Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens: An Atlanta-Friendly Guide to Georgia’s Holiday Classic

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting for the holidays, Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens is one of the biggest, most talked‑about seasonal light displays within easy driving distance. It’s not technically in the city, but it’s close enough to feel like an Atlanta holiday tradition.

Below is a practical guide tailored to Atlanta-area visitors—how to get there, what to expect, when to go, and how to make the trip smoother with kids, groups, or older adults.

What Is Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens?

Fantasy In Lights is a large-scale holiday light show and Christmas experience at Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. From Atlanta, it’s commonly treated as a day trip or overnight getaway during the holiday season.

You can expect:

• Millions of lights arranged in themed scenes along a driving route
• Walk-through Christmas Village with shops, food, and photo ops
• Themed music synced to the light displays
• Optional overnight packages at the resort

It’s especially popular with Atlanta families, church groups, and couples looking for a festive weekend outside the city.

Where It Is and How Far from Atlanta

Location:
Callaway Resort & Gardens
17800 U.S. Highway 27
Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Approximate distance from Atlanta:

• About 70–80 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta
• Typically 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic and your starting point

Driving from Atlanta

Most Atlanta visitors take one of these routes:

• From downtown/midtown Atlanta

  • Take I‑85 South toward LaGrange
  • Connect to I‑185 South toward Columbus
  • Exit toward GA‑18 or US‑27 to Pine Mountain and follow signs to Callaway Gardens

• From South Atlanta / Hartsfield-Jackson Airport area

  • Go south on I‑85, then I‑185, and follow local road signs to Pine Mountain

💡 Tip: If you’re leaving on a Friday evening from Atlanta, add extra time. Southbound traffic on I‑85 and I‑285 can be heavy during rush hour.

Parking for Fantasy In Lights is typically on site at Callaway Gardens, with staff and signs directing traffic to event parking areas.

When Fantasy In Lights Happens

Fantasy In Lights usually runs from mid‑November through late December (often into early January). Specific dates change by year.

Key timing points Atlanta visitors usually consider:

• Opening weeks (mid–late November):
  Often a bit less crowded than the weekends right before Christmas.

• Peak season (early–mid December through Christmas):

  • More crowds and traffic
  • Popular time for families once school breaks start

• Nightly hours:
  Evenings only, with time slots beginning after dark.
  Many Atlanta families plan to arrive in Pine Mountain 30–60 minutes before their ticket time to park, use restrooms, and explore the Christmas Village.

Tickets, Reservations, and Typical Costs

Ticket prices and packages change year to year, but you can expect:

• Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for:
  • Friday and Saturday nights
  • Thanksgiving weekend
  • The week before Christmas
• Tickets are generally timed, meaning you choose a specific entry window when you purchase.

You’ll typically choose between:

• Drive-through in your own car
• Ride on an open-air tram or trolley operated by Callaway (often called the “Jolly Trolley” or similar)

The tram option is popular with Atlanta visitors who prefer not to drive slowly through dark roads or want everyone in the group to focus on the lights.

💡 Practical tip: Prices can vary by day of the week, date, and experience type. Many Atlanta families book earlier in the season or on weeknights for more space and sometimes lower prices.

What to Expect When You Arrive

The Overall Experience

A typical Fantasy In Lights visit from Atlanta includes:

1. Arrival and parking at Callaway Gardens
2. Time in the Christmas Village (shopping, snacks, photos)
3. Your scheduled light show time—either:
   • Driving your own vehicle through the light route, or
   • Boarding an official tram/trolley
4. Optional dining at resort restaurants or in the village
5. Departure back to Atlanta or a stay overnight in Pine Mountain

Drive-Through vs. Tram/Trolley

Driving your own car:

• You stay inside your vehicle
• You control heat, music volume, and pace (within event rules)
• Good for families with sleepy little kids or anyone who needs to stay warm and seated
• Helpful if someone in your group has mobility challenges and prefers not to stand in boarding lines

Riding a tram/trolley:

• Open-air benches or covered seating
• Everyone faces outward for better views
• Audio and music usually piped in and synced to the displays
• Very “classic Christmas” feel, but typically colder, so bundling up is important

How Long to Plan for from Atlanta

For planning your evening from Atlanta, think in three parts:

Most Atlanta visitors who don’t stay overnight end up with a 5–7 hour outing door-to-door.

If you’re bringing young kids from the metro area, consider:

• Afternoon nap before heading out
• Earlier time slots so you’re back before it gets too late, especially on school nights

Weather, Clothing, and Comfort Tips

You’ll be in west Georgia, where weather is similar to Atlanta but can feel a bit cooler at night.

