Best Christmas Lights in Presidential Pathways (Callaway Gardens)

The Presidential Pathways region, covering Pine Mountain, Columbus, LaGrange, and Warm Springs in southwest Georgia, is home to the single biggest holiday light display in the state: Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens.

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens

What it is: A seven-mile drive-through display of more than 10 million lights across 18 themed scenes

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain is one of the largest Christmas light displays in the country, spread across 2,500 acres with a classic seven-mile driving route. Recent seasons have run from mid-November through the first week of January. Guests can drive the route in their own car, and the resort also offers walking and Segway options on select nights, plus a Bike Night for a bicycle-only evening through the lights. The Callaway Christmas Village adds a 40-foot lighted tree, Santa visits, and s'mores and hot chocolate stands. Fantasy in Lights has been ranked among the top Christmas light displays in the country by national travel outlets. See our Callaway Gardens page for more on the property, and check the official Fantasy in Lights page for this year's dates and tickets.

Around the Region

Columbus and LaGrange, the region's larger cities, both run annual downtown Christmas parades and tree lightings, and Warm Springs, home to FDR's Little White House, decorates its small historic downtown for the season as well. None of these approach Callaway Gardens in scale, but they make good stops if you are already driving through the area.

This is a ticketed event that can sell out: Fantasy in Lights draws visitors from across the Southeast, especially on December weekends, so buy tickets in advance for peak dates.

Bring the whole evening's plans: Between the seven-mile drive, the Christmas Village, and food stops, budget two to three hours for a full visit.

For more on this region, see the Presidential Pathways travel region page.

Is Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens a drive-through or a walking tour?
It is mainly a drive-through display in your own vehicle, though the resort also offers walking, Segway, and bicycle-only nights on select dates; check current-year options before you go.

How big is Fantasy in Lights?
The display covers a seven-mile route across Callaway Gardens' 2,500 acres and uses more than 10 million lights across 18 themed scenes, making it one of the largest Christmas light displays in the country.