The holiday season is here, and Atlanta is sparkling like never before! From charming neighborhood streets to dazzling drive-through displays, the city and surrounding areas are glowing with festive cheer. Grab a cup of cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to explore Atlanta illuminated! Whether you’re looking for a cozy evening stroll, a family-friendly drive, or an all-out light show experience, our guide highlights the best places to see Christmas lights this season — many of which are open for multiple weekends so you can soak in the magic again and again.
Avondale Estates Neighborhood Lights | Avondale Estates, GA
This charming Tudor-style neighborhood goes all-out each year with festive home displays, glowing rooftops, and holiday scenes lining its winding streets. It’s perfect for a slow drive or a crisp evening walk and usually stays decorated for the full month of December.
Sycamore Street & Graves Christmas House | Decatur, GA
Historic homes along Sycamore Street make for a warm and nostalgic holiday drive. Don’t miss the beloved Graves Christmas House, known for its bright, whimsical, and delightfully over-the-top decorations that attract families all season long.
Lights of Joy | Kennesaw, GA
Nostalgia is shaping interiors, with mid-century furniture, “grandmacore” accents, and vintage décor blending seamlessly with modern pieces. These spaces feel personal and timeless, celebrating character through curated patterns, textures, and statement touches.
Stone Mountain Christmas | Stone Mountain, GA
A full holiday festival experience with millions of lights, costumed characters, musical shows, and nightly tree lightings. Displays line the walkways and village, and everything sparkles from late November through December.
Lights of Life | Marietta, GA
A classic Atlanta tradition for decades. This drive-through light show features massive displays, tunnels, holiday characters, and a campus fully lit from end to end. It’s open nightly with low per-car admission and is available for the full holiday season.
Avalon Holiday Lights | Alpharetta, GA
Avalon transforms into a glowing holiday village, with sparkling storefronts, a towering tree, and a winter-themed streetscape. While not a residential display, it’s great for an evening stroll, dining, and photos under the lights all season long.
Peachtree Street Holiday Lights | Atlanta, GA
From the Fox Theatre to Woodruff Arts Center, Peachtree glows with trees, building displays, and festive streetscape lighting. It’s a great add-on to a dinner or show night during the holidays and stays lit throughout the month.
Atlantic Station | Atlanta, GA
Each winter, Atlantic Station decks its streets and plazas with beautiful holiday lights, a giant Christmas tree, and seasonal installations. With shops and restaurants open late, it’s a lively place to enjoy the lights all month long.
Ashebrooke Night of Lights | Cumming, GA
This neighborhood is known for elaborate, community-wide decorations. While they host one big “Night of Lights” event, the homes stay decorated for multiple weeks, making it a great northside destination all season.
Noël Magic Lights | Hampton, GA
A drive-through animated light show featuring tunnels, towering displays, and themed scenes. It’s large, impressive, and available for most nights of the holiday season — perfect for families wanting a long, immersive light route.
6 Home & Garden Tips for December
- BRING IN OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Protect patio furniture from snow, ice, and freezing temps. - WATER EVERGREENS AS NEEDED
Give them occasional deep watering during dry winter spells. - CHECK INDOOR PLANTS
Watch for pests that thrive in warm, dry indoor air. - FORCE BULBS INDOORS
Start paperwhites or amaryllis for holiday blooms. - PRUNE DORMANT TREES
Trim back dead or crossing branches on fruit and shade trees. - FEED THE BIRDS
Provide seed, suet, and water sources when food is scarce.
4 Home Maintenance Tips
- INSULATE PIPES
Wrap exposed pipes to prevent freezing during cold snaps. - CHECK HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Inspect cords and bulbs for safety before decorating. - SEAL DRAFTS
Add weatherstripping to doors and windows to keep heating costs down. - CLEAN DRYER VENTS
Lint buildup is a fire hazard, especially with increased laundry during the holidays.
