Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in Georgia

Georgia may not offer much snow for Christmas, but it does compensate quite wonderfully with spectacular holiday light displays that illuminate the skies. Beginning at the famous Centennial Olympic Park, light shows in the greater Atlanta area are amazing. Add some Southern winter comfort foods, and you have a recipe for a perfect Christmas.

Atlanta Christkindl Market (November 22–December 24, 2024)

The famous Buckhead Village District in Atlanta glows with thousands of lights, creating a city's festive atmosphere. The traditional German Atlanta Christkindl Market offers authentic holiday food and beverages. There is also a great variety of gifts, performances, snow shows, and other free daily entertainment. Buckhead Village District is the epicenter of the winter extravaganza in Atlanta.

This year, there are two market locations: Buckhead Village District and Galleria on the Park. At Buckhead Village District, the market will be open daily, starting from November 22 and running through Christmas Eve on December 24, offering free admission for all visitors. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the festivities will be available from 11 am to 9 pm, while during the weekdays—Mondays through Thursdays—the hours will be slightly shorter, from 3 pm to 8 pm. Note that the event will be closed on Thanksgiving.

At Galleria on the Park, the market will be open from Thursday through Sunday each week, offering free admission as well. Running from November 29 through December 22, the festivities will operate with specific hours. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the event will welcome guests from 12 pm to 8 pm, while on Thursdays, the hours will be from 3 pm to 8 pm.

IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Lantern Festival presented by Georgia Power (November 14, 2024–January 19, 2025)

Stroll the Zoo after dark to see more than 80 animal lanterns—some up to 20 feet (6 m) tall—depicting some of Earth's most charismatic creatures. Take a mile-long stroll through a breathtaking display of wildlife, beautifully illuminated by lanterns placed throughout the Zoo this holiday season. Warm up along the way with hot cocoa, or for those 21 and older, indulge in signature holiday spirits. Gather by the fire for a cozy marshmallow roast, adding a touch of warmth to the festive atmosphere. As you explore, you'll discover picture-perfect moments around every corner, ready to shine on your social media.

General admission ticket prices for adults aged 12 and older range from $20.99 to $24.99, while tickets for children between the ages of 3 and 11 are available for $17.99 to $19.99. Children aged 2 and under can enjoy free admission, making it a great outing for families with little ones. Group tickets, ideal for larger gatherings, are available at a discounted rate of $16.99 to $18.99, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens (November 16, 2024–January 12, 2025)

One of Atlanta's favorite Christmas attractions—Garden Lights, Holiday Nights—runs from mid-November through mid-January every year. Its major highlight is Nature's Wonders, the unique curtain of synchronized light and sound. This season, look forward to fresh music and choreography, accompanied by more vertical lights than ever before, creating an even more immersive experience. Additionally, be on the lookout for several of the giant plant sculptures from Alice's Wonderland Returns, now dramatically illuminated. Highlights include the towering White Rabbit and Chess Set in the Skyline Garden, as well as the Cheshire Cat, brilliantly perched on Alston Overlook, offering a magical visual spectacle throughout the evening.

General admission tickets on value nights start from $29.25 for adults and $26.25 for kids. The prices on regular nights are $39.95 for adults and $36.95 for kids. Children 2 years old or younger do not require an admission ticket.

Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park (November 9, 2024–January 5, 2025, on select dates)

Stone Mountain, which hosted some of the 1996 Summer Olympics events, creates holiday magic at its scenic Christmas village. Visitors can enjoy the cheerful glow of over two million colorful lights, sip a hot beverage, and listen to festive tunes while meeting their favorite holiday characters. Enjoy major attractions like Summit Skyride and Scenic Railroad. Experience beloved attractions such as the Magical Christmas Drone & Light Show and the festive Christmas Parade. Kids will enjoy bringing their Christmas wishes to the big man himself, live and in person, at his North Pole office. Delight in a variety of unique live performances brimming with holiday cheer, all designed to immerse you in the Christmas spirit.

