Best Christmas Lights in Classic South (Augusta)

Georgia's Classic South region, anchored by Augusta along the Savannah River, mixes a classic downtown Christmas parade and tree lighting with a drive-through light trail just outside the city in Grovetown.

Augusta Christmas Light-Up Spectacular and Tree Lighting

What it is: Downtown Augusta's tree lighting, fireworks, and holiday village

Augusta's Christmas Light-Up Spectacular typically kicks off the season with a Christmas tree lighting, a fireworks show, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a train ride, and the WBBQ Kids Christmas Village with holiday crafts. The Augusta Christmas Parade follows later in the season with floats, marching bands, and Santa making his way through downtown. Both events are free and held in downtown Augusta; check the Visit Augusta events calendar for this year's dates.

Augusta Riverwalk and Mistletoe Market

The Augusta Riverwalk strings lights along the Savannah River each winter, making for a scenic evening walk downtown. The seasonal Mistletoe Market sets up nearby with local artists and handmade holiday goods, and several downtown restaurants run holiday-themed menus through the season.

Lights of the South, Grovetown

What it is: An outdoor walking or hayride light trail just outside Augusta

2026 dates: Opening night is November 20, 2026, and the season runs through December 30. Check lightsofthesouth.com before you go.

Lights of the South in Grovetown, a short drive from downtown Augusta, runs an outdoor trail of themed light displays, from a Christmas village to superhero scenes, that visitors can walk or ride through on a hayride. It typically stays open into late December.

Check both Augusta events separately: The Light-Up Spectacular and the Christmas Parade are usually held on different dates, so confirm both if you want to catch each one.

Dress for a river walk: The Augusta Riverwalk is open to the wind off the water, so bring a warmer layer than you might expect for a Georgia December evening.

For more on this region, see the Classic South travel region page.

Are Augusta's Christmas Light-Up Spectacular and Christmas Parade the same event?
No, they are typically held on separate dates each holiday season; the Light-Up Spectacular includes the tree lighting and fireworks, while the parade is a separate downtown event later in the season.

Is Lights of the South in Grovetown within driving distance of Augusta?
Yes, Grovetown is a short drive from downtown Augusta and is often visited as part of the same holiday trip.