide canopy will be dramatically lit from above. (2) Large illuminated metal sculptures of deer and birds positioned in the Anne Cox Chambers Garden. (3) The White Rabbit from a previous Alice in Wonderland-themed exhibition, covered in multicolored lights and holding court at the center of the Skyline Garden pond. (4) Gigantic lighted butterflies – each 11 feet wide – suspended from the treetops above Camellia Walk. (5) A new garden-wide color scheme emphasizing warm hues. (6) A new Kiss Me Arch featuring a crescent moon and mistletoe, perfect for those romantic Instagram-able moments.

Where: 3445 Piedmont Road NE

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia

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Light shows. carolers. It’s all happening at Six Flags Over Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Six Flags Over Georgia)

Holiday in the Park celebrate the season Nov. 18 through Jan. 3, 2024 (select days). This year, the event brings new experiences, like the Six Flags Holiday Market, new live shows and the return of favorite attractions, shows, food and more. The market features a kid-friendly sleigh ride, a hilarious puppet show, holiday shopping with local crafters and artisans, specialty food and beverage, cookie decorating and more. You can indulge in a VIP experience for up to six inside of your own, heated igloo. VIP packages include a family-style holiday meal, sparkling cider, unlimited hot chocolate, specialty treats, reserved show seating and more. There will be three new live shows and seven returning guest-favorites.

Where: 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell, Ga.

IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival

Zoo Atlanta will be all dressed up with lights for the holidays. (Photo courtesy of Zoo Atlanta)

New lanterns and experiences will be part of IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival, opening Nov. 16 and running through Jan. 14, 2024. Stroll the zoo after dark to be inspired by nature-inspired lanterns. Each lantern is made and hand-painted by Chinese artisans, representing thousands of hours of work. Warm up with hot cocoa (signature holiday spirits available for ages 21 and up). Make merry with a marshmallow roast by the fire. Find photo ops sure to sparkle on your social. 

Where: 800 Cherokee Ave. SE

Lights of Life at Life University

For more than 30 years, Atlantans have flocked to Life University for its annual display, Lights of Life. Drawing a half million visitors each holiday season, the show is open Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Eve. In addition to the lights, enjoy pony rides, train rides, a petting zoo and a concession stand.

Where: 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, Ga.

Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Lake Lanier Islands

The Lakeside Lights Spectacular takes you on a magical walk through an amazing light extravaganza with seasonal music. Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular runs nightly at 5 p.m. Nov. 22 – 26; Dec. 1 – Jan. 3, 2024 and weekends only through Jan. 15, 2024. Stroll through the new lakeside light show with a one-of-a-kind holiday lights with features that range from traditional holiday displays to high tech images and Margaritaville-themed scenes. Refill your cocktail or cocoa at the Tipsy Elf, which you’ll find in the middle of the light show. License to Chill Snow Island features a a 575-foot-long snow tube slide, ice skating, carnival rides, snow play and shopping.

Where: 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, Ga.

Midtown Bright

Midtown Bright lights approximately 2 miles of Peachtree Street with holiday cheer. The festive display includes more than 200,000 LED lights and 121 trees wrapped in colors. Also on view are 23 Moravian stars ranging from 3- to 23-feet tall. Take a walk down Peachtree Street in Midtown; it’s a winter wonderland. Specific locations with light displays include Emory University Hospital Midtown, the Fox Theatre, the Midtown MARTA station, Colony Square and Woodruff Arts Center, the Margaret Mitchell House and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and Peachtree Pointe.

Where: Along Peachtree Street in Midtown

Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Christmas brings out the joy. (Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain Park)

Get immersed in the magic of the holidays at Stone Mountain Christmas, Nov. 11 through Jan. 2, 2024. Look up as 250 drones light up the sky in the Magical Christmas Drone Show during which the drones create holiday-themed aerial formations. Catch the holiday spirit during the Christmas light show, featuring holiday songs, special effects and fireworks.

Join Aurora, Princess of Light, as she lights the way for Santa’s sleigh. And, of course, Santa Claus will make a grand entrance with a fly-over. Don’t miss the Christmas Parade featuring floats, holiday characters and music. Take in live shows and special meet-and-greet opportunities with some favorite North Pole friends including Santa and Santa’s Reindeer.  Hop aboard the Sing-A-Long Christmas Train and sing along to your favorite classic Christmas tunes with the Crossroads Carolers.

Where: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Ga.

WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

WildWoods: AGLOW creates an enchanting forest at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. (Photo courtesy of Fernbank Museum of Natural History)

WildWoods: AGLOW, is a multi-sensory adventure that immerses you in the wonders of nature through a blend of the real environment, contemplative music and glowing displays that highlight the native flora and fauna within WildWoods. The attraction shines a light on events such as what mushrooms would sound like if they could sing, Experience WildWoods: AGLOW Nov. 17 through Feb. 25, 2024.

Where: 767 Clifton Road

For more holiday things to do, check our Christmas page.

Journalist Carol Carter writes and edits for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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