Best Christmas Lights Near Atlanta
Wondering where to see Christmas lights near Atlanta this holiday season? Read on for a complete list of the best Christmas lights near Atlanta, updated for 2022.
There’s something magical about going to look at Christmas lights, especially when you have children. If you are searching for the best Christmas lights in the Atlanta area, you’ll love this list this Christmas season! This list is updated each fall since 2020, and has most recently been updated for 2022. However, it’s still easy for us to miss some displays! If you know of any we should include, feel free to leave a comment with details so we can add it.
From big annual favorites, like the Lights of Life at Life University and Garden Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, to small neighborhood residential Christmas light displays, this list has it all and is sure to help ignite your holiday spirit.
I’ve split it up into area of town, and then sorted each area alphabetically by city to make it easy to find.
The Best Christmas Lights Near Atlanta
The list of Atlanta Christmas light displays are divided into 5 sections to make it easier to navigate:
- Atlanta Favorite Christmas Lights
- Christmas Lights Within 1 Hour of Atlanta
- Northwest Christmas Lights
- Northeast Georgia Christmas Lights
- Christmas Lights South of Atlanta
Many of the neighborhood Christmas lights listed here were originally compiled into one list by Courtney Harvey, and is being re-shared here with her permission. Thank you Courtney!
This list is by no means exhaustive, and details are subject to change at any time (especially for the Atlanta neighborhood Christmas light displays). For events that need tickets, please be sure to double check with that website before you head out!
Read on for an extensive list of places and neighborhoods to see beautiful Christmas light displays in the Atlanta area.
Atlanta Favorite Christmas Lights & Events
Here’s where to see Christmas lights in Atlanta. The following are some of the best Christmas lights near Atlanta, year after year. These displays and events are a staple of the Atlanta holiday season, and this year includes a few new ones!
The ones included on this list have been confirmed to be open this year; however, please be sure to double check each website on ticketing information and other important details.
ATLANTIC STATIONS LIGHTS
Cost: Free
When: Begins November 21
This free display is a wonderful walking options! Atlantic Station is adorned with 250,000 lights within an 8-block radius. Tree lightings every night, with a “snowfall” every Sunday-Thursday at 6pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm-9pm, weather permitting.
1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta GA
DRIVE THRU FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT ATLANTIC STATION
Cost: Sun-Thurs $25 per car, Fri-Sat $35 per car (purchase tickets here)
When: Dec 4th- Jan 18th, 6:00pm-11:00pm
This inaugural drive-thru light show experience is the only one inside the Perimeter this year! The Atlanta Festival of Lights includes colorful displays, twinkling lights and holiday tunes filling up the car, and you can easily park and wander through the free lights in the rest of Atlantic Station after.
165 16th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30363 (Pinnacle Lot)
CALLAWAY GARDENS FANTASY IN LIGHTS- Pine Mountain
Cost: Limited capacity each night. Buy tickets in advance here.
When: Nov 20 -January 4
Callaway Gardens isn’t just one of the Atlanta area’s best Christmas light displays, it’s been named one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights,” as named by National Geographic Traveler.
With eight million lights and 15 dazzling scenes, Fantasy In Lights is an Atlanta Christmas light staple. This year’s celebration includes a brand new scene that is nearly two-football fields long, featuring a Christmas tree made of lights over 10 stories tall (which makes it the tallest Christmas tree in the South)!
17800 US-27 | Pine Mountain, GA
WORLD OF ILLUMINATION CANDY RUSH AT SIX FLAGS WHITEWATER – Marietta
Cost: $45 per vehicle (online reservations required in advance)
When: Nov 20th – Jan 3rd, 6:00pm- 9:30pm
Drive through millions of lights at this new Christmas light extravaganza at Six Flags White Water in Marietta. (Just a note: you remain in your car the entire time.)
250 Cobb Parkway N #100, Marietta GA (Whitewater parking lot)
GARDEN LIGHTS AT THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN – Atlanta
Cost: $24.95-$44.95 for adults, ages 3-12, $21.95-$41.95; ages 2 and younger, free; parking, $5-$10. (advanced online reservations required)
When: Nov. 14-Jan. 16, 5-10 p.m.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” is an Atlanta tradition for many families, including ours! The Garden transforms into a shimmering, twinkling wonderland, and is an event you don’t want to miss. Hot chocolate and fun grown up drinks too.
