11 Christmas Light Displays in Georgia That Are Pure Holiday Magic

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about the holidays is heading out and checking out all the great Christmas light displays in Georgia. Whether you're a fan of strolling by foot admiring the twinkling lights or prefer the drive-through Christmas lights in Georgia, we have magical holiday adventures all over the state that are worth a visit. Check these out:

1. IllumiNights: Atlanta

It's no surprise that Atlanta has one of the best displays of Christmas lights in Georgia - it is our capital city, after all! Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta is an incredible collection of hand-crafted lanterns. Some of these sculptures are more than 20 feet tall! This is a must-visit for anyone looking for the best Christmas lights in Atlanta, GA. This year's display will be set up from Nov. 14, 2024, to Jan. 19, 2024, and is perfect for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Zoo Atlanta website.

2. Fantasy In Lights: Pine Mountain

Callaway Gardens is a popular year-round destination for anyone looking for outdoor fun, and the magnificent Fantasy In Lights display here has some of the best Christmas lights near Columbus, GA. There are more than 10 million lights on display here, and you can even ride on the Jolley Trolley or even partake in Bike Night at Fantasy in Lights to enjoy one of the best drive-through lights in Georgia. This real-life winter wonderland opens for the season on Nov. 15, 2024. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at the Callaway Gardens website.

3. Winter Wonderlights: Athens

Winter Wonderlights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a relatively new event that's only been around for a few years, but already this event is proving to have some of the best Christmas lights in Athens, GA. The half-mile, fully accessible trail is perfect for the whole family and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get through. This year's festivities run on select nights between Nov. 24 and Dec. 30, 2024. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the State Botanical Garden of Georgia website.

4. Light Up the Holidays at Barnsley Resort: Adairsville

If you've never visited Barnsley Resort at Christmas, you are really missing out! This magnificent Southern estate has the best Christmas lights near Rome, Georgia. Whether you're staying at the resort or just stopping by to see the light display, this is a wonderfully relaxing (and beautiful) place for a winter trip. Find out more and check out the calendar of events on the Barnsley Resort website. You can also book an overnight stay on Booking.com.

5. Lockerly in Lights: Milledgeville

The Lockerly Arboretum is a beautiful garden in the historic town of Milledgeville, and this year's Lockerly in Lights Christmas celebration is set to be bigger and better than ever! The festivities start on Nov. 14, 2024, and run on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday evenings through Dec. 21. One of my favorite things about these Christmas lights in Milledgeville, GA is that Fridays feature drive-through viewing only and Saturdays feature walk-through viewing only, so you can pick your experience (or enjoy both on separate days!). Tickets must be purchased in advance for Saturdays, but advanced tickets are not available for Fridays. Learn more from the Lockerly Arboretum website.

6. Enchanted Garden of Lights: Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain is one of the most fairy tale places in Georgia: you'll feel like you walked straight into a storybook exploring this beautiful place! Come winter, you can enjoy some of the most magical Christmas lights near Chattanooga at this epic landmark. The Enchanted Garden of Lights celebration is still going strong after nearly three decades and has been a family favorite for many Georgia families. This year's festivities run from Nov. 15, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025, although it will be closed on Christmas Eve. Come and see why this is among the best Georgia holiday lights! Tickets must be purchased in advance from the See Rock City website.

7. Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza: Macon

Macon's main drag really goes all out for Christmas — the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza features the best Christmas lights in Macon, GA. The festivities take over the entire downtown area from Nov. 29, 20234, to Jan. 5, 2025, and feature over a million lights set to music played by the Macon Pops. It's easy to see why this central city is nicknamed the Heart of Georgia: there are so many great local shops and businesses to support here!

8. Holly Jolly Jekyll: Jekyll Island

The beach seems like an odd place to go for Christmas, but once you see Holly Jolly Jekyll, you'll see why this is considered to be the best Christmas lights in the Golden Isles. More than 350 light displays are set up throughout the town, and you can even take a ride on an open-air trolley to check out all the lights! Holly Jolly Jekyll is a celebration that belongs on everyone's holiday bucket list.

9. December Lights & Holiday Nights: Savannah

The Hostess City may not get too chilly in the winter, but that doesn't prevent the December Lights & Holiday Nights extravaganza at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens from being one of the best Christmas lights in Savannah, GA. This display has had both drive-through experiences in the past, but this year's is set to include walking trails with a charming fairy tale theme. Learn more and purchase tickets from the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens website.

10. Ludy's Christmas Light Spectacular: Columbus

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, this spectacular light display has been retired. However, there are so many other incredible Georgia Christmas lights to enjoy this season!

The Ludy's Christmas Light Display is a years-long tradition with the best Christmas lights in Columbus, GA. This residential display of lights is absolutely magnificent and features over 500,000 lights. The display is free to check out and you can even get out and walk around. Last year's display was greatly reduced, but the Ludys hope to be back in full swing this year. Keep an eye on Ludy's Christmas Light Spectacular Facebook page for all the details.

11. Christmas Wild & Bright: Valdosta

Wild Adventures is one of the best theme parks in Georgia, and this winter brings another incredible holiday experience: the Christmas Wild & Bright celebration. We're not quite sure what to expect, but we know this will have some of the best Christmas lights in Valdosta, GA! More than two million lights will be on display, and there are several shows planned as well. The experience starts on Nov. 23, 2024, and runs select dates through Dec. 31, 2024.

Wow! Which of these great Christmas light displays, including some of the best drive-through Christmas lights, in Georgia do you plan on checking out this year?

Make sure to check out our Holiday Gift Guide to get all the best gifts for the travelers in your life this Christmas!