Atlanta, September 4, 2025
Atlanta is preparing for its festive season with a variety of dazzling holiday light displays to enjoy. From ticketed events like the Garden Lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden to free favorites at Atlantic Station and Centennial Olympic Park, there’s something for everyone. With insider tips on purchasing tickets, parking, and avoiding hidden fees, residents and visitors can make the most of this magical time of year. Whether you prefer a cozy garden stroll or a lively drive-through experience, Atlanta’s holiday lights shine bright.
Atlanta’s Holiday Light Blowout: Your Local Insider Guide to the Brightest Nights
If you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit this holiday season, listen up — the city and its neighborhoods light up like nobody’s business. Below is a no-nonsense, tabloid-style rundown of the big-ticket, fan-favorite, and free light shows around Atlanta for the 2024–25 season, plus the sneaky fees and sold-out traps you don’t want to fall into. Think of this as your fast pass to looking like a planning pro.
Ticketed Must-Sees
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
When: November 16, 2024 – January 12, 2025 | Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM nightly
Where: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta
Ticket tiers vary by night: Value nights start around $29.95 for adults, Regular nights $39.95, and Peak nights climb to $49.95. Kids 3–12 are slightly cheaper; 2 and under are free. Parking adds a flat $10 per vehicle. Flex Tix are available for an extra $10 if you want weather flexibility.
Insider tip: This event often sells out. Buy online for a reserved date and time and arrive within 15 minutes of your slot. If you hate parking drama, consider rideshare or a short MARTA + walk route.
Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park
When: November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (select dates) | When Nights Light Up: starts at dusk
Where: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain
This one’s an event cluster: attractions, a Drone & Light Show, and special offerings like Flight to the North Pole. Tickets often come bundled as attraction or combo passes. Capacity can be limited for certain shows, so book early and check the exact dates and schedules.
Insider tip: Parking is onsite but fills fast on peak nights. If you’re making a weekend of it, overnight stays at park lodgings make the experience feel more epic than frantic.
IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta
When: Through January 19, 2025 | Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta
Price range: about $20.99–$24.99 for adults and slightly lower for kids and seniors. Promo codes pop up from time to time; group discounts are available for parties of 15 or more. Hot cocoa, holiday cocktails, and fire pit marshmallow roasting seal the cozy deal.
Insider tip: Buy online; capacity limits mean the later tickets can vanish. Look for promo codes before checkout and plan to grab warm drinks once you’re in — they can sell out at peak times.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
When: Through January 5, 2025 (select days) | Where: 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell
Tickets start around $25, but prices vary by date. Beyond lights, expect shows, seasonal snacks, and Santa meet-and-greets. Check specific day schedules — park hours and events can be spotty across the season.
Magic of Lights at Dixie Speedway (Woodstock)
When: Through January 4, 2025 | Hours: 6 PM – 9 PM (Mon–Thurs); 6 PM – 10 PM (Fri–Sun)
Where: 150 Dixie Dr, Woodstock
Save money by buying online: roughly $18.50 per car online vs. as-high-as $35 at the gate on weekends. Features include a long tunnel of lights and huge holiday scenes.
Free and Low-Cost Neighborhood Favorites
Atlantic Station & Centennial Olympic Park
Both spots sparkle and often have ice rinks and public displays. Ice skating usually costs extra, so bring money or a prebooked spot. Check official pages for dates and temporary changes.
Holiday Lights of Georgia (Woodstock)
Where: 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock | When: Nov 29 – Dec 30 | Hours: 6 PM – 9 PM Sun–Thu; 6 PM – 10 PM Fri–Sat
Admission is a modest $10 per person; kids under 12 get in free. There’s a season pass if you plan to go multiple times.
Lights of Life at Life University (Marietta)
Where: 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta | When: Thanksgiving – New Year’s Eve
Drive-through friendly: about $10 per car. Expect extras like pony or train rides and a petting zoo — these usually come with their own small fees.
How to Avoid Hidden Fees and Sold-Out Nights
- Buy online early — tickets often sell out, and online sales may be cheaper than gate prices.
- Watch parking costs — some places add parking fees or have remote lots with shuttles.
- Know the refund and reschedule rules — Flex Tix options exist for a fee on some events.
- Budget for extras — food, drinks, specialty activities, and photo ops usually cost more.
- Time your visit — weekdays and early evening slots are less crowded; peak weekend nights are the busiest and most expensive.
- Check official event pages before heading out to confirm hours, weather-related changes, and any new fees.
Final Local Word
This city does festive big. Whether you want a romantic stroll through the botanical gardens, a carload sing-along through a tunnel of lights, or a free family outing in a downtown plaza, Atlanta has options that fit every mood and budget. The trick is planning ahead: buy tickets early, factor in parking and extras, and pick a less-crowded night if you want to skip the stampede. Get out there, snap those photos, and enjoy the glow — Atlanta’s holiday lights are calling.
FAQ
Are there tickets I can buy at the gate?
Some events sell gate tickets, but they are often more expensive and can sell out. Online purchase is the safest bet for locking in a date and price.
Do kids get in free anywhere?
Yes. For example, children 2 and under are free at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and many drive-through displays allow small children free or per-car pricing.
What about parking fees?
Parking can be charged separately at venues like the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Stone Mountain Park. Check each event’s page and consider rideshare or public transit to avoid parking stress.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Policies vary. Some parks and events allow outside snacks in limited areas, while others sell food and drinks onsite. If you plan to bring food, verify rules ahead of time.
What happens if it rains?
Many events go on in light rain, but major weather closures will be posted on official channels. Flex Tix options or rescheduling policies are available for select events for an extra fee.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Display | Dates | Price Range | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Botanical Garden | Nov 16, 2024 – Jan 12, 2025 | $29.95–$49.95 (parking $10) | Buy online; time-specific tickets; Flex Tix +$10 |
| Stone Mountain Christmas | Nov 8, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (select) | Varies (combo/attraction passes) | Drone & light show; arrive early for parking |
| IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta | Through Jan 19, 2025 | $20.99–$24.99 (promo codes avail.) | Food & drink available; limited capacity |
| Magic of Lights (Woodstock) | Through Jan 4, 2025 | $18.50/online per car; up to $35 at gate | Great drive-through value; long light tunnel |
| Lights of Life (Marietta) | Thanksgiving – New Year’s Eve | $10 per car | Drive-through + attractions like trains/ponies |
| Holiday Lights of Georgia (Woodstock) | Nov 29 – Dec 30 | $10 per person; kids under 12 free | Season pass available; community favorite |
Bottom line: Pick the scene you want — intimate stroll, drive-through spectacle, or big park production — and book it now before the crowds and extra fees kick in. Atlanta’s lights won’t wait.
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