1345 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta GA
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK AT SIX FLAGS – Austell
Cost: Tickets start at $34.99, and can be purchased in advance here.
When: Nov 21- Jan 3
This festive celebration transforms Six Flags into a winter wonderland! With dazzling Christmas light displays, fun holiday shows and many of the park’s most popular rides, this is an Atlanta favorite. Six Flags Over Georgia extends its season with the inclusion of Holiday in the Park, which turns the park into a winter wonderland! With dazzling Christmas light displays, fun holiday shows, Santa and many of the park’s most popular rides, this is an Atlanta favorite.
275 Riverside Pkwy SW, Austell GA
LAKESIDE LIGHTS SPECTACULAR- Lake Lanier Islands, Buford
Cost: Tickets start at $9.99 and can be purchased on their website in advance.
When: Everyday Nov, 20, 2020 – Jan 5, 2021
After more than 25 years, the Magical Nights of Lights that we all know has come to a close. Launching this year is Margaritaville’s all-new Lakeside Lights Spectacular. This event allows you to walk through a beautiful lighting extravaganza, perfect for the whole family.
In addition to your Lakeside Lights Spectacular admission, you can visit License to Chill: Snow Island for snow tubing, for an extra fee.
7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Buford, GA
LIGHTS OF LIFE- Marietta
Cost: Free to drive thru; $10 to park and walk. For more details visit their website here.
When: Nov 26th- Dec 31st, Sun thru Thurs 6:00pm- 9:00pm; Fri thru Sat 6:00pm- 10:00pm
Life University does an amazing job creating this holiday wonderland each year. More than 100 holiday scenes are displayed over the 1.5 mile long drive through Life University’s campus, which includes a beautiful tunnel of light. There is also a 65 foot tall display of Santa and his sleigh, which is the tallest in the Southeast!
There is also a petting zoo, pony rides, fire pits, carnival rides and train rides for an extra fee and dependent on weather. Your kids can pretend they’re on a tiny Polar Express!
1269 Barclay Cir SE, Marietta GA 30060
PETTIT CREEK FARMS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Cartersville
Cost: $20 per car , $10 Hayride. Reservations are not required, but you can purchase tickets in advance here if you would like.
When: Nov 27th-Dec 27th
Tues-Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm; Fri-Sat 6:00pm-10:00pm; Sun 6:00pm-9:00pm
337 Cassvile Rd Cartersville, GA 30120
Includes more than a mile of Christmas lights, accessible to drive or on their hayride. Pettit Creek also has a petting zoo, photos with Santa Claus and his reindeer (there Thursdays-Sundays from 6 pm to 9 pm) and a Live Nativity on Saturdays (6pm-9pm).
STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS
Cost: $31.95; ages 3-11, $29.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Limited capacity each day, so advance ticket purchases are encouraged.
When: Nov 14- Jan 3
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA
Enjoy Stone Mountain park attractions during the day, and then, immerse yourself in holiday magic with evenings full of 2 million dazzling lights, festive music and spectacular shows. Be sure to check out the Stone Mountain Christmas website for all safety details.
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Christmas Lights within 1 Hour of Atlanta
The following Christmas light displays are within about an hour’s drive of Atlanta, which makes for a quick and easy family adventure! These are listed in alphabetical order by city, and include some of the best Christmas lights in Atlanta.
HROCKIN HRANICKY CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW – Acworth
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4th-Jan 1st, Sun – Thurs 6:00pm-10:00pm; Fri-Sat 6:00pm-11:00pm
This light display features amazing moving lights and precision synchronization to the music streaming at 107.7 FM.
3848 Rivers Run Trace NW Acworth, GA
SMOOT FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW – Acworth
Cost: Free
When: Dec 2nd- Dec 26th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
One of the biggest neighborhood displays: over 70K Commercial LED Christmas Light Show with an interactive display. Tune to 99.1 FM to listen to the synced music.
