10 Spots to Witness Atlanta’s Dazzling Holiday Lights and Decorations (3/4)

The holiday season in Atlanta is when the city transforms into a breathtaking wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations and an enchanting atmosphere. From traditional displays to innovative light shows, Atlanta boasts an array of places that promise to captivate visitors with their magical holiday charm. Here is a curated list of some of the best spots to experience the dazzling holiday lights and decorations around the Atlanta area. Each offers fantastic opportunities to create cherished memories amidst the shimmering lights and holiday decor. 

But before you head out to embrace the spirit of the season and embark on a luminous journey through Atlanta’s most dazzling holiday displays, be sure to check the event websites for specific dates, ticket information and any COVID-19-related guidelines or restrictions. And to bypass the crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or non-peak hours and enjoy a more leisurely experience. Additionally, you will want to bundle up in cozy attire and bring along some hot cocoa or snacks to make the experience more enjoyable!
 
1. Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights – Step into a world of whimsy and wonder at the Atlanta Botanical Garden during their Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event. This annual extravaganza features millions of lights, captivating illuminated displays, and seasonal music that creates a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
 
2. IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival – New lanterns and experiences will be part of this year’s spectacular. Opening November 16, IllumiNights will run through January 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 or signature holiday spirits available for the adults and make merry with a marshmallow roast by the fire.
 
3. Centennial Olympic Park – The 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. The park’s trees and landscapes shimmer with colorful lights, and you can enjoy a beautiful display while taking a leisurely stroll or riding the Ferris wheel at SkyView Atlanta nearby. This annual Holiday in Lights show is free to enter and, each year, features unique touches. While you’re there, twirl around Atlanta’s largest outdoor ice skating rink on the Great Lawn.
 
4. Lights of Life at Life University – One of the most beloved Atlanta Christmas events, Life College Lights of Life has been dazzling visitors for more than 25 years. Locals line up to see the 100-plus lighted displays along a 1.5-mile drive through campus. The main attraction, however, is the 65-foot-tall Santa with his sleigh – the tallest in the Southeast. Other activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, train rides and photos with Santa. The display is open every day from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
 
5. Callaway Resort & Gardens Fantasy in Lights  – Though a bit of a drive from Atlanta, Fantasy in Lights is not just one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Atlanta; it is also considered one of the best places to see holiday lights in the world. With eight million lights and 15 custom-designed lighted scenes, including March of the Toy Soldiers and ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, this show will dazzle kids from one to 92. You can view the lights from your car or the gardens’ Jolly Trolley. If you want to get out and feel the crisp winter air, spend some time wandering the Callaway Christmas Village or a twinkling forest of shimmering lights and trails lined with well-trimmed trees.
 
6. The Georgia Aquarium’s Festival of the SEAson – Combine the wonders of the underwater world with holiday cheer at the Georgia Aquarium. Their Festival of the SEAson includes spectacular light displays, themed events, and the opportunity to marvel at marine life while surrounded by festive decorations.
 
7. Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular – Located at Lake Lanier, the Lakeside Lights Spectacular takes you on a magical walk through an amazing light extravaganza with seasonal music. Stroll through the new lakeside light show with 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. And be sure to check out License to Chill Snow Island, which features a 575-foot-long snow tube slide, ice skating, carnival rides, snow play and shopping.
 
8. Stone Mountain Christmas – Stone Mountain Park is known for putting on an especially big show for the Fourth of July, but their annual Christmas celebration is a close second. In addition to all the park’s normal attractions, you can see special holiday-themed shows, millions of dazzling lights, a parade, Santa and his reindeer and a musical light forest. The 12-minute choreographed Christmas drone show is guaranteed to be like nothing you have seen before. And if that’s still not enough, you can stick around for the 20-minute lights show with state-of-the-art projections and a fireworks finale.
 
9. A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms – If you live in the Metro Atlanta area, A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms in Cartersville is a light display you won’t want to miss. The more than a mile of lights is best viewed by car, but there are hayrides as well. The show includes live reindeer, a live nativity scene on weekends and concessions, including s’mores, hot chocolate and cider. As an added bonus, if you still need a Christmas tree, you can also select one to take home during your visit.
 
10. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia – Celebrate the season at Six Flags from November 18 through January 3, 2024, on 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 even 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.