Lights of Life at Life University: Atlanta’s Classic Drive-Through Holiday Lights Guide

The Lights of Life display at Life University in Marietta is one of metro Atlanta’s longest-running drive-through holiday light shows. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting during the holidays, this event is a convenient, family-friendly way to see festive lights without leaving the city’s orbit.

Below is a practical guide to what Lights of Life is, where it is, what to expect, and how to plan your visit from anywhere in the Atlanta area.

What Is Lights of Life?

Lights of Life is a seasonal holiday light display set up on the campus of Life University, a chiropractic and health sciences university just northwest of Atlanta.

Key points:

• It’s primarily a drive-through light show you view from your car.
• The route winds through the university campus with holiday scenes, animated displays, and large light structures.
• There is usually a small fair-style area with rides, concessions, and sometimes a petting zoo or seasonal attractions (offerings can change by year).
• It’s designed to be affordable and accessible, with pricing per vehicle instead of per person.

For Atlanta residents, this is a low-stress holiday outing that doesn’t require a long drive to the mountains or out-of-state attractions.

Location, Directions, and Contact Info

Event Location
Life University – Lights of Life
1269 Barclay Circle
Marietta, GA 30060

This is in Cobb County, just northwest of the Perimeter.

General Campus Contact (Life University)
Phone: (770) 426-2600
Main Campus: 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060

For the most current event details, hours, and pricing, it’s best to check Life University’s official website or main phone line as the season approaches, since specifics can change from year to year.

Getting There From Around Atlanta

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:

  • Take I-75 North toward Marietta.
  • Use an exit near South Marietta Parkway (GA-120 Loop) or Delk Road depending on signage and current directions.
  • Follow local roads toward Life University / Southern Polytechnic area.
  • Event signage typically directs traffic to the Lights of Life entrance.

• From the East Side (Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain):

  • Take I-285 West around the top of the Perimeter.
  • Merge onto I-75 North, then follow directions into Marietta and toward Life University.

• From the North (Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock):

  • Head south on I-75 and follow local signage for Life University in Marietta.

• From the South Side (College Park, East Point, Hapeville):

  • Take I-75 North through downtown Atlanta to Marietta.
  • Around rush hour, you may want to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes.

Parking for the event typically isn’t separate; you’ll enter in your vehicle, pay at the entrance booth, and follow the marked route.

When Does Lights of Life Happen?

The Lights of Life display usually runs nightly during the holiday season, often starting around late November (sometimes close to Thanksgiving) and continuing through New Year’s Eve or early January.

General patterns (these can vary by year):

• Opening time: Often after dark, typically around 6:00 p.m.
• Closing time: Usually later in the evening (often around 10:00 p.m. or beyond on busy nights or weekends)
• Open every night: Including weeknights, weekends, and major holidays in most years

Because dates and hours can shift slightly, especially for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s, it’s smart to confirm hours on Life University’s event information before you go.

Admission and Typical Costs

Lights of Life is generally charged per vehicle, which can be a budget-friendly option for families and groups.

Typical patterns:

• Per-car fee: One flat rate for standard passenger vehicles
• Higher rates for larger vehicles: Vans or buses may have a different price structure
• On-site additions:
  • Some activities (rides, concessions, photos) may require additional fees.
  • Cash is commonly accepted; card availability can vary depending on the year and vendor setup.

Because pricing can be updated from season to season, treat this section as structure, not a quote. Always confirm the current per-vehicle rate and any bundle options online or via the university before heading out.

What You’ll See and Do at Lights of Life

Drive-Through Light Displays

The core of the experience is the drive-through route. You’ll stay in your vehicle and follow a one-way loop through campus with:

• Holiday-themed light tunnels, arches, and displays
• Animated light figures and scenes (reindeer, snowmen, Santa, and more)
• Large tree and building outlines decorated with lights
• Occasional themed sections like religious displays, patriotic scenes, or classic holiday icons

Because it’s a campus setting, you’ll see open fields, trees, and campus buildings illuminated with lights, creating a more spread-out, relaxed feel compared with very dense, urban displays.

