Christmas Lights in Atlanta: Where to See Holiday Displays Around the City

Atlanta takes Christmas lights seriously. From massive drive-through displays to walkable in-town neighborhoods, the metro area offers plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays, whether you live here or are just visiting.

This guide focuses on what to see, where to go, and how to plan your Christmas lights outings specifically in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Major Christmas Light Displays in and Around Atlanta

These are the big, well-known holiday light attractions many Atlanta families visit each year. Always check current-season dates and hours before you go, as offerings can change year to year.

Callaway Resort & Gardens – Fantasy in Lights (Pine Mountain)

While not in Atlanta proper, Callaway’s Fantasy in Lights is one of the most popular day-trip holiday traditions for Atlanta residents.

• Location: 17800 US Highway 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
• Drive time from Atlanta: About 1.5–2 hours south, depending on traffic
• What to expect:
  • A large drive-through lights experience with themed scenes
  • Walkable “Christmas Village” areas with shops and holiday decor
  • Lake views and forested backdrops that feel very different from in-town displays

🎟 Atlanta tip: Many people from Atlanta make this a full-day or overnight trip, combining the lights with other resort activities. Tickets often sell out on prime December weekends.

Stone Mountain Park Christmas (Stone Mountain)

Stone Mountain Christmas is one of the closest immersive light experiences to central Atlanta.

• Location: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Drive time from downtown: About 25–35 minutes east
• Highlights:
  • Park-wide Christmas lights and decorations
  • Themed holiday shows and music
  • Village-style walking areas with lights, food, and seasonal activities

🎄 Good for: Families with kids, or visitors who want a mix of lights, shows, and park activities in one place.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden (Midtown)

This is one of the most visually striking walk-through light displays inside the city.

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Neighborhood: Midtown, next to Piedmont Park
• What you’ll see:
  • Artistic light installations integrated into garden spaces
  • Walkable paths with dense lighting, color shows, and themed areas
  • City skyline views from some sections

🌆 Atlanta tip: Parking can be tight during peak nights. Many locals use rideshare or MARTA to Arts Center Station and then walk or use a short rideshare to the garden.

Atlanta Motor Speedway – Holiday Lights (Hampton)

If you like staying in your car, the Atlanta Motor Speedway holiday lights are a classic drive-through option for south-metro residents.

• Location: 1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228
• Drive time from downtown: Around 35–50 minutes south, depending on traffic
• Experience:
  • Drive on or near actual speedway areas through tunnels of lights
  • Synchronized displays and large light scenes

🚗 Best for: Families with younger kids, people looking for a car-based option, or anyone living on the south side of the metro area.

Six Flags Over Georgia – Holiday in the Park (Austell)

During the holidays, Six Flags Over Georgia transforms much of the park with lights and themed decor.

• Location: 275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168
• Drive time from downtown: About 15–25 minutes west
• Features:
  • Millions of lights throughout themed areas
  • Some rides operate during the event
  • Holiday food, music, and character meet-and-greets

🎢 Good to know: This is more of a full theme-park outing than a simple light stroll, so plan extra time and budget accordingly.

Neighborhoods and Local Areas Known for Christmas Lights

If you prefer residential displays, certain Atlanta neighborhoods are known for going all out. These can change as people move or decide not to decorate, but several areas are commonly mentioned by locals.

Brookhaven and North Atlanta

Parts of Brookhaven and the north side of Atlanta often feature large, decorated homes and tree-lined streets.

• General area: Around Peachtree Road NE, Dresden Drive NE, and surrounding residential streets
• What to expect:
  • Individual homes with elaborate lawn displays
  • Walkable residential areas in some pockets
  • A mix of classic white lights and bold, colorful setups

🚶 Atlanta tip: Park on side streets where allowed and walk. Be careful not to block driveways or mailboxes, and respect quiet hours in residential zones.

Ansley Park & Midtown Residential Streets

Close to the city center, some Ansley Park and Midtown streets see tasteful, often traditional displays.

• General area: Residential streets east of Peachtree St NE and west of Piedmont Ave NE
• Highlights:
  • Historic homes with elegant wreaths and white lights
  • Easy pairing with a visit to Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden

🕒 Best time: Early evening on weeknights tends to be less congested, with easier parking.

Buckhead Estates and Tuxedo Park

Portions of Buckhead, especially areas like Tuxedo Park, are known for upscale homes that often put effort into holiday decor.

• General area: Around W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Northside Dr NW, and surrounding side streets
• What you’ll see:
  • Large homes with coordinated lighting, wreaths, and illuminated trees
  • Mostly designed to be viewed by car, not heavy pedestrian traffic

🚙 Driving tip: Move slowly but don’t stop in the middle of narrow streets. Pull over only where it’s safe and legal.

Public Spaces and City-Supported Light Displays

Beyond commercial attractions, several public spaces and city-related locations in Atlanta are seasonally decorated.

