[Updated November 12, 2022]
When the “most wonderful time of the year” finally arrives, nothing gets us in the holiday spirit quite like watching millions of colorful twinkling lights.
Whether we’re driving through an epic 5-mile attraction or strolling along on foot while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, looking at Georgia Christmas lights is one of our favorite annual holiday traditions.
Fortunately, there are an impressive array of sensational Christmas light displays in Atlanta and North Georgia, ranging from quaint small town holiday celebrations to extravagant immersive experiences.
So gather up your friends and family and read on to see our picks for the best Christmas lights in Atlanta and all across the North Georgia mountains!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit
Christmas Lights in Atlanta and North Georgia Guide
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights (Atlanta Botanical Gardens)
- Illuminights at the Zoo (Zoo Atlanta)
- Celebrate at the Station (Atlantic Station)
- Stone Mountain Christmas (Stone Mountain Park)
- ATL Holiday Lights (Lakewood Amphitheater Parking Lot)
- The Battery Atlanta Tree Lighting (The Battery)
- Holiday in the Park (Six Flags Over Georgia)
- Lights of Life (Marietta GA)
- World of Illumination Reindeer Road (Six Flags White Water)
- Lakeside Lights Spectacular (Lake Lanier Islands)
- Holiday Lights of Hope at Hobgood Park (Woodstock GA)
- A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms (Cartersville GA)
- Light Up the Holidays at Barnsley Gardens (Adairsville GA)
- Holiday Lights at Veterans Park (Canton GA)
- Enchanted Garden of Lights (Lookout Mountain GA)
- Light Up Blue Ridge (Blue Ridge GA)
- Mountain Country Christmas in Lights (Hiawassee GA)
- Old Fashioned Christmas (Dahlonega GA)
- Lights of Joy (Kennesaw GA)
- Winter Wonder Lights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (Athens GA)
Christmas Lights in Atlanta
1. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden (Nov 12 – Jan 14)
1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta GA • 404-876-5859
Voted the best holiday event in metro Atlanta by readers of the AJC, the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights illuminates 30 acres with over two million colorful, energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
The attraction showcases botanical themes that coincide with the natural beauty of the garden, while also bringing a special spark of holiday cheer.
Many of the display’s fan-favorite features will be returning in 2022, including the Edible Garden, Ice Goddess, and 100-foot-long Tunnel of Light. But there will also be some new elements this year to look forward to.
This year there will be an all-new exhibition in the Anne Cox Chambers Garden by French artist Cédric LeBorgne and three huge sculptures from the spring and summer exhibition called Origami in the Garden.
While many of the most popular Christmas lights in Georgia are drive-through, the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual holiday attraction encourages people to explore on foot.
That way you can get up close to the massive lit-up Christmas trees, captivating glass sculptures, and huge snowflakes while enjoying the festive music and a warm cup of cocoa by the fire.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta
2. Illuminights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival
Atlanta GA (Nov 21- Jan 15)
800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta GA • 404-624-9453
Featuring over 80 different lanterns that depict some of the coolest animals in the world, the Chinese Lantern Festival at Zoo Atlanta is a great place to see Christmas lights in Atlanta.
These lanterns are each hand-painted by Chinese artists and some of them can reach up to 20 feet tall! Thousands of hours of work go into creating these light displays and they truly are something to admire.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase around the zoo and the gift shop will be open for those who enjoy souvenir shopping.
Tickets for IllumiNights At The Zoo will be open to the public from November 21 to January 15, from 5:30 to 9:30PM. Prices range from $18 to $25 with children 2 and under getting free admission.
READ MORE: The Best North Georgia Christmas Events
3. Celebrate at the Station
Atlantic Station (Nov 20-Jan 4)
1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta GA • 404-410-4010
The Atlantic Station holiday lights in Atlanta are bigger and better in 2022, with Christmas tree lightings, ice skating, and plenty of holiday joy.
Festivities will begin on November 19th with Light the Station, where you can watch them light their 50 foot Christmas tree and enjoy live music, performances, and mingle with different holiday characters.
Atlantic Station is also hosting Cirque Du Soleil, which runs from October 6th to December 24th. Here, you can see contortionists, acrobatics, and amazing balancing acts.
Along with enjoying Cirque Du Soleil and the tree lighting, there are other Christmas traditions you can enjoy at Atlantic Station.
They include the Makers Market (running on weekends through December) and Skate the Station, where you can skate at the largest outdoor skating rink in metro Atlanta (Nov 18-Jan 16).
READ MORE: The 20 Best Hiking Trails In Atlanta GA (& Hikes Near Atlanta)
4. Stone Mountain Christmas
Stone Mountain Park (Nov 12 – Jan 1)
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain GA • 800-401-2407
The most popular tourist attraction in Georgia also hosts one of the state’s most beloved holiday traditions. Stone Mountain Park always has plenty of fun to offer during the day.
But once the sun goes down, the Crossroads Village glows with over 2 million lights and a massive Christmas tree, while the mountainside is lit up with a holiday-themed laser show.
You and your family can share heartwarming memories as you visit with Angelina the Snow Angel, explore the Musical Frosted Forest, check out the two Polar Express-themed attractions and bring your Christmas wishes to Santa at his North Pole office.
After visiting with Santa, your family can watch in awe as he flies overhead in his sleigh each night during the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony.
There are several holiday-themed live shows as well, including a comedic take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and a performance by the Tinseltown Carolers.
New for 2022 is the World’s Largest Christmas Light Show in Atlanta, a laser show with special effects and a huge fireworks finale!
READ MORE: 10 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA
5. ATL Holiday Lights
(Lakewood Amphitheater Parking Lot, Nov 25-Jan 1)
2002 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta GA
ATL Holiday Lights returns and is bringing more drive through Christmas lights and more fun than ever before!
Tickets are timed to minimize wait time. To see the lights, you can drive through on value nights (Monday – Wednesday) for $30 per car in advance or $40 at the gate.
On peak nights and Christmas Week (Friday – Saturday) the cost is $40 per car in advance or $50 at the gate.
However, families and groups can save $10 by arriving the opening week (Friday, Nov 25 – Thursday, Dec1), when tickets are available for just $20 per car!
Please keep in mind that no large vans, RVs, Buses, trailers, are allowed. Vehicles are limited to 9 feet or less in height.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
6. The Battery Atlanta Tree Lighting
(800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta GA, Nov 26)
One of the newer ways to celebrate Christmas in Georgia, this annual holiday event takes place at The Battery Atlanta, the 1.5 million square foot mixed-use development adjacent to SunTrust Park.
From Friday, Nov. 25 to Saturday, Dec. 24, Santa will be available at his official Atlanta outpost for free photo opportunities! Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring their Children’s handwritten letters to Santa (no postage not required).
Back for its sixth year, the Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place from 5:30 to 7PM and will kick off with a performance by A-Town A-List on the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage.
Next, you can help track down Santa with Mark Ownes & Blooper as he gets closer to the lighting of the tree which occurs at 7PM.
After the lighting, visitors are invited to stay and enjoy an outdoor showing of “The Grinch” on the Georgia Power Pavilion screen.
READ MORE: The 20+ Best Western NC Christmas Events in Asheville, Bryson City & Beyond
Christmas Lights Near Atlanta (OTP Suburbs)
7. Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Over Georgia (Nov 19 – Jan 1)
275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA • 770-739-3400
Six Flags Over Georgia is a fun-filled park at any time of the year. But it becomes an especially exciting adventure during Christmastime, when their Holiday in the Park celebration begins.
Back for its 8th season in 2022, Six Flags will feature tons of rides decked out in Christmas decorations, holiday-themed sections, and more than a million sparkling LED lights scattered throughout the park.
Along with the rides (some of which offer glimpses of Santa’s sleigh), you can take a trip to the North Pole to get a photo with Santa Claus himself and gather around an all-new tree lighting display.
New for this year is the “Feels Like Christmas” holiday revue of the best holiday classics that is sure to be loved by all ages!
In terms of tasty treats, you can warm up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and some s’mores or enjoy decadent sweets like chocolate peppermint-flavored funnel cakes!
READ MORE: The 12 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in North Carolina
8. Lights of Life
Life University, Marietta (Nov 24 – Dec 31)
1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta GA • 800-543-3202
Drawing huge local crowds each year (largely due to word-of-mouth), Lights of Life at Life University is one of Atlanta’s oldest Christmas light displays.
The 1.5-mile drive is located on the Marietta college’s campus. It features one million LED lights, with over 100 different elements, including a 65-foot-tall Santa/sleigh display that is the tallest in the Southeast!
The light display is a little different each year, which helps to keep visitors coming back to the event over and over again. But there’s a lot more to Lights of Life than just the lights.
For additional fees, there’s also a petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, photo opportunities with Santa, and lots of delicious food options. Busses are $20 and all trucks and cars are only $10 for admission!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in North Carolina
9. World of Illumination Reindeer Road
Six Flags White Water, Marietta (Nov 16 – Jan 1)
250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta GA
World of Illumination is the producer of the largest drive-through animated Christmas light show in the world. In 2022, they’re coming back to Georgia for their third year in a row.
Located in the parking lot of Six Flags White Water, Reindeer Road is a synchronized musical experience that features a one-mile journey filled with hundreds of animated displays and millions of colorful lights.
The display takes 20-25 minutes to drive through, and you can crank up your radio to enjoy the lively music as you traverse animated glacial peaks, explore ice caves, and make your way through northern forests.
The big finale leads you to Santa’s Workshop, where you’ll be dazzled by all the reindeer, snowmen, and toys.
The show opens on November 16 and runs from 6pm to 10 pm each night (including holidays).
Ticket prices are $40-$50 per vehicle, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia.
READ MORE: 101+ Things to Do in North Georgia
10. Lakeside Lights Spectacular
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands (Nov 19 – Jan 16)
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford GA • 770-945-8787
Taking you on a magical walk-through light show, the Lakeside Lights Spectacular is a family-friendly event at Lanier Islands that showcases some of the most beautiful Christmas lights in Georgia.
Ranging from traditional holiday displays to high-tech images and Margaritaville-themed scenes, the light show (which replaced longtime Lake Lanier favorite Magical Nights of Lights) has a little bit of everything.
Before you embark on the journey, check out Santa’s Tiki Bar, where you can get a drink to enjoy while strolling through the holiday light displays.
Along with specialty cocktails and craft beers, you can also purchase popcorn, cotton candy, and other treats.
If you’re with little ones (or you’re just a kid at heart), drop by Dasher’s Drinks & Treats and grab a s’mores kit to roast marshmallows at the fire pits, or make a visit to Santa for some photo opportunities and try out some of their carnival rides and holiday games.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains
11. Holiday Lights of Hope
Hobgood Park, Woodstock (Nov 25 – Dec 23)
6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock GA
Now in its 11th year, Holiday Lights of Hope is a huge walk-through Christmas light display at Hobgood Park in Woodstock GA.
The attraction features over two million dazzling lights, including both traditional and animated displays.
Along with walking through this incredible display and Christmas light viewing, you can also enjoy walking through the mile-long Christmas maze, roasting s’mores over a bonfire, and even getting your picture taken with Santa.
You can also take a stroll down Main Street to wrap up some Christmas shopping while enjoying the lively music of the Christmas carolers.
Adult tickets are $10, while children 14 and under are free. In the giving spirit of the holidays, the money benefits the Anna Crawford Children’s Center.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
Christmas Lights in North Georgia
12. A Country Christmas
Pettit Creek Farms in Cartersville GA (Nov 24 – Dec 30)
337 Cassville Road, Cartersville GA • 770-386-8688
For a fun day trip from Atlanta, consider A Country Christmas filled with homespun charm you’d expect from a traditional Appalachian holiday celebration.
It’s held at Pettit Creek Farms, whose 80 acres of land have been in the Allen family since 1945.
The grandchildren of the original owners now operate the popular farm, displaying over a mile of Christmas lights that visitors can drive through during the holidays.
The entry fee is $30 per car or $10 for an old-fashioned hayride for this mile-long light show. Included in the price is a visit to the petting zoo, where you can visit with real live Reindeer!
You can also visit Santa’s Cottage to get photos with jolly old St. Nick every Thursday through Sunday from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Be sure to bring some cash with you so you can purchase some hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and s’mores to enjoy around the fire.
READ MORE: North Georgia Christmas Tree Farms Where You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
13. Light Up the Holidays
Barnsley Resort in Adairsville GA (Nov 23 – Jan 1)
597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville GA • 877-773-2447
Barnsley Resort is located in the town of Adairsville GA, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The historic mountain resort is famous for its pre-Civil War ruins, luxurious accommodations and spa, and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities.
At Christmastime, the English-style garden and historic Manor House Ruins (which some say are haunted) are illuminated with 1 million lights and festive décor, making the well-tended grounds all the more beautiful.
Throughout the holiday season, there are also a variety of themed events to enjoy, including campfire storytelling, gingerbread house crafting, cookie decorating, hayrides, and wreath-making classes.
Breakfast with Santa is on November 26th and children can get photos with the big man in time for this year’s Christmas cards.
On Christmas Day, there’s an extensive brunch from their restaurants‘ Executive Chef in the Georgian Hall.
READ MORE: The 10 Most Festive Christmas Towns in Virginia to Visit
14. Holiday Lights at Veterans Park
Canton GA (Nov 21-Dec 31)
7345 Cumming Highway, Canton GA
This enthusiastic USA Christmas light display is held at Veterans Park in Canton, which explains its unique combination of American patriotism and holiday magic.
The annual North Georgia attraction features two drive-thru tunnels, animated Christmas displays, and over one million sparkling lights along the two-mile drive.
One quarter-mile of the drive is dedicated to our nation’s veterans and includes awe-inspiring displays that pay tribute to each branch of the U.S. military.
Admission is $20 per car and can include multiple run-throughs on the same night.
Also, note that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to various charities, including Skills USA, Papa’s Pantry, CRPA Pay it Forward, and Veterans of Cherokee County.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Western NC Christmas Tree Farms Near Asheville, Boone & Beyond
15. Enchanted Garden of Lights
Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain GA (Nov 18-Jan 1; Closed Dec 24)
1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain GA • 706-820-2531
In 2022, Rock City’s acclaimed Enchanted Garden of Lights is celebrating 28 years of holiday splendor.
Located atop Lookout Mountain (on the border between Georgia and Tennessee), the attraction features 30+ holiday scenes and close to a million LED lights, which transform the gardens into a winter wonderland.
Whether you’re walking through the Grand Corridor in Yule Town, watching the icy lights sparkle in the Arctic Kingdom, or exploring the exciting enchantments of the Magic Forest, there’s no shortage of dazzling scenery.
There are also an array of seasonal activities to enjoy, including meeting Santa Claus in his workshop and visiting the Christmas shops, where you can buy ornaments and other traditional symbols of Christmas.
Make sure to bring your smartphone or camera, because there are plenty of fun photo opportunities here for you, your family, and your friends!
READ MORE: The 6 Best North Carolina Ski Resorts to Visit
16. Light Up Blue Ridge
Downtown Blue Ridge (Nov 25 – Nov 26)
733 E Main Street, Blue Ridge GA • 706-258-8289
One of Georgia’s most beloved mountain towns, Blue Ridge GA is a charming town at any time of year. But we find it particularly cheerful during the Christmas season.
The town’s holiday festivities kick off with the annual Light Up Blue Ridge celebration, where families can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities and special events.
Beginning with Blue Friday (their small-town twist on Black Friday) on November 25, the event includes discounts at downtown stores and restaurants, food vendors, hot apple cider, and strolling entertainment.
The Gingerbread Village at the Arts Center, which features 95 creative gingerbread houses, will also open on Blue Friday and run through December 12th.
But the main event is Light Up Blue Ridge on November 26, and it’s packed with holiday cheer. Festivities include live entertainment, tasty treats, a window decorating contest, and a Christmas parade at 5:30 pm.
You can also take pictures with Santa in the gazebo and send him a letter through Santa’s mailbox. You (or your child) will then receive a hand-written reply just a few days later!
To fully enjoy the entire weekend, check out our guide to the Best Blue Ridge GA Cabins to Rent.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge, GA
17. Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee GA (Nov 24-Dec 23)
1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee GA • 706-896-4191
Located along the scenic shores of Lake Chatuge at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, the annual Mountain Country Christmas in Lights transforms the area with a dazzling holiday light show.
You may recognize the venue from the Georgia Mountain Fair, Georgia State Fiddlers Convention, or the popular Georgia Mountain Fall Festival.
But the Mountain Country Christmas is one holiday event you won’t want to miss out on in 2022.
Guests can enjoy joyous Christmas music provided by local church groups, delicious holiday food, and even photos with jolly old St. Nick himself.
This season they also expanded their arts and crafts booths for even better shopping opportunities.
Their “Cow Town” live exhibit will also be returning this year, allowing attendees to milk a cow and make butter, ice cream, and/or soap using traditional tools and machines.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Places To See Christmas Lights in Virginia
18. Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas
Dahlonega GA (November 25- Dec 31)
One of the most beloved Blue Ridge Mountain towns in GA, Dahlonega is home to a lively downtown area, rich gold rush history, creative arts and music scene, diverse restaurants, great wineries and endless outdoor adventure.
When Christmastime rolls around, Dahlonega GA brightens with holiday cheer, as hundreds of twinkling lights illuminate the beautiful 19th-century buildings in the town square.
Providing the warmth of a traditional southern celebration, the Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega GA kicks off with the lighting of the square on November 25 and continues with a variety of other events.
You can do some shopping at the Christmas Market at the Community House, watch Katie Deal in Silver Bells, enjoy live music, or even take a romantic carriage ride across town.
From November 25 to December 18, you can also visit Santa on the square in front of the town’s beautifully decorated Christmas Tree.
On December 10, you can also watch Santa and others as they march through the streets of the Dahlonega GA Historic District during the annual Christmas Parade.
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Celebrate Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega GA
19. Lights of Joy
Kennesaw GA (Nov 27 – Jan 1)
1510 Ben King Road NW, Kennesaw GA • 404-372-5705
Known as the largest residential Christmas light display in Georgia, Lights of Joy features over 230 lit Christmas trees filled with thousands of lights.
Many of the light displays and nine different musical trees can be synchronized with 102.1 FM for a dancing light display, and several different Christmastime figures decorate the yard to spread festive cheer.
Parking is available across the street at the Influencers Church as this is a walk-through Christmas Light display.
The event is free. Please leave your furry friends at home.
READ MORE: 10 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Virginia
20. Winter Wonder Lights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
2450 S. Milledge Ave, Athens GA • (706) 542-1244
On select nights from Nov 23, 2022 to Jan 8, 2023, the Winter Wonderlights Christmas light show illuminates the State Botanical Garden of Georgia with more than a half-million twinkling lights along a 1/2-mile ADA-accessible trail (a.k.a. Candy Cane Lane).
One of the newer North Georgia Christmas traditions, the Athens GA Christmas lights include shimmering snowflakes, a pine tree forest, and a tunnel of multicolored lights, all leading visitors to a festive Christmas market.
Holiday activities include roasting marshmallows for s’mores, drinking hot cocoa or cold drinks, and shoping for Christmas gifts (such as the Condor Chocolates Winter WonderBar, with a portion of proceeds going toward education/conservation programs).
Winder Wonderlights tickets range from $13.50 for Friends of the Garden to $15 for guests ages 4 and up. Children ages 3 and under get in free. –by Christina Maggitas; lead image of Garden Nights, Holiday Lights by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