On-Foot Attractions (Varies by Year)

Near the main area (often close to where you enter or exit the drive-through), there is typically a small holiday fair-style zone. Offerings can shift each season but may include:

• Concession stands with hot chocolate, snacks, or seasonal treats
• Kiddie rides or inflatables
• Sometimes a petting zoo or small animal area
• Photo opportunities with themed backdrops or displays

Most of these on-foot attractions come with separate fees and are optional. You can just enjoy the drive-through lights if you prefer.

Lights of Life vs. Other Atlanta Holiday Light Shows

Metro Atlanta has several popular holiday light shows and parades, including events at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park, and other venues. Lights of Life tends to stand out for a few reasons:

• Drive-through format:

  • You stay in your car, which can be helpful in cold or rainy weather.
  • This is often easier for families with small children or for those who prefer less walking.

• Marietta/Cobb County location:

  • Convenient if you’re on Atlanta’s northwest side or already near I-75.
  • A closer option than some outlying farms or countryside displays.

• Budget-friendly structure:

  • Per-vehicle pricing often makes it affordable for groups or larger families.

If you’re staying in Midtown or Downtown Atlanta and don’t want to drive far, Lights of Life can be a good pairing with other local holiday activities in Marietta Square or Cumberland.

Best Times to Go and How to Avoid Traffic

Because this is a drive-through attraction near major highways, timing your visit matters.

Busiest Times

You can expect heavier traffic:

• On Friday and Saturday nights
• On Sundays early in December, especially right after Thanksgiving weekend
• In the week leading up to Christmas and on some holiday evenings

On peak nights, there can be a line of cars to enter, with waits that grow the closer you get to Christmas.

Tips to Minimize Wait Time

• Go on a weeknight:
  Monday–Thursday evenings are often less crowded.

• Aim for early or late:

  • Arrive right at opening, shortly after dark.
  • Or visit later in the evening, once the initial rush has passed.

• Check traffic apps:
  Use navigation tools that reflect real-time traffic around I-75 and Marietta to adjust your departure time.

• Carpool where possible:
  More people in one car means lower average cost and one less vehicle in the line.

What to Bring (And What to Expect in the Car)

Because you’ll mostly remain in your vehicle, a little planning can make the evening more comfortable.

Helpful things to pack:

• Cozy layers or blankets for passengers who like to bundle up
• Snacks and drinks (subject to your own rules; check any posted guidelines)
• Full phone battery if passengers want to take photos or videos
• Cash or card for admission and extra activities, depending on the year’s setup

During the drive-through:

• You’ll typically need to follow a low speed limit and keep headlights on low as directed.
• Stopping for photos is usually limited to certain spots or may be discouraged; follow any on-site instructions.
• You remain in the car for the route, which makes it easier for young kids or older adults who prefer not to walk long distances.

Accessibility Considerations

Lights of Life can be a good option for Atlantans with mobility challenges or family members who prefer not to navigate large walking attractions.

• Because it’s car-focused, there is no requirement to walk the route.
• Any on-foot activities (rides, concessions) vary in accessibility, so it’s wise to:
  • Park and visually assess the area if you plan to participate.
  • Call Life University’s main line ahead of time if you need specific accessibility information.

If you’re transporting individuals with mobility aids, staying in the vehicle for the main experience typically makes logistics simpler than some walk-through light shows.

Nearby Atlanta-Area Attractions to Pair With Your Visit

If you’re making the drive from elsewhere in metro Atlanta, it can be worthwhile to pair Lights of Life with another nearby outing:

• Historic Marietta Square:

  • Seasonal decorations, local shops, and restaurants.
  • Often hosts its own holiday activities and events.

• Cumberland/Galleria Area:

  • Shopping and dining near Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta.
  • Easy access from I-75, which you may be using to reach Life University.

• Kennesaw Mountain area:

  • If you’re coming earlier in the day, you could visit Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park for a hike or scenic views, then head to Lights of Life after dark.

For Atlanta visitors staying near Downtown or Midtown, you can spend the day at Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or Centennial Olympic Park, then drive to Marietta in the evening for Lights of Life.

Quick Reference: Lights of Life at a Glance

Below is a simple summary to help you plan:

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting for the holidays, Lights of Life at Life University is a straightforward, family-friendly way to enjoy a classic drive-through light show without leaving the metro area. With a bit of planning around timing, traffic, and current-year details, it can fit easily into your broader Atlanta holiday plans.