Top 9 Holiday Events in Georgia

‘Tis the season where southern hospitality meets twinkling lights. Georgia truly sparkles in the holiday season with nationally famous light displays and cheerful festivals that will get you in the mood no matter what you celebrate. Finding the best of Georgia’s holiday events is challenging, but we were up for it. Check out these popular holiday events in Georgia for a festive kickoff to winter.

Note: Prices and dates listed are for 2023 but are subject to change. Check with the event organizer for the latest.

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens:

Tickets: Starting at $24.95 adult/ $19.95 child

Dates: November 17-January 1

Forget state best or even nationally best…National Geographic ranked this holiday light show among the world’s best. To see it, drive to Pine Mountain in northwest Georgia.

Fantasy in Lights features an impressive holiday light show. Visitors ride the Jolly Trolley through the gardens and enjoy ten million twinkling lights set to holiday music. The 17 Christmas scenes include marching nutcrackers, Christmas ornaments, and a field of lights topped with a 10-story tree. Personal vehicle drive-thru and walking tour options are available.

Besides the light display, the Callaway Christmas Village is a traditional market, now lit up by the impressive Tree of Traditions, a 40-foot-tall Pixel Pine Tree. Sip hot chocolate as you meet iconic Christmas characters.

Stone Mountain Christmas

Tickets: $39.99 adult/ $34.99 child plus tax

Dates: Select dates November 11-January 2

Stone Mountain Christmas is a beloved holiday event held at Stone Mountain Park just outside of Atlanta.

As the sun sets, millions of lights create a magical holiday atmosphere. Visitors leisurely stroll through the park to enjoy the dazzling light displays. The highlights are the multiple different shows included with the ticket. The World’s Largest Christmas Light Show runs 20 minutes with a fireworks finale. Santa’s sleigh flies over the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Watch the festive Christmas parade, featuring various holiday characters and themed floats, or catch a showing of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Stone Mountain Park typically offers unique dining experiences, such as a “Breakfast with Santa” or “Dinner with Santa,” where families can enjoy a meal with Santa himself.

More attractions include a Christmas Village, a Drone Show, and the Musical Frosted Forest. And all that is on top of Stone Mountain’s other extant attractions, like the Summit Skyline and Scenic Railroad.

Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas

Tickets: Generally free, but some events/attractions may have a charge

Dates: November 24-December 31

Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas is an annual holiday celebration in the already charming town of Dahlonega in the North Georgia mountains. This event, called by HGTV one of the most charming Christmas small-town experiences, captures the spirit of a traditional and nostalgic Christmas, offering visitors a festive and heartwarming experience.

The lighting of the town’s Christmas tree typically marks the official start of the holiday season in Dahlonega and is accompanied by live music and entertainment. The historic downtown area is beautifully decorated in the Night of Lights. At the square, Santa waits to meet with the children by the main Christmas tree. Horses and carriages ride around the lit-up square throughout the event. All season long, the local boutiques sell holiday gifts and decorations.

During one weekend, a joyful Christmas parade with local school bands and floats meanders by the square. Check the calendar to see all the event details.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Tickets: Non-member general admission starts at $27.95 for adults / $24.95 for child

Dates: November 18-January 14

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a highly popular and enchanting holiday event held annually in Atlanta. The event features an awe-inspiring display of millions of lights throughout the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The lights are artfully arranged to create captivating scenes, including colorful tunnels, illuminated trees, and imaginative light sculptures. The entire garden is transformed into a magical wonderland.

Themes and installations can vary yearly and may include the Orchestral Orbs, the White Rabbit, the Cascading Ice Curtain, and more. Each theme offers a different visual experience for visitors. As you explore the gardens, you’ll often hear the sounds of holiday music, making the experience even more immersive.

The Edible Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden may offer holiday-themed displays and activities, such as s’mores roasting and hot chocolate stations. It’s a great place to warm up and enjoy some tasty treats. On select evenings, you may find the “Cocktails in the Garden” event, where you can enjoy specialty cocktails, light bites, and entertainment within the illuminated garden setting.

Entry is based on time tickets, and this event often sells out early. Parking in the SAGE parking facility costs $10 per vehicle.

Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights

Tickets: Starting at $27.95 adult/$17.95 child

Dates: November 17- January 6

Located atop Lookout Mountain on the Georgia side of the border, this annual event transforms the natural beauty of Rock City into a magical and enchanting holiday wonderland.

Millions of twinkling holiday lights are strategically placed throughout the gardens, illuminating the rock formations, cliffs, and natural landscapes, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The event features themed light displays, including Heart of the Mountain, Fairyland Caverns, Arctic Kingdom, and the North Pole Highway. Each area is beautifully decorated with its unique holiday theme, and visitors can stroll through these illuminated wonderlands.

Santa is available for visits, and Mrs. Claus has a Gingerbread Cookie kitchen experience. Explore the Christmas-themed shops at the North Pole Village or watch the delightful Toy Solider clowning around the kids.

Guests can enjoy seasonal treats and warm beverages such as hot chocolate and cider. There are also options for dining on-site.

Entry is timed tickets that must be reserved in advance.

Holly Jolly Jekyll

Tickets: TBD

Dates: November 24- January 7

Holly Jolly Jekyll celebrates the holiday season in a beautiful coastal setting on Georgia’s Jekyll Island. The island’s natural beauty, combined with holiday decorations and activities, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

The historic district, beachfront, and other key areas are beautifully decorated for the holiday season with over 1.5 million festive lights, decorations, and ornaments.

It begins with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, typically held in the historic district. This event is usually accompanied by live music, entertainment, and the official lighting of the tree. Then, not long after, Santa kicks off the Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade, a nighttime festively lit event. Other special events include two drive-in movie weekends, fireworks shows, a winter carnival, and the Cold-Stunned Plunge. Children can visit Santa, share Christmas wishes, and take photos with the jolly old elf.

Jolly Light Trolleys take visitors on rides around the island to see all the light displays. Visiting Jekyll Island is free, but the various special events may have a ticket charge.

Thomasville’s Victorian Christmas

Tickets: Generally free, but certain attractions may have a ticket charge

Dates: Evenings, December 14-15

Step back in time and experience the holiday season in a charming and historic setting. The combination of festive decorations, Victorian-era charm, and holiday activities creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in already lovely Thomasville in southwest Georgia.

The heart of Thomasville’s Victorian Christmas is the historic downtown district. The charming streets, lined with beautiful Victorian-era architecture, are decorated with holiday lights, wreaths, and other festive decorations. Dress in Victorian-era attire is encouraged, adding to the old-fashioned charm and making the experience more authentic. Carolers and musicians often perform holiday songs in various locations throughout the downtown area.

Many downtown shops and boutiques stay open late during the event, allowing visitors to enjoy holiday shopping in a unique setting. Roast chestnuts or marshmallows, take a carriage ride around the square or visit the live reindeer.

Some years, Victorian Christmas may include tours of historic homes and mansions, allowing visitors to step back in time and admire the beautiful architecture and holiday decorations. The event can feature live performances, such as theatrical productions, ballet performances, and other holiday-themed shows.

IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival

Tickets: Starting at $20.99 adult/ $17.99 child for non-members

Dates: November 16-January 14, 5:30-9:30pm

Admire the beautiful and intricate Chinese lantern displays that transform the Atlanta Zoo into a magical, illuminated wonderland.

The main attraction of IllumiNights is the elaborate and handcrafted Chinese lantern displays. These lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, including animals, plants, mythical creatures, and cultural symbols. They are made from colorful silk, paper, and other materials.

Some animals may be present in their exhibits, and special attractions include a holiday-themed VR experience in the 4D Theater.

Winter WonderLights, State Botanical Garden

Tickets: Starting at $15

Dates: Select nights, November 22-December 30

Presented by the University of Georgia in Athens, the State Botanical Gardens transform under the glow of holiday lights. Only three years old as of 2023, it’s a new holiday tradition in the making for residents around Athens. Over 56,000 people visited in its second year.

A half-mile fully accessible trail winds through a Winter Wondercave into the Northern Lights and a Cone Tree Forest. Stops along the way sell hot chocolate and ciders, and you can roast marshmallows, too. The Visitor’s Center is transformed into a Christmas market with souvenirs.

Select nights in 2023 are themed “Disco Nights” when the trail comes alive under favorite Disco hits. The trail experience takes 45-60 minutes.

Remember that all these attractions are subject to change times and prices. Some require advanced reservations and do not sell walk-up entry. Check the weather and regulations before visiting for the best experience possible.