Your Guide to Georgia’s Most Spectacular Holiday Light Show
Welcome to the most magical time of the year at Callaway Resort & Gardens! Our iconic Fantasy In Lights transforms the gardens into a dazzling winter wonderland, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories. Whether you’re planning a day trip or staying overnight, this guide will help you plan the ultimate holiday visit from day to night.
What to Expect at Fantasy In Lights
Fantasy In Lights offers both daytime and nighttime attractions. Your ticket includes all-day access to Callaway Gardens’ 2,500 acres, with plenty of fun before the lights begin to twinkle in the evening. For nighttime magic, you’ll enjoy the spectacular seven-mile light show synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, and you can experience it by car or aboard the Jolly Trolley.
What’s Included:
- The Seven-Mile Scenic Drive: Immerse yourself in holiday cheer with festive scenes like Snowflake Valley, the Tunnel of Lights, and the spectacular Magical Field of Lights with its towering 10-story Christmas tree—the tallest in the South!
- Callaway Christmas Village: Walk through this brilliantly lit area at Robin Lake Plaza, featuring the Tree of Traditions, the glowing Christmas Tunnel, and whimsical Winter Wonderland Walkway.
Don’t miss special events like:
Check the full event schedule & ticketing options here.
P.S. You can buy online or at the gate, whichever options fits your families needs. If you buy in advance, you will skip the line (highly recommended)!
Parking Information
With Fantasy In Lights being such a popular event, parking is available at designated lots, and shuttles will take you to the main areas. Park in Callaway’s preferred parking area (enter through the Beach Entrance off Highway 27) to enter the Callaway Christmas Village. You can also enjoy the drive-through experience first and begin the night by car in the Q Lot or aboard the Jolly Trolley in the Trolley loading area.
Check the on-site signs to find the best lot for your arrival time, and don’t forget to take advantage of our complimentary trolley service to travel between attractions.
Dining Options to Savor the Season
Make sure to fuel up during your visit with some of Callaway’s delicious dining options:
- Country Kitchen: Start your morning off with hearty, Southern-style breakfast dishes.
- Piedmont Dining Room or Discovery Café: Perfect for a relaxing lunch, whether you're craving comfort food or quick bites.
- P.S. The Piedmont Dining Room takes reservations for those who like to plan ahead.
- Christmas Village Vendors: On-site vendors serve up family-friendly bites like burgers and wraps.
- Azalea Market: Hidden within the Lodge & Spa, this brand-new spot offers fresh-made pizzas, Starbucks® coffee, and a variety of quick bites, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Staying overnight for the holidays? Enjoy our specialty dining options on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve! Check out all our dining venues and menus here.
Activities by Age Group
Fantasy In Lights and Callaway Resort & Gardens have something for every age. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best activities for each group:
- Ages 0-1: Infants will be mesmerized by the soft glow of the lights, whether you choose to drive through the displays or take a gentle stroll through our walk-thru areas, such as the serene Nativity Scene near the beach. For a calming daytime activity, the Butterfly Center offers a peaceful, sensory-friendly environment that’s perfect for little ones.
- Ages 2-4: Visit the Christmas Village for magical sights, character appearances and kid-friendly snacks. Younger children will enjoy the glowing light displays and the Jolly Trolley ride through the lights.
- Ages 5-8: Explore the Winter Wonderland Walkway and experience the awe-inspiring Magical Field of Lights. Don’t forget to visit a Birds of Prey Show and the Butterfly Center during the day.
- Ages 10+: Older kids and teens will enjoy biking through our many paved trails, or the more adventurous can take on the Treetop Adventure before the holiday magic begins at night.
- Note: The Discovery/Lake courses require a minimum height of 56 inches.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- Check Ticket Prices: Prices vary by date, so be sure to check the ticketing page to find the best option for your visit.
- Arrive Early: Spend the day at the gardens enjoying activities like biking, