Our home state, Georgia, has a festive charm with plenty of holiday sites and activities to offer residents and visitors this holiday season. From the bustling capital of Atlanta to its lakes, gardens, and quaint small towns, Georgia during the holiday season is an underrated gem waiting to be explored.
Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights”
Atlanta, ParkMobile’s hometown, is Georgia’s biggest draw and best-known city. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is the capital’s most beautiful holiday lights display. Already a must-see in Atlanta, this 30-acre attraction dazzles during the festive season with its 13th annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event. From mid-November through January, the gardens come alive at night with creative holiday displays and countless sparkling lights. This is a quintessential holiday season event, perfect for all ages.
Bundle up and stroll through the Garden to discover an array of plant sculptures and light installations. Towering trees draped in color-changing Christmas lights give the feeling you’re walking under the Northern Lights.
Our favorite area is inspired by the classic holiday tale, The Twelve Days of Christmas, where sculptures representing birds, musicians and more from the carol’s lyrics are beautifully illuminated. Other highlights include a magical suspended orb show in the Canopy Walk, playful dancing reindeer displays, and a poinsettia tree made from hundreds of the red holiday plants.
Wandering the festive trails and exhibits at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a delightful way for all ages to celebrate the holiday season. Don’t forget to purchase tickets in advance!
Located near Midtown, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is in close proximity to dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes to grab a bite to eat or a warm drink beforehand the lights event. ParkMobile is available for on-demand parking around Midtown to make parking for your holiday outing stress-free.
Lanier Islands Holiday Magic
Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Lanier less than an hour north of Atlanta, Lanier Islands come alive with holiday magic from late November through the new year. Transforming into a winter wonderland, the islands offer countless family-friendly activities, light displays, and holiday charm for families.
Experience the only snow tubing slide in Georgia at Snow Island. The slide runs down the 575 foot Parrot Mountain, dubbed “Blizzard Mountain” for winter, and transports guests to a snow-covered ski town. An ice skating rink and winter amusement park round out the holiday fun at License to Chill Snow Island.
After a full day of winter events, visit the new Margaritaville Lakeside Lights Spectacular for a Christmas lights extravaganza set to holiday music.
Planning a trip to Lanier Islands winter wonderland? Reserve a parking spot with ParkMobile for a day at Snow Island.
Callaway Gardens “Fantasy in Lights”
About 80 miles south of Atlanta on the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains sits Callaway Resort and Gardens. The 2,500 acre retreat in Pine Mountain, Georgia, has been around for over 70 years. While popular year-round, Callaway Gardens hosts a spectacular winter lights show that brings in thousands of visitors each year.
The seven mile Fantasy in Lights drive-through is one of Georgia’s most beloved holiday traditions. The experience includes over ten million Christmas lights displaying 17 Christmas scenes.
In addition to Fantasy in Lights, this year they introduced a new Tree of Traditions, a 40-foot Christmas tree in Callaway Christmas Village. The gardens are filled with oversized ornaments and decorated trees throughout the month.
From the spectacular light shows around the state to many jolly family activities, Georgia rolls out festive fun for all during the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Plan a magical visit and make treasured memories this holiday season.
Get it on Google Play