Christmas light shows in the Columbus area. Here’s your holiday guide to find them

If you’re looking for something to entertain the whole family for this holiday season, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer is here for you. Whether you want to spend money or enjoy for free, here is a (mostly) reliable guide to holiday cheer.

Here are some of the best holiday light displays in Columbus and the surrounding areas, by cost.

Higher cost Christmas displays

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens

• Location: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA
• Experience: 10 million lights spread across 18 themed scenes. Drive the 7-mile light show or ride the Jolly Trolley.
• When: Nov. 14 to Jan. 4
• Additional Attractions: Access to the Callaway Christmas Village, Santa meet, snacks and shopping
• Buy tickets here

Shine: A Celebration of Nature & Wonder

• Location: Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus, GA
• Experience: Not exclusively a Christmas light show, it celebrates nature with festive elements
• When: Dec. 5 to 23 with time slots at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Additional Attractions: Various activities at the Columbus Botanical Gardens
• Tickets for members are free; buy tickets here

Free with community participation

Uptown Tree Trail

• Location: Broadway, Columbus, GA
• Experience: Decorated live Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses and founded by CSU’s Servant Leadership Program
• When: Dec. 5 to Jan. 4
• Additional Attractions: Various Uptown events
• Admission: Free

Napier’s Midtown Market Tree Lighting

• Location: 2213 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA
• Experience: A tree lighting and a visit from Santa When: Dec. 8th at 5:00 to 7 pm
• Additional attractions: Santa visits, treats and Christmas carols from local schools
• Admission: free

Free (with donations appreciated)

Foster’s House of Christmas

• Location: 1024 Crosswinds Drive, Columbus, GA
• Experience: 250,000 lights synchronized to music.
• Additional attractions: Listen at 90.1 FM
• When: Until Jan. 9 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Admission: Free

Mixon’s Magical Christmas

• Location: 280 Lee Road 942, Smiths Station, Alabama
• Experience: 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

Reader suggestions

• 6 Minuteman Court, Midland GA
• Wickham Drive, Columbus GA
• 24 Justice Drive, Fort Mitchell AL
• Richards Place subdivision, Summerville Road, Phenix City AL

Did I miss your favorite? Send me addresses, photos or social media handles to srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.