Wallet-Hub has released its report on 2021’s Best Places for Christmas Celebrations,
How does Atlanta match up with the rest of the country?
Celebrating Christmas in Atlanta (1=Best; 50=Avg.):
- 1st– Christmas Tree Farms per Capita
- 1st– Number of Affordable, High-Quality Restaurants
- 18th– Restaurant Meal Costs
- 1st– Food Banks per Capita
- 50th– % of Christian Population
- 13th– Online Giving per Capita
- 3rd– Share of Income Donated to Charity
Atlanta Parent Magazine has put together a list of best Holiday Light and tree displays in our area. Check them out below!
Light Displays
Ravinia Holiday in Lights at Ravinia Gardens.See gorgeous light displays, listen to live music, watch llamas, spot Santa and more at this community celebration. Dec. 16.
Holiday Lights of Hope at Hobgood Park.Walk through a light display with more than 2 million lights, shop concessions and vendors, visit with Santa and more at this celebration benefiting the Anna Crawford Children’s Center. Through Dec. 23.
Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park.This themed “Hollywood Holidays” light show has sets from “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “A Christmas Story.” Through Dec. 27.
A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms.Take a drive or hayride through lights, take photos with Santa and his reindeer, experience a live nativity and more. Through Dec. 30.
Holiday Lights at Veteran’s Park.Drive through this two-mile Christmas light show with a canopy tunnel, trees and more. Through Dec. 31.
Lights of Life at Life University.Drive through tons of holiday lights on display around the campus. Through Dec. 31.
ATL Holiday Lights at Atlantic Station.Drive or walk through this light show with hand-crafted colorful displays from your favorite holiday movies, a mini neighborhood and more. Through Jan. 2.
World of Illumination’s Rockin’ Christmas at Six Flags White Water.See a gorgeous light show choreographed to music at this mile-long drive-through show. Through Jan. 2.
Stone Mountain Christmas Lights at Stone Mountain Park.Enjoy holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, dazzling lights, The Polar Express 4-D Experience, the Enchanted Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and visits from your favorite holiday characters. Through Jan. 2.
World of Illumination’s Arctic Adventure at Atlanta Motor Speedway.Travel to the arctic, listen to music, and enjoy holiday lights. Through Jan. 2.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags.View more than one million LED lights and dozens of Christmas trees, visit with Santa Claus and ride the park’s popular attractions. Through Jan. 2.
Celebration at the Station at Atlantic Station.Watch a light show with tree lights, café lights, an animated video and a soundtrack from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and play with snow. Through Jan. 2.
Holiday Road at The HorseMansion at Bouckaert Farm.This trail reveals thousands of illuminated lights, larger-than-life installations and iconic scenes to include all winter holiday celebrations. Through Jan. 2.
Lights at the Landing at Dallas Landing Park.Walk through a holiday light show through the park. Through Jan. 2.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden.Countless bulbs light up the garden with Nature’s Wonders, Orchestral Orbs, Radiant Rainforest and Model Trains. Through Jan. 15.
IllumiNights at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta.Wildlife lights the night at this Chinese lantern festival with more than 80 lanterns. Through Jan. 16.
Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands.Stroll through a lighted extravaganza with traditional displays, high-tech images and music. Through Feb. 27.
Beyond Atlanta
Winter Wonderland Train at Pine Mountain Gold Museum.Embark on a train ride to see almost a mile of lights and decorations. Through Dec. 23.
Mountain Country Christmas In Lights at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.Enjoy caroling, arts and crafts, food, lights, decorations and entertainment throughout the event. Through Dec. 23.
Christmas Lights at A.H. Stephens State Park.Enjoy this 10-acre light display with refreshments, movies and a campfire. Through Dec. 25.
Winter WonderLights at State Botanical Garden of Georgia.This walk-thru light show extravaganza features 11 illuminated displays, including a multi-colored light tunnel. Through Dec. 30.
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland.Celebrate the holidays with imaginative environments, interactive experiences, holiday-themed activities, dazzling lights, ice tubing and more. Through Jan. 2.
Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City.Guests can walk through four themed areas of holiday lights and activities, including Yule Town and North Pole Village. Through Jan. 2.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens.Drive through more than eight million twinkling lights and a garden decorated for the season. Through Jan. 3.
Past events:
Light the Station at Atlantic Station.Watch this 50-foot holiday tree lighting, along with fireworks and Santa. Nov. 20.
The Lighting of Avalon in Avalon.A light and fireworks show around the 40-foot Christmas tree. Nov. 21.
Lighting of the Great Tree at Gwinnett Historic Courthouse.The tradition continues as the Great Tree is lit on the lawn. Nov. 25.
Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta.Live entertainment, meet an Atlanta Braves player, visit from Santa, tree lighting and “Abominable” on the big screen. Nov. 27.
The Snellville Lighted Christmas Parade in Snellville. The lighting of the Christmas tree follows the holiday parade. Nov. 27.
“Coming Home for the Holidays” and Tree Lighting in Smyrna.Watch the annual parade with Santa lighting the giant Christmas tree, and listen to choral performances by local schools, community and church groups. Nov. 30.
Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting.See the lighting of the tree. Dec. 2.
Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting.Enjoy holiday carols, hot cocoa, “snow,” and Santa lighting the tree. Dec. 2.
Sparkle! A Celebration of Kids, Creativity and Magic in Norcross.Enjoy carols, a tree lighting, hot chocolate, s’mores, Santa and “Jingle All the Way” on the big screen. Dec. 3.
Holiday Glow on the Town Green in Peachtree Corners.Enjoy holiday performances and a sing-a-long, and a special guest from the North Pole helps light the Town Green. Dec. 3.
Holiday Tree Lighting at East Point City Hall.Watch the holiday tree be lit, listen to performances and live music, sip hot cocoa and more. Dec. 3.
Deck the Hall in Duluth.See the tree lighting, visit with Santa, and enjoy lots of kids’ activities. Dec. 4.
The Lighting at Colony Square.Enjoy street performers, face painting, live reindeer, Santa, a tree lighting and more. Dec. 4.
Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park.This event includes live music, outdoor fun, a tree lighting and a Santa visit. Dec. 5.