Callaway Gardens' 'Fantasy in Lights' among top displays in the world
You might find a place as good as Callaway Gardens to see a display of holiday lights, but you are going to have to travel a long way to do it.
According to National Geographic Traveler, the only place in this country that compares to the annual Fantasy in Lights show in Pine Mountain, Ga., is in St. Augustine, Fla., about 330 miles south of Columbus.
National Geographic lists Callaway's Fantasy in Lights among the top 10 displays of holiday lights in the world, with others being found in Denmark, Belgium, Austria, Columbia, Sweden, China, Spain and Japan.
It is not the only organization that thinks highly of the show located north of Columbus.
Callaway says The Weather Channel lists its display as one of the top 10 places to see holiday lights and the American Bus Association lists it as one of the top 100 events in America.
This is the 24th anniversary for the display, which features 8 million lights stretching more than five miles.
The show, which features 15 holiday scenes, runs Nov. 20-Jan. 2.
Guests may view the light show that includes surround sound on Callaway's open-air Jolly Trolley or in their own vehicle.
Highlights of the show are "Snowflake Valley," featuring enormous snowflakes and thousands of white lights, and "The Magical Christmas Garden," with a 24-foot wreath entrance.
Santa's Showcase has animated versions of Santa's Elves making toys.
Of the frames used to create the scenes, 99 percent are custom designed and built just for Callaway Gardens.
It takes 3,900 hours to install the scenes.
Besides the light show, families will want to visit the 22-000-foot indoor Christmas Village featuring Santa and other holiday characters. Specialty food items are sold there.
Another Christmas attraction at Callaway this year is Story Time with Mrs. Claus.
It will be every Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-Dec. 20. The event is for children 12 and younger includes storytelling and cupcake decorating.
IF YOU GO
What: Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
When: Nov. 20-Jan. 2. Lights begin at 6 p.m.
Cost: Purchasing tickets in advance in strongly encouraged and ensures guests receive their preferred time slot.
Depending on what night you buy a ticket for, advance tickets for adults are either $26 or $19 and advance tickets for children, ages 6-12, are either $13 or $9.50. A same-day purchase is $28 for adults and $14 for children. A same-day purchase may be made online or by telephone before 4 p.m. After that time, tickets will be sold on a first available basis and may be purchased at the ticket center in the Christmas Village.
IF YOU GO
What: Story Time with Mrs. Claus
When: Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 21-Dec. 20. Saturday sessions are 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Sunday sessions are 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $12 per person ages 2 and older. Reservations are required.
Information: To purchase tickets to either event, call 855-923-7580 or visit www.callawaygardens.com.
This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Callaway Gardens' 'Fantasy in Lights' among top displays in the world."