What to Wear

• Warm layers (jacket, hat, gloves for kids)
• Comfortable shoes for walking around the Christmas Village
• Blankets for tram/trolley rides—especially appreciated on colder nights

Even if you plan to drive your own car, you’ll still spend time outside walking to restrooms, shops, or photo spots.

Visiting with Kids, Seniors, or Groups from Atlanta

Families with Young Children

Fantasy In Lights is very child-friendly, but keep the schedule in mind:

• Aim for earlier evening time slots if your kids have early bedtimes.
• Pack:
  • Snacks and water
  • Pajamas or blankets for the ride back to Atlanta
  • A stroller if you expect your child to get tired walking the village

Many Atlanta parents find that weeknights are easier with small kids—still festive, but a bit less crowded.

Older Adults or Those with Mobility Concerns

• Parking shuttles or closer parking may be available, depending on the night and setup.
• The drive-through option can be more comfortable if:
  • Getting on/off the tram is difficult
  • Standing in boarding lines is a challenge

If anyone in your party uses a wheelchair or has mobility needs, consider calling Callaway Gardens’ main line ahead of time to ask about accommodations and the easiest way to navigate the event.

Food, Restrooms, and Amenities

Food and Snacks

Around the Fantasy In Lights area you’ll usually find:

• Hot chocolate, coffee, and seasonal drinks
• Quick snacks (cookies, popcorn, etc.)
• Holiday-themed shopping and souvenirs

Families coming from Atlanta sometimes choose to eat a more substantial meal before leaving town, then treat the food at Callaway as snacks or dessert. Others plan a full dinner in Pine Mountain or at one of Callaway’s on-site restaurants before their light show time.

Restrooms

Public restrooms are generally available:

• Near main parking areas
• In or near the Christmas Village
• Sometimes near boarding areas for trams/trolleys

With kids in the car from Atlanta, it’s wise to plan a restroom stop before joining the light route.

Overnight vs. Same-Day Trip from Atlanta

Same-Day Trip

Works well if:

• You’re comfortable with 1.5–2 hours of driving each way
• You choose a reasonable time slot, not too late in the evening
• Your group is okay with getting home later than a normal evening

This is the most common option for Atlanta-area families trying to keep costs down.

Overnight Stay

You can stay:

• On-site at Callaway Resort & Gardens, or
• At nearby hotels or rentals in Pine Mountain and surrounding areas

Why Atlanta visitors sometimes stay overnight:

• To avoid late-night driving back to the city
• To enjoy more of Callaway Gardens the next day (walking trails, gardens, seasonal activities)
• To turn Fantasy In Lights into a short holiday getaway instead of just an evening outing

If you’re traveling from farther north or east of Atlanta (e.g., Cumming, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta), an overnight stay can make the trip more relaxed, especially with kids.

Budget Planning for Atlanta Visitors

While exact numbers change, these are the common cost categories Atlanta visitors factor in:

• Event tickets (per person or per car, depending on package)
• Parking (check whether included or separate)
• Food and drinks at the event
• Souvenirs or photos
• Gas/tolls driving from Atlanta
• Optional:
  • Overnight lodging
  • Meals in Pine Mountain or at Callaway

To keep costs manageable:

• Consider weeknight visits
• Look for bundle options (for example, carload pricing, if offered)
• Eat a meal at home in Atlanta before going, and treat event purchases as extras

Safety and Practical Considerations

• Driving: The roads around Pine Mountain are darker and more rural than metro Atlanta. Drive slowly, especially after leaving the light show when many cars will be exiting at once.
• Navigation:
  • Use a reliable GPS and consider saving the address before you leave Atlanta.
  • In some spots, cell service may be spottier than in the city, though main routes are usually fine.
• Tickets and confirmations: Screenshot or print your ticket confirmation in case of signal issues.

Making the Most of Your Trip from Atlanta

To sum up how Atlanta residents usually get the most out of Fantasy In Lights:

• Choose your date and time slot early, especially in December
• Decide whether you want to drive your own vehicle or ride a tram/trolley
• Plan ahead for traffic leaving Atlanta, especially on Fridays and holidays
• Dress warmly, even if you’re mainly staying in the car
• If you have the time and budget, consider turning it into a short overnight getaway

For many metro Atlanta families and visitors, Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens becomes a repeat holiday tradition—close enough for an evening escape, but far enough from the city lights to feel like a separate, magical trip.