Discover 28 verified christmas lights in Atlanta and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Atlanta Christmas lights and holiday displays. If you're looking for festive cheer, Atlanta is full of places where you can enjoy dazzling light displays, from large-scale attractions to cozy neighborhood streets.
Some of my favorite spots include the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights and the beloved neighborhood favorites that light up the season each year. These displays make the city feel extra magical during the holidays.
Whether you prefer drive-through lights, walking trails, or residential neighborhood displays near Atlanta, this guide covers free options, ticketed events, and everything in between. Discover the best holiday lights and make the most of your visit this season.
Tour of 10 festively decorated historic Grant Park homes
Experience Atlanta's favorite holiday tradition at the Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes. For two nights only, step inside 10 beautifully decorated historic houses, each showcasing unique festive decor. This beloved event also features an Artist Market with handmade crafts...
Scuba Claus dives with whale sharks and manta rays.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Georgia Aquarium, starting November 14, 2025. The aquarium's atrium is transformed with festive music, enchanting winter-inspired projections, and a spectacular 40-foot live tree. Meet Santa Claus for a memorable photo, witness the...
Tour of historic homes with candlelight and charity support
Step into a cherished holiday tradition that feels like coming home. For two nights only, explore Grant Park's most enchanting historic homes, each transformed with festive decorations and illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight. Discover architectural beauty, find unique...
Dazzling wildlife lantern festival at Zoo Atlanta
Experience the magic of Atlanta's holiday lights at IllumiNights at the Zoo! This dazzling event transforms Zoo Atlanta into a nighttime wonderland with hundreds of illuminated wildlife lanterns along a mile-long trail. Enjoy festive treats, warm drinks, and cozy up...
Immersive ARTECHOUSE winter dreamland experience
Step into a dazzling winter dreamland at the Winter Wonderland Spectacular. This immersive experience transports you through futuristic fantasylands, Santa's winter palace, and mesmerizing Northern Lights. Capture unforgettable holiday memories in enchanting themed environments, and enjoy festive activities like hot...
World's largest synchronized light and sound curtain
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. This spectacular event transforms the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a dazzling display of synchronized lights, music, and enchanting sculptures. Explore new features like the 'Nature's Wonders' light curtain and...
First-ever 50-foot tree lighting with Candy Land parade.
Join Atlantic Station for the inaugural 'Light the Station' event, a FREE celebration marking the start of the holiday season. Festivities kick off at 4 PM with activities at Candy Cane Lane, followed by a spectacular Candy Land-themed parade at...
Global holiday traditions showcased through decorated trees and cultural displays.
Step into a global celebration of cultures and traditions at Fernbank Museum's Winter Wonderland. This captivating exhibit features beautifully decorated trees and displays, each artfully crafted to share unique stories through symbols, ornaments, and cultural expressions. Discover a diverse array...
Holiday transformation of LEGO Discovery Center with special builds and activities.
Step into a winter wonderland at the LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta's Holiday Bricktacular! This festive event features seasonal LEGO build activities, a transformed MINILAND Atlanta, and a special 'Build To Give' initiative. Guests can also enjoy holiday treats, meet a...
Vibrant holiday destination with Santa, markets, and New Year's Eve celebration.
Experience the magic of the season at The Battery Atlanta's holiday celebration! Discover enchanting light displays, festive markets featuring local artisans, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular New Year's Eve Bash complete...
Award-winning night-time parade with illuminated floats.
Sparkle Sandy Springs transforms the City Springs District into a festive winter wonderland. Experience the award-winning night-time parade filled with dazzling lights, marching bands, and dancers, culminating in a Menorah and Tree Lighting ceremony. Frolic in the snow at Sparkle...
Free walk-through holiday light display with 100,000+ lights.
Experience the magic of the season at Brook Run Park's Holiday Lights. This beloved free event transforms the park into a dazzling spectacle with over 100,000 lights. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a festive walk-through display with family and...
Community lantern parade and holiday celebration
Experience the magic of the Dunwoody Village Holiday Celebration and Lantern Parade! This beloved event brings the community together with festive cheer, live performances, and a spectacular lantern parade. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, from crafting their own...
Over a million sparkling lights on a university campus.
