Best Places To See Christmas Lights in Atlanta

Atlanta takes Christmas lights seriously. From massive drive-through displays to walkable in-town neighborhoods, there are plenty of ways to enjoy holiday lights without leaving the metro area. This guide walks through where to see Christmas lights in Atlanta, how each option works, and what to know before you go.

Major Christmas Light Attractions in and Around Atlanta

These are the big, destination-style light displays Atlanta residents and visitors tend to plan a night around.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
(Adjacent to Piedmont Park in Midtown)

This is one of Atlanta’s best-known holiday traditions. The Atlanta Botanical Garden transforms into a walk-through light show with tunnels, trees wrapped in lights, and themed areas that change from year to year.

What to expect:

• Walk-through experience, mostly outdoors
• Synchronized light features, glowing orbs, and garden-themed displays
• Food and drink available on-site (including warm drinks)
• Typically timed-entry tickets in the evening

Tips:

• 🚗 Parking: Garden’s parking deck off Piedmont Avenue; it can fill on peak nights.
• 🕒 Timing: Weeknights and early-season dates are usually less crowded.
• 🎟️ Check for advance ticket requirements and time slots before going.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia

Location:
Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168
(Just west of Atlanta off I-20)

During the holiday season, Six Flags decorates much of the park with millions of lights, themed zones, and seasonal entertainment.

What to expect:

• Ride + light combo: roller coasters plus light displays
• Themed “villages” with different color schemes and music
• Holiday shows, character meet-and-greets, and seasonal food

Tips:

• 🎟️ Separate seasonal admission generally applies; check schedules since not every ride runs in winter.
• 🧥 Dress warm; temps drop after dark, especially if you’re riding coasters.

Stone Mountain Christmas

Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Stone Mountain converts its Crossroads area into a full holiday village, combining lights with shows and attractions.

What to expect:

• Lighted walkways, decorated buildings, and holiday characters
• Christmas parade, projection shows, and fireworks on select nights
• Scenic railroad, mini-golf, and other attractions often operate with holiday theming

Tips:

• 🚗 Gate entry and event ticketing are usually separate; confirm price structure in advance.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Good option for families who want lights plus activities in one place.

World of Illumination & Other Drive-Through Light Shows

Several drive-through light experiences pop up around metro Atlanta during the holidays. Specific locations can change season to season, but they typically set up at large venues such as:

• Speedway or fairgrounds areas
• Big parking lots attached to stadiums or shopping centers
• Large churches or event complexes in the suburbs

What to expect:

• Stay in your car and drive slowly through tunnels of lights, themed scenes, and synchronized music (usually via a local radio frequency)
• Pre-purchased tickets for a specific date are common, sometimes priced per car

Why locals like it:

• 🚗 Great for cold or rainy nights since you stay inside the car
• 😊 Easier for young kids who might not enjoy long walks

Because drive-through shows relocate or rebrand, it’s smart to:

• Check the current year’s Atlanta-area holiday event listings
• Look for venues mentioned as drive-through light experiences near you (especially in Cobb, Gwinnett, Henry, or Cherokee counties)

Walkable Neighborhoods Known for Christmas Lights

Beyond ticketed attractions, some Atlanta neighborhoods are famous for residents going all-out with decorations. These areas are usually free to visit, though they are private homes, so be respectful and cautious.

Historic Brookhaven (North of Buckhead)

General area: Around Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd NE, Windsor Parkway, and Club Drive NE
(Primarily in the city of Brookhaven, just north of Atlanta)

What to expect:

• Large homes with classic, upscale light displays
• Some streets with coordinated themes and lawn decorations

Tips:

• 🚗 Best enjoyed by slow driving rather than walking on many streets.
• 🅿️ Be mindful of no-parking signs and private driveways. Avoid blocking lanes.

Virginia-Highland & Morningside

General area: North of Ponce de Leon Ave, east of Monroe Dr, near Virginia Ave NE and N Highland Ave NE

These in-town neighborhoods often have pockets of highly decorated homes.

What to expect:

• Older bungalows and craftsman homes with creative, sometimes quirky displays
• Walkable streets with sidewalks and neighborhood parks nearby

Tips:

• 👟 Good for evening walks: park once, then stroll a few blocks.
• 🔦 Bring a small flashlight or use your phone for dim side streets.

East Atlanta, Kirkwood, and Grant Park

On the east side of the city, you’ll often find streets where neighbors coordinate lights and decor.

• Grant Park area (around Park Ave SE, Robinson Ave SE)
• Kirkwood (just south of DeKalb Ave, around Hosea L. Williams Dr NE)
• East Atlanta Village neighborhoods near Glenwood Ave SE

What to expect:

• Mix of traditional and modern displays, from big inflatables to projected lights
• Some homes participate in informal “light tours” within neighborhood associations

Tips:

• 🧭 Follow neighborhood association or community social pages for current-year light recommendations.
• ⏰ Weeknight evenings can be calmer and easier to park.

