Macon has one of the biggest free light shows in Georgia: the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza, more than a million lights across five and a half downtown blocks synced to music by the Macon Pops. The 2026-27 season, its 10th, runs November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
- Big showMacon Christmas Light Extravaganza
- CostFree
- DatesNov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
- ShowsOn the hour from 6 p.m.
- At a Glance
- Light Extravaganza
- Marché de Noël
- Lockerly in Lights
- Lake Sinclair
- Around the Region
- Common Questions
Middle Georgia Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Event | Where | 2026-27 dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Light Extravaganza | Downtown Macon | Nightly, Nov. 27 – Jan. 3 | Free |
| Marché de Noël | Cherry Street Plaza, Macon | Dec. 4 – 13 | Free |
| Lockerly in Lights | Lockerly Arboretum, Milledgeville | Fri. and Sat., Nov. 20 – Jan. 2 | $15 adults, $5 ages 3-12 |
| Christmas Cove | Lake Sinclair (by boat) | Nov. 26 – Dec. 31 | Free |
Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza
2026-27 dates: Nightly, November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Shows start at the top of each hour from 6 p.m., with the schedule running until 10 p.m., and opening night, Friday, November 27, kicks off with a free live concert by the Macon Pops. Admission is free. The display centers on 555 Poplar Street in downtown Macon.
More than a million lights fill five and a half city blocks of downtown, choreographed to music recorded by the Macon Pops, with each song featuring a local Macon artist. You walk the route at your own pace and catch a show where the lights and music sync up. Downtown vendors sell hot chocolate, food and gifts, and Santa appears on some nights. The 2025-26 season drew a record 723,000 visitors, so expect crowds on December weekends. Last season, parts of Poplar Street at Second and Third Streets were closed to traffic during the event. See the Visit Macon event page for the nightly schedule.
Marché de Noël
A free European-style Christmas market fills Cherry Street Plaza (300 Cherry St.) with wooden chalets from December 4 to 13, 2026, a short walk from the light route. Plan a market evening on one of those nights, then walk over for a light show.
Lockerly in Lights, Milledgeville
About 45 minutes east of Macon, Lockerly Arboretum turns a mile-long path into a walk-through light trail on Fridays and Saturdays from November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for ages 3 to 12, and they are sold in advance.
Christmas Cove, Lake Sinclair
On Lake Sinclair near Milledgeville, neighbors light up a stretch of boathouses known as Christmas Cove, listed for November 26 to December 31, 2026. It can only be seen from the water, so it is a trip for boat owners or friends with a boat. See Christmas lights on Georgia’s lakes for more lakeside displays.
Around the Region
Middle Georgia towns, including Warner Robins, Perry and Milledgeville, hold their own tree lightings and Christmas parades, usually free, single-evening events in early December. Warner Robins lights its city tree at Perkins Field. Byron canceled its 2025 parade and has scheduled the next one for December 5, 2026. Check each city’s calendar for this year’s times, since weather can move parades.
Tips for Your Visit
Arrive before a show: The lights are best seen during a show, so plan to be on the route a few minutes before the top of the hour.
Park early on weekends: Downtown parking fills as the first shows approach, and the busiest nights are December Fridays and Saturdays.
Make it a holiday trip: Add a stop at one of the Christmas tree farms in Georgia or a ride on one of the Christmas train rides in Georgia. For more of the region, see the Historic Heartland travel region page.
Common Questions
Is the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza free?
Yes. It is free to walk the route and watch the shows; you only pay if you buy food or gifts from the vendors.
What are the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza show times?
Shows start at the top of each hour from 6 p.m., with the schedule running until 10 p.m. nightly from November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
When do the Macon Christmas lights start in 2026?
Opening night is Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving, with a free Macon Pops concert. The lights run nightly through January 3, 2027.
Where is the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza?
In downtown Macon, centered on 555 Poplar Street and spread across five and a half city blocks. Parts of Poplar Street near Second and Third Streets have been closed to traffic during the event.
Sources we checked
Dates and details in this guide were checked against official event, city and venue sources:
- Visit Macon: Christmas Light Extravaganza
- Macon-Bibb County: 10th anniversary announcement
- Middle Georgia CEO: record 2025-26 attendance
- Visit Milledgeville: holiday events (Lockerly in Lights)
- Georgia’s Lake Country: holidays at Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.
Looking beyond Middle Georgia? See Christmas lights in Georgia by region, including Atlanta Christmas lights and Augusta Christmas lights.