What is the best light display in the Columbus area? Vote now in our subscriber poll
If you’re looking for something fun to do for everyone in your family, Christmas lights are your go-to event this holiday season. Whether you’re the kind to pack the fam up with snacks and spirits in hand and ride a holiday trolley, or you want to stay in the car in your pajamas, Columbus can deliver.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy the festivities with varying prices and levels of effort:
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens
Location: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA
Experience: This renowned event features over 10 million lights spread across 18 themed scenes, including two at Robin Lake Beach. You can either drive through the 7-mile light show or ride the Jolly Trolley.
When: Nov. 15 to Jan. 4
Additional Attractions: Access to the Callaway Christmas Village, where you can meet Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and shop for gifts from local crafters
Buy tickets here
Uptown Tree Trail
Location: Broadway, Columbus, GA
Experience: A live display of brightly decorated Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses and founded by CSU’s Servant Leadership Program
When: Dec. 6 to Jan. 3
Additional Attractions: Special events throughout December, making it a wonderful winter activity for friends and families
Admission: Free
Shine: A Celebration of Nature & Wonder
Location: Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus, GA
Experience: While not exclusively a Christmas light show, this event celebrates nature and wonder with festive elements that are perfect for the holiday season.
When: tickets available Dec. 6 to 27 with time slots at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Additional Attractions: Various activities and exhibits that highlight the beauty of nature
Buy tickets here
Foster’s House of Christmas
Location: 1024 Crosswinds Drive, Columbus, GA
Experience: The Fosters use over 100,000 dancing lights synchronized to music.
When: Lights begin at 6 p.m. and turn off at 10 p.m., Thanksgiving through New Years
Admission: Free
Tree Lighting on Wynnton Road
Location: Forest Avenue pocket park, 2213 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA
Experience: A tree lighting and a visit from Santa and the Chick-fil-A cow
When: Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Additional attractions: The Wynnton Building is a historic landmark from the 1920s; shopping at the Wynnton Colony and Napier’s Midtown Market
Mixon’s Magical Christmas
- Location: 280 Lee Road 942, Smiths Station, Alabama
- Experience: Extensive light display synchronized to music on 91.9 FM
- When: Lights are on daily from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. until Dec. 28.
- Additional attractions: Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods, which will be donated to a local food bank. You can also visit a second location, Mixon’s Christmas Land.
- Get directions here
Lights on Justice
- Location: 24 Justice Drive, Fort Mitchell Alabama
- Experience: Interactive light show accompanied by music. They add new music every year. Tune into 93.7 fm to listen along.
- When: Lights run from dusk until 10:30 pm Sunday through Thursday until January 11, 2025.
- Get more information here
Have you visited any of these? All of these? Vote in our subscriber poll to help us crown the best Christmas celebration in town.
Don’t see your favorite on the list? Send the event information to srose@ledger-enquirer.com and I’ll add the event to our poll.
This story was originally published December 10, 2024 at 10:51 AM.