3699 Autumn View Dr NW Acworth, GA 30101
ATLANTA DRIVE THRU FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT ATLANTIC STATION – Atlanta
Cost: Sun-Thurs $25 per car, Fri-Sat $35 per car
When: Dec 4th- Jan 18th, 6:00pm-11:00pm
165 16th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30363
GARDEN LIGHTS AT THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN – Atlanta
Cost: $24.95-$44.95 for adults, ages 3-12, $21.95-$41.95; ages 2 and younger, free; parking, $5-$10.
When: Nov. 14-Jan. 16, 5-10 p.m.
1345 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta GA
CHRISTMAS IN CASTILLE – Alpharetta
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4th- 27th , Thurs-Sat 6:00pm-9:00pm
4220 Tivoli Way, Alpharetta, GA
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK AT SIX FLAGS – Austell
Cost: Tickets start at $34.99
When: Nov 21- Jan 3
275 Riverside Pkwy SW, Austell GA
This festive celebration transforms Six Flags into a winter wonderland! With dazzling Christmas light displays, fun holiday shows and many of the park’s most popular rides, this is an Atlanta favorite. Be sure to check out the Six Flags website for details around social distancing and other protocols.
NICHOLS FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW- Carrollton (a little over an hour)
Cost: Free
When: Nov 28th-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-10:00pm
504 Horsley Mill Rd Carrollton, GA
FELIX FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Dallas
Cost: Free
When: Dec 1st-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-10:00pm
This year includes a Whoville display from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Tune your radio to 100.9 FM for the holiday tunes as you drive through.
224 Oliver Overlook Dallas, GA 30132
RED BUD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Dallas
Cost: Free
When: Nov 27th – Dec 27th, 6:00pm-9:30pm
10 Red Bud Ct Dallas, GA 30132
Atkinson Family Christmas Lights – Dallas
Cost: Free
When: Through Dec. 31. Sun.-Thur. 5:30-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5:30-10 p.m.
This two-home display includes more than 40,000 lights, 15 foot trees, a sleigh giant four-foot snowflakes and more. Tune your radio to 99.1 FM to listen along to the 12-minute accompanying music and show.
18 Riverwood Lndg., Dallas
THE POWER OF CHRISTMAS – Dallas
Cost: $5 per car
When: Dec 11th, 12th, 18th, & 19th , 6:00pm-9:30pm
455 Jimmy Campbell Pwky Dallas, GA
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT BROOK RUN – Dunwoody
Cost: Free
When: Dec 12 – Dec 28
4770 N. Peachtree Road, Dunwoody, GA
DULUTH’S CHRISTMAS HOUSE – Duluth
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4th-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-10:00pm
Display includes zoo animals, a North Pole, a nativity scene, inflatables and more! Their display will only be drive-by this year.
2929 Mockingbird Circle Duluth, GA 30096
LIGHTS ON LINSTINE CHRISTMAS – Grayson
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4th-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-10:00pm
2250 Linstone Lane, Grayson GA
LIGHT UP THE LOT- Hiram
Cost: Free
When: Dec 11th – 13th , 6:00pm – 9:00pm
2056 Hiram Douglasville Hwy, Hiram GA 30141
PORTWOOD FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Hiram
Cost: Free
When: Nov 26th – Dec 26th, 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Drive by or walk the lighted pathway. More than 100,000 lights and a 35- foot Frosty the Snowman!
20 Valley Dr Hiram GA, 30141
CALUMET WEST CHRISTMAS HOUSE – Kennesaw
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4th- Jan 3rd, 5:30pm-10:00pm
1010 Token Way Kennesaw, GA
RILEY’S ROCKIN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Kennesaw
Cost: Free
When: Dec 1st-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-10:00pm
More than 50,000 LED lights are choreographed to 13+ song show that includes holiday favorites and more playing at 101.3 FM as you drive by!
2008 Palladium Drive Kennesaw, GA
LIGHTS OF JOY – Kennesaw
Cost: Free
When: Now through Jan. 1. Dec. 1-20 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 6-11 p.m.; Dec. 21-25, 6-11:30 p.m.
With more than 218 trees wrapped with lights, four musical trees, 60 holly bushes and more, this lighted landscape has over 750,000 lights!
1510 Ben King Rd Kennesaw, GA 30144
CANDY RUSH AT SIX FLAGS WHITEWATER – Marietta
Cost: $45 per vehicle
When: Nov 20th – Jan 3rd, 6:00pm- 9:30pm
250 Cobb Parkway N #100, Marietta GA (Whitewater parking lot)
CHRISTMAS COMES ALIVE – Marietta
Cost: Free
When: Dec 11th- Dec 13th, 6:00pm-10:00pm
4385 Lower Roswell Rd Marietta, GA 30068
LIGHTS OF LIFE- Marietta
Cost: Free to drive thru; $10 to park and walk
When: Nov 26th- Dec 31st, Sun thru Thurs 6:00pm- 9:00pm; Fri thru Sat 6:00pm- 10:00pm
1269 Barclay Cir SE, Marietta GA 30060
CHRISTMAS ON BOILINGBROOK DRIVE – Marietta
Cost: Free
When: Nov 27th-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-10:00pm
4151 Boilingbrook Drive Marietta, GA 30062
WOODRUFF FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS -Powder Springs
Cost: Free
When: Dec 1st- Jan 1st, 6:00pm-11:00pm
Tune in to 102.1 FM to follow along.
5268 Seamus Way Powder Springs, GA 30127
SANTA’S VILLAGE – Roswell
Cost: Free
When: Nov 27th-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-9:00pm
405 Waverly Hall Dr Roswell, GA 30075
STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS
Cost: $31.95; ages 3-11, $29.95; ages 2 and younger, free.
When: Nov 14- Jan 3
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA
Enjoy Stone Mountain park attractions during the day, and then, immerse yourself in holiday magic with evenings full of 2 million dazzling lights, festive music and spectacular shows. Be sure to check out the Stone Mountain Christmas website for all safety details.
THE DEERING NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR OF LIGHTS – Temple
Cost: Free
When: Dec 1st- Dec 31st, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Crider Creek Rd Temple, GA 30179
WINTER WONDERLAND TRAIN RIDE – Villa Rica
Cost: $12 per person
When: Dec 2nd- 23rd, 6:00pm- 9:00pm
1881 Stockmar Rd, Villa Rica GA 30180
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW – Woodstock
Cost: Free
When: Dec 5th-Dec 24th , 6:00pm-10:00pm
550 Molly Lane Woodstock, GA 30189
DRIVE THRU BETHLEHEM EXPERIENCE – Woodstock
Cost: Free
When: Dec 11th – 13th , 6:00pm – 9:00pm
6659 Bells Ferry Rd Woodstock, GA 30189
HOLIDAY LIGHTS OF HOPE -Woodstock
Cost: $10 per adult (15 & up)
When: Dec 3rd- 23rd, Sun thru Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm, Fri thru Sat 6:00pm-10:00pm
6688 Bells Ferry Rd Woodstock, GA 30189
This annual event at Hobgood Park features a giant walk-through Christmas light display with more than 2,000,000 lights, concessions, vendors, Santa and so much more.
Northwest Georgia Christmas Lights
Some of the best Christmas lights near Atlanta are in North Georgia! These Christmas light displays are located in Northwest Georgia (heading up 75/575 North). These are listed in alphabetical order by city.
LIGHTING OF THE RUINS AT BARNSLEY RESORT- Adairsville
Cost: Adults $20, Children (6-12): $10
When: Nov. 29, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021
The holiday lights at the Barnsley ruins and gardens have more than 1,000,000 twinkling lights. A limited number of day passes will are available for purchase through their web their event calendar.
597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville, GA
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT VETERANS PARK – Canton
Cost: $20 per car
When: Nov 23rd – Dec 31st
Sun thru Thurs 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Fri thru Sat 6:00pm-10:00pm
7345 Cumming Hwy Canton, GA 30115
PETTIT CREEK FARMS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Cartersville
Cost: $20 per car , $10 Hayride
When: Nov 27th-Dec 27th
Tues-Thurs 6:00pm-9:00pm; Fri-Sat 6:00pm-10:00pm; Sun 6:00pm-9:00pm
337 Cassvile Rd Cartersville, GA 30120
Includes more than a mile of Christmas lights, accessible to drive or on their hayride. Petite Creek also has a petting zoo, photos with Santa Claus and his reindeer (there Thursdays-Sundays from 6 pm to 9 pm) and a Live Nativity on Saturdays (6pm-9pm).
HOLLY SPRINGS LIGHTS – Holly Springs
Cost: Free
When: Dec 5th-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-11:00pm
2632 Holly Springs Pwky, Holly Springs, GA 30115
DRIVE IN LIVE NATIVITY -Jasper
Cost: Free
When: Dec 11th – 13th, 7:00pm-8:30pm
3681 Highway 515 S Jasper, GA 30143
NETTLES FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Rockmart
Cost: Free
When: Nov 27th-Dec 31st, 6:00pm-11:00pm
2540 Cedartown Hwy Rockmart, GA 30153
TAYLOR’S LIGHTS ROME -Rome
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4- Jan 1st , 6:00pm-11:00pm
208 Valley Brook Dr Rome, GA 30161
Northeast Georgia Christmas Lights
These Christmas light displays are located in Northwest Georgia (heading up 85/985/400 North). These are listed in alphabetical order by city.
CHRISTMAS ON LUNSFORD FARM – Bowman
Cost: Free
When: Dec 1st- Dec 26th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
2730 Sand Hill Rd Bowman, GA 30625
MARGARITAVILLE LAKESIDE LIGHT SPECTACULAR – Buford
Cost: 8+ $13 per person, 3+ $10 per person
When: Nov 26th- Jan 1st, 5:00pm-10:00pm
7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy Buford, GA
ASHEBROOKE NIGHT OF LIGHTS – Cumming
Cost: Free
When: One night only: Dec 20th, 6:00pm-10:00pm
This one-night event includes more than 300 participating homes!
5020 Luke Drive Cumming, GA 30040
BLAGG FAMILY LIGHTS – Cumming
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4th- Dec 31st, 5:30pm-11:00pm
5910 Bridge Stone Ct, Cumming, GA
OPERATION GRISWOLD – Cumming
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4th- Jan 1st, 6:00pm-11:00pm
104 Wolf Creek Court, Cumming, GA
COWART CHRISTMAS – Dawsonville
Cost: Free
When: Dec 4th- Dec 25th, Sun-Thurs 5:30pm-10:00pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11:00
9 Rand Way, Dawsonville, GA
MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS – Hiawassee
Cost: $6.00 (children under 12 free)
When: Every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, Nov 26th – Dec 26th, 6pm-9pm
1311 Music Hall Rd Hiawassee, GA 30546
FANTASY IN LIGHTS – Pine Mountain
Cost: Mon-Thurs :Adult $20; 3+ $15; Fri & Sun : Adult $30; 3+ $20; Sat: Adult $35; 3+ $25
When: Dec 1st- Jan 4th, 6:00pm-8:30pm
17800 US Highway 27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Christmas Lights South of Atlanta
The following Christmas light displays are located south of Atlanta.These are listed in alphabetical order.
CHEHAW PARK’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS- Albany
Cost:
When: Weekends December 4- Dec, 21.
105 Chehaw Park Rd, Albany GA
DEXTER PRODUCE CHRISTMAS MARKET – Dexter
Cost: Free
When: Dec 10th -13th & 17th-20th, 5:00pm-8:00pm
105 S. Green Street Dexter, GA 31019
BURTON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Fayetteville
Cost: Free
When: Nov 27th-Dec 27th, 5:30pm-9:30pm
165 Stafford Ct Fayetteville, GA 30215
GADDY FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EXTRAVAGANZA -Fayetteville
Cost: Free
When: Nov 27th-Jan 1st, 6:00pm-10:00pm
The Gaddy family has hosted a drive-thru Christmas display with light tunnels and blow-up Christmas décor for over 20 years.
898 Sandy Creek Rd Fayetteville, GA 30214
CHRISTMAS LANE – Thomaston
Cost: Free
When: Dec 7th- Dec 27th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
R street Thomaston, GA 30286
I hope this list of the best Christmas lights near Atlanta is helpful for you this holiday season! Am I missing any you love? Be sure to tell me in the comments!
WOW, this is a phenomenal list,so much information. Excellent, thank you Siobhán.
So glad you enjoyed it!
You missed Hillbrooke Neighborhood, Johns Creek, GA
The whole neighborhood is Fantastic, but Gladewood Drive is known as the Christmas Street. We make the news yearly. Free