Seasonal Attractions tickets are available at $34.99 plus tax for children and $39.99 plus tax for adults, with this special offer exclusively available online. For those seeking an enhanced experience, VIP Access is offered at $44.99 plus tax for children and $49.99 plus tax for adults.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia (November 23, 2024–January 5, 2025, on select dates)

Six Flags Over Georgia is fun for the whole family at any time of year, but it's especially magical during the holiday season. First, its annual holiday festival, Holiday in the Park, features more than one million LED lights. With dozens of Christmas trees, you will not find a more magical atmosphere elsewhere in Georgia. Each night, there are performances and shows, tasty culinary treats, and a meeting with Santa Claus—something for everyone in your family. Enjoy the park's most popular rides like Goliath, as well as the historic Riverview Carousel and the swinging Pandemonium, the tallest in the Southeast. Main Street Christmas experience features a beautiful canopy with 100,000 lights, snow machines, and a giant Christmas tree in front of the main gates.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia, where visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of the season. Celebrate with millions of twinkling lights, enjoy your favorite rides, indulge in delicious holiday treats, and take in classic live entertainment. One-day tickets to Six Flags Over Georgia start at $45 when purchased online. For those looking for even more fun, the 2025 Gold Pass, offering unlimited access to Six Flags Over Georgia, Hurricane Harbor Atlanta, and Six Flags White Water, starts at just $59.

Lights of Life, Life University (November 28–December 31, 2024)

Georgia's leading chiropractic and wellness university sparkles with thousands of lights every night from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve. The holiday display "Lights of Life" at Life University illuminates the area with over a million LEDs spanning one mile. These fantastic displays feature different religious symbols—a menorah, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and others. There are also stationary and animated light displays and a 20-m (65-ft) tall Santa, the biggest Santa in the Southeastern United States.

This year, the program also features pony rides, train rides, a petting zoo, and more. Bus admission is $20, and car admission is $10 per vehicle.

A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms (November 28–December 30, 2024)

Pettit Creek Farms is a popular getaway in Cartersville, North Georgia. Every winter, it offers a unique country Christmas experience bearing the authentic charm of a Southern Family Christmas. Kids will enjoy taking pictures with Santa and his reindeer, but there are also many things for the adults. You can take a hayride through more than a mile of beautiful Christmas lights, sip a hot beverage next to patio heaters and campfires, see a live nativity scene, and visit a petting zoo. Also, select a perfect fresh-cut tree to take home with you.

From Thanksgiving through December 30, the event will be open to visitors, including on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The schedule varies throughout the week, with operating hours from Tuesday to Thursday between 6 pm and 9 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, the festivities extend slightly, running from 6 pm to 10 pm. Sundays follow the weekday schedule with hours from 6 pm to 9 pm. The event remains closed on Mondays.

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights (November 15, 2024–January 4, 2025)

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, is a perfect winter destination for a fun-filled holiday experience. The main attraction of Christmas at Callaway is the Fantasy in Lights, listed in the Top 10 Light Displays in the world by National Geographic. Christmas Village is a captivating place with holiday characters up close, delicious foods, and hot cups of cocoa. Explore 2,500 ac (1,011 ha) of the park's stunning landscape and stroll through the dazzling Christmas forest.

Visitors can step into a magical Winter Wonderland filled with twinkling lights, oversized ornaments, and a forest of beautifully decorated trees. Everyone can hop aboard the Jolly Trolley for a breathtaking ride through the iconic seven-mile Fantasy In Lights display. This exciting journey features 10 million sparkling lights and 17 enchanting Christmas scenes, creating a holiday experience like no other. Tickets start at $24.99.

Lakeside Lights Spectacular in Margaritaville at Lanier Islands (November 27, 2024–January 20, 2025, on select dates)

If you miss real winter and snow, head to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, providing one of the best snow experiences in the Southeast. Winter festivities, activities, and a dazzling Lakeside Lights Spectacular festival begin in late November. Here, you can stroll among dazzling Christmas lights while festive holiday music fills the air with warmth and cheer.

Typically beginning before the Lakeside Lights Spectacular and running throughout its duration, another attraction, License to Chill Snow Island, offers fun activities for everyone! Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, roast s'mores by an open fire, and stroll through hundreds of impressive light displays. To complete the day, a visit to Santa's Residence provides a full Margaritaville holiday experience.

You can read more about the Lakeside Lights Spectacular in Margaritaville here.

Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights (November 15, 2024–January 4, 2025, closed December 24)

One of Chattanooga's best Christmas attractions, Rock City Garden of Lights, is a true winter wonderland that will warm your heart and boost your holiday spirit. An award-winning holiday lighting extravaganza, live music, gingerbread, hot cocoa, and plenty of magical decorations contribute to the festive atmosphere. Take a stroll down the lighted Grand Corridor and experience the twinkle of icy lights. Visit Santa at the North Pole Village or join Mrs. Claus for cookie decorating in the North Pole Lodge.

The operation hours for the event are from 4 pm to 10:30 pm, extending until 11:30 pm on peak nights. Regular night admission is priced at $31 for adults and $21 for children aged 3 to 12. For peak nights, admission increases to $35 for adults and $25 for children within the same age range.