Popular Suburban Christmas Light Spots Near Atlanta

If you can drive a bit outside the city, many suburban spots are known for Christmas lights.

Atlanta Motor Speedway – Holiday Lights (Varies by Year)

Location:
1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228
(Approximately 30–40 minutes south of downtown Atlanta, depending on traffic)

This venue has historically hosted large drive-through light shows on and around the speedway grounds.

What to expect:

• Long light tunnels, animated displays, and coordinated music
• Car-based experience, typically ticketed per vehicle

Tips:

• 🕒 Lines can get long on the weekend; consider early in the season or weekday nights.
• ⛽ Fill up your gas tank and pack snacks, especially if you’re going with kids.

Lake Lanier / Lanier Islands Area

Location:
Lanier Islands Parkway area
7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518

The Lanier Islands area has a long tradition of holiday lights and seasonal activities, though the exact format can change.

What to expect:

• Drive-through or walk-through light features depending on the year
• Additional winter attractions like lakeside activities or seasonal markets may be offered

Tips:

• 📅 Always confirm the current year’s holiday offerings, since they can shift from prior seasons.
• Consider combining your lights visit with a day on the lakefront or dining at the resort area.

Marietta, Roswell, and Alpharetta Neighborhoods

In Cobb and North Fulton counties, certain subdivisions and cul-de-sacs are known locally for extensive decorations. Names may change from year to year as families move, but residents often share:

• “Best Christmas Lights” lists compiled by city parks and recreation departments
• Local media roundups highlighting top decorated streets and houses

Examples of areas to watch for:

• Subdivisions off Johnson Ferry Rd and Paper Mill Rd in East Cobb
• Historic downtown Roswell side streets near Canton St
• Alpharetta neighborhoods east and west of GA-400 that promote community light displays

Tips:

• Visit city websites or Parks & Rec departments for seasonal guides.
• Respect neighborhood rules and private property; avoid litter and loud music late at night.

Downtown & Midtown Atlanta Holiday Lights

If you’re already in the city core, you can see plenty of Christmas lights without a long drive.

Midtown: Peachtree Street & Colony Square Area

General area: Peachtree St NE between 10th St and 15th St

What to expect:

• High-rise buildings with lit facades and lobby trees
• Outdoor plazas with large Christmas trees, lighted sculptures, and seasonal décor

Tips:

• Combine with a visit to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or nearby restaurants.
• Use MARTA (Arts Center or Midtown Stations) to avoid parking challenges.

Downtown: Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Blocks

General area: Near 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

The Centennial Olympic Park area and nearby attractions such as CNN Center, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center often feature seasonal lighting outside.

What to expect:

• Tree lighting displays and lighted walkways in and around the park
• Buildings decorated along Marietta St NW and Andrew Young International Blvd

Tips:

• 👣 Very walkable, especially if you’re visiting the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola.
• 🅿️ Multiple pay lots and decks; MARTA’s GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station is nearby.

Free vs. Paid Christmas Light Experiences in Atlanta

To make planning easier, here’s a quick comparison of common options:

Practical Tips for Seeing Christmas Lights in Atlanta

A few local-style tips can make your outing smoother and more enjoyable.

Timing Your Visit

• Peak season: The first two weekends of December and the week before Christmas see the heaviest crowds.
• Less crowded times:
  • Weeknights (Mon–Thu)
  • Early in the season (late November, early December)
  • Later in the evening, after the early dinner rush

Weather & What to Wear

Atlanta weather can be unpredictable in December:

• Even if days are mild, temps often drop after dark.
• Wear layers, especially for walk-through attractions.
• Bring hats and gloves for kids; it makes waiting in lines more comfortable.

Driving, Parking, and Safety

• Check parking info before you go, especially at big venues (some have paid lots or limited on-site parking).
• In neighborhoods, park only where allowed and use flashers if you’re briefly stopping to view a house from the car.
• Keep valuables out of sight and lock your car, especially in crowded parking decks.

Accessibility Considerations

If accessibility is important:

• Look for venues that specify wheelchair-accessible paths, ramps, and restrooms (Atlanta Botanical Garden and major parks typically provide detailed information).
• Drive-through experiences can be a good option if walking long distances is difficult.

How to Find Current-Year Christmas Light Information in Atlanta

Because specific displays, dates, and themes change, it’s helpful to verify details each season. Good starting points for up-to-date information include:

• Official attraction phone lines and visitor info desks, such as:

  • Atlanta Botanical Garden: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | Main line commonly listed on their public materials
  • Stone Mountain Park: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  • Six Flags Over Georgia: 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168

• City and county offices that publish seasonal activity guides:

  • City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation (often lists city-sponsored light events)
  • Nearby city halls in Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Decatur, and Brookhaven for local neighborhood and park displays

• Visitor information centers, such as the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, for roundups of major holiday attractions across the metro area.

By combining at least one big, ticketed attraction with a night or two of neighborhood exploring, you can experience the full range of Christmas lights Atlanta has to offer—whether you live here, are visiting for the holidays, or are just trying to understand how Atlanta celebrates the season.