Centennial Olympic Park / Downtown Area

While the format can vary year to year, the downtown Atlanta area often has seasonal lighting and decor.

• Location: Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Nearby attractions: Georgia World Congress Center, CNN Center, State Farm Arena
• What you may find:
  • Lit trees and pathways in and around Centennial Olympic Park
  • Seasonal decor on nearby buildings and streets

🏙 Transit tip: CNN Center and GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center stations on MARTA’s rail line both provide quick access to this area.

Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station in Midtown West is a mixed-use development that typically decorates its central areas.

• Location: 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
• Features:
  • Large central tree and street lighting during the holidays
  • Retail- and restaurant-lined streets with seasonal decor
  • Walkable environment with structured parking

🅿 Parking: Garages beneath the development usually offer easy access; follow posted signs for holiday traffic flow.

Downtown Decatur Square

Just east of the city, Downtown Decatur offers a more small-town, walkable holiday feel.

• Location: At the intersection of E Ponce de Leon Ave and Clairemont Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
• Highlights:
  • Decorated central square and trees
  • Independent shops and restaurants in a compact, walkable area

🚆 Transit friendly: Decatur MARTA Station exits directly into the main square.

Quick Comparison: Types of Christmas Lights Experiences Near Atlanta

Getting Around Atlanta to See Christmas Lights

Using MARTA

If you’re staying or living near MARTA, some of the best Christmas lights in Atlanta are reachable without a car:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden:
  • Nearest rail stop: Arts Center Station (Red/Gold Line), then walk or use a short rideshare.
• Atlantic Station:
  • Nearest rail stop: Arts Center Station, with connecting shuttles or a short rideshare.
• Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park:
  • Nearest rail stops: GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station or Peachtree Center Station.
• Downtown Decatur:
  • Nearest rail stop: Decatur Station (East line), exits directly into the square.

🚇 MARTA HQ (for route or fare info):
MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service phone numbers are available through MARTA’s official channels for current route and schedule information.

Driving and Parking Tips During Holiday Season

Traffic in Atlanta can be heavy, especially in December.

• Plan around rush hour: Weekday evenings between 4–7 p.m. can be especially slow on I-75/85 and GA-400.
• Check venue parking: Large attractions like Stone Mountain and Six Flags have organized parking but may charge a fee.
• Use official lots: In downtown or Midtown, favor labeled decks and lots over improvised street parking.
• Residential etiquette: In neighborhoods, avoid blocking driveways, mailboxes, and fire hydrants, and keep noise down.

Safety, Comfort, and Accessibility Considerations

Weather and Clothing

Atlanta winters are generally mild, but evenings can be chilly and damp.

• Dress in layers: Temperatures may drop quickly after sunset.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Many of the best displays are walk-through events.
• Bring umbrellas or ponchos: Rain is common, and some events continue in light precipitation.

Accessibility

Many major attractions make efforts to be accessible, but conditions can vary:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlantic Station, and Downtown Decatur tend to have paved paths and ramps, though some areas may involve slopes.
• Drive-through options (Callaway, Atlanta Motor Speedway) can be more comfortable for those who prefer or require staying in a vehicle.

If accessibility is a concern, call ahead to the venue’s main information line for the most accurate, current details on parking, entry, and path conditions.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Christmas Lights in Atlanta

Not every holiday outing has to be a ticketed event. Some lower-cost options include:

• Driving residential routes: Explore decorated neighborhoods like parts of Brookhaven, Buckhead, and Midtown.
• Public spaces:
  • Stroll around Centennial Olympic Park area or Downtown Decatur to enjoy city decorations at no admission cost.
  • Walk through Atlantic Station to see the central tree and street lighting while window-shopping.
• Combine outings: Pair a ticketed attraction like the Atlanta Botanical Garden with a free neighborhood or public-space lights stroll the same evening to maximize your trip into the city.

Practical Planning Checklist for Atlanta Christmas Lights

Use this quick list to organize your holiday lights plans in and around Atlanta:

• Decide on type of experience: drive-through, walk-through attraction, city lights, or neighborhood displays.
• Pick one or two anchor destinations:
  • In-town: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlantic Station, downtown area.
  • Metro attractions: Stone Mountain, Six Flags, Atlanta Motor Speedway.
  • Day trip: Callaway’s Fantasy in Lights.
• Check:
  • Dates and hours for the current season
  • Ticket requirements (advance purchase vs. on-site)
  • Parking or shuttle details
• Plan transportation:
  • Map your route by car and note potential traffic choke points.
  • If using MARTA, confirm train times and connections.
• Pack the basics:
  • Layers, comfortable shoes, snacks and water (especially for kids), and a phone charger.

With a little planning, Atlanta offers a wide range of Christmas light experiences, from high-energy theme parks and artistic gardens to quiet neighborhood streets and small-town-style squares—all within practical reach of the city.