Christmas lights are magical. Maybe it’s the way thousands of tiny twinkling bulbs can make even the biggest grown-up feel like a kid again. Or perhaps it’s the hot chocolate, the Christmas music, and the excuse to wear a festive sweater without anyone questioning your fashion choices. One thing is certain: taking a holiday trip to see Christmas lights is one of the loveliest ways to celebrate the season.
My sister and I started making these annual pilgrimages to see lights when my Mom passed away in 2015. Every year we take at least one road trip specifically for this purpose.
This year our first trip will be Thanksgiving week, and our destination is Pine Mountain, Georgia, for the Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights.
The Magic of Christmas Lights
Let’s face it: as adults, we sometimes get caught up in the Christmas hustle and bustle. There’s shopping to do, presents to wrap, meals to plan, and enough errands to bring out your Grinch-iness. That’s why I love the idea of taking a little holiday getaway to enjoy the lights.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about piling into the car, turning on your favorite Christmas playlist, and heading out to see a holiday display. Suddenly, you’re not thinking about your to-do list or whether you remembered to buy batteries for that new toy. You’re simply enjoying the moment.
And when the lights begin to appear, it’s hard not to smile. After all, you don’t have to be five years old to appreciate a giant glowing reindeer or a Christmas tree that looks like it belongs at the North Pole!
Welcome to Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
Callaway Resort & Gardens is home to one of the South’s most beloved Christmas traditions: Fantasy in Lights. And when I say lights, I’m not talking about a few strings of colorful bulbs wrapped around a tree!
We’re talking about more than 10 million twinkling lights, 18 dazzling themed scenes, and a seven-mile journey through an illuminated holiday wonderland. It’s the sort of place that makes you wonder how many extension cords Santa had to borrow!
The best part? You can enjoy the main light display from the comfort of your own vehicle. Settle into your seat, turn up the Christmas music, and let the magic unfold around you.
For those who prefer a little more holiday adventure, take the festive trolley tours and leave the driving to someone else. Either way, it’s a great way to enjoy the displays without worrying about the weather or walking the entire route.
But don’t be too quick to head home after the drive!
More Than Just a Drive Through the Lights
One of the things that makes Fantasy in Lights special is that the fun doesn’t stop when the drive is over.
The Callaway Christmas Village offers an opportunity to get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy even more holiday festivities.
You can stroll through the beautiful illuminated displays, admire the towering Christmas decorations, visit the Christmas market, and perhaps do a little seasonal shopping. There is a Santa “Meet and Greet,” steaming hot chocolate, and holiday s’mores.
And let’s be honest, is there really such a thing as too much hot chocolate during the Christmas season?
The impressive 40-foot Tree of Traditions Pixel Pine brings music and colorful light displays together in a spectacular presentation.
It’s a perfect place for holiday photos!
Make It a Christmas Getaway
CALLAWAY RESORT & GARDENS (PINE MOUNTAIN, GEÓRGIA): 2026 – Tripadvisor
If you’re traveling a distance to visit Callaway Gardens, consider turning the holiday light tour into a mini vacation.
The resort offers overnight accommodations, so you can enjoy the lights without worrying about a long drive home afterward. Imagine checking into a cozy room, enjoying a relaxing evening, and then heading out to experience the Christmas displays.
You could even make a weekend of it and enjoy other attractions around the gardens.
Imagine checking into a cozy room, enjoying a relaxing evening, and then heading out to experience the Christmas displays. You could even make a weekend of it and enjoy other attractions around the gardens.
After all, the holidays are supposed to be about enjoying yourself, not rushing from one activity to the next! And if you’re traveling with grandchildren, this could become one of those special holiday traditions they’ll talk about for years.
A Few Tips Before You Go
If you’re thinking about adding Callaway Gardens to your Christmas travel plans, here are a few suggestions:
- Purchase tickets in advance. Popular December dates and times can fill up quickly.
- Give yourself time to enjoy the Christmas Village in addition to the light display.
- Dress comfortably. Even Georgia’s December evenings can be chilly.
- Bring a camera. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for holiday photographs.
- Don’t skip the treats! Hot chocolate and s’mores are part of the Christmas experience.
- Consider an overnight stay. It’s a lovely way to turn an evening of Christmas lights into a relaxing holiday getaway.
For the 2026 season, Fantasy in Lights is scheduled for November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Tour prices range from $19.99 to $39.99, and peak season is December 20-29. Children under 3 years old enter for free. You can find ticket information and details at the official Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights website.
The Best Part of Christmas Is Making Memories
I think one of the nicest things about traveling to see Christmas lights is that it gives us a reason to step away from our everyday routines.
We spend so much time worrying about finding the perfect gifts, preparing the perfect meal, and decorating the perfect tree that sometimes we forget to enjoy the season.
A trip to see Christmas lights reminds us what Christmas is really about: spending time with the people we love, sharing a little laughter, and appreciating the simple things that make the holidays special.
And who knows? You might even find yourself singing along to Christmas carols, sipping hot chocolate, and feeling just a little bit like a child again.