Life University's campus transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland for the annual Lights of Life celebration. Visitors can experience over a million sparkling lights, whimsical displays, and illuminated tunnels. The event also features festive attractions such as carnival rides, train...
Over two million dazzling lights and spectacular holiday shows
Stone Mountain Christmas transforms Stone Mountain Park into a winter wonderland with over two million dazzling lights, festive music, and spectacular holiday shows. Experience the magic of the Christmas Parade, Santa's Big Flight during the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony, and...
Christmas Star Run and Tree Lighting benefiting children's programs
Kick off the holiday season with the Christmas Star Run and Tree Lighting, a heartwarming event benefiting Christian City's children and family programs. Participants can join a 5K or a fun run, followed by a magical tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy...
World's largest animated drive-through Christmas light show
Step into a delicious, whimsical wonderland with Candy Rush, the world's largest animated drive-through Christmas light experience. Journey through a mile of dazzling lights and enchanting music, featuring larger-than-life characters and confections. Hosted by Chef Kuma, this immersive audio-visual spectacle...
Festive carriage rides and a visit from Santa and the Grinch
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Holiday Celebration in Norcross! This festive event promises an evening filled with enchanting carriage rides, cheerful holiday music, and warm, comforting hot cocoa. A special appearance by Santa Claus and his...
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa's arrival
Join the City of Marietta for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa's arrival at Glover Park. Festivities begin with local choir performances, followed by Santa's grand entrance to light the tree. Don a festive ugly sweater for the parade...
Private Santa 'Magical Moments' family experiences
Experience the magic of the season at Marietta Square's Winter Wonderland! Santa Claus is coming to town in December 2025, bringing joy and festive cheer. Families can capture cherished memories with professional Santa photos at the Marietta History Center. For...
Tour of five historic homes decorated for Christmas.
Step into a festive wonderland at the 39th annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. This cherished tradition invites you to explore five stunning private residences, each exquisitely decorated for the holiday season in the Kennesaw Avenue Neighborhood. Beyond the homes,...
Lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Roswell's Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree. This cherished event features enchanting choral performances, cozy fire pits with s'mores, and a special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Santa Claus will...
Christmas parade, tree lighting, and Mistletoe Market.
Get into the holiday spirit at the Jingle Jamboree Christmas Parade and Celebration! This festive event features a dazzling parade starting at Church and Campbellton Streets, culminating at the Douglasville Town Green. Following the parade, enjoy a magical tree lighting...
Georgia's largest residential Christmas light display with over 1.2 million lights.
Prepare to be dazzled by Lights of Joy, Georgia's largest residential Christmas light display, featuring an astonishing 1.2 million lights. This immersive walk-through experience transforms the landscape with synchronized light shows, musical trees, and festive characters. Explore the 'Tunnel of...
Annual holiday season kickoff with tree lighting and ice rink opening.
Get into the holiday spirit at The Lighting of Avalon, a spectacular celebration marking the season's start. This family-friendly event features festive music, free activities, the grand opening of Avalon on Ice, and the much-anticipated tree lighting ceremony. Don't miss...
Historic Crabapple's annual tree lighting ceremony
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Christmas in Crabapple event and Milton Tree Lighting. This charming celebration features festive activities for all ages, including ornament and cookie decorating, letter writing to Santa, and delightful face painting....
Annual Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights
Experience the magic of the 29th Annual Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights in Woodstock! This beloved event features a dazzling parade with illuminated floats and Santa himself. After the parade, gather at The Park at City Center for the...
Drive-through holiday light spectacular with millions of LEDs.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Dixie Speedway with Magic of Lights, a spectacular drive-through light display. Millions of LED lights illuminate festive scenes, including animated Barbie, dinosaurs, and the BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. Enjoy classic holiday favorites and...
See the location of all christmas lights around Atlanta and nearby areas
Open Map →Some of the most popular light displays include Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens, and the Stone Mountain Christmas event. Many neighborhoods also feature impressive residential light displays.
Yes, Atlanta offers both drive-through lights, like Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens, and walkable options such as Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta.
Most major holiday lights in Atlanta begin in mid-November and run through early January, with some displays starting as early as late October and others opening just before Thanksgiving.
Yes, several neighborhoods host free residential light displays, and some parks feature complimentary holiday light installations. Check local event listings for details on free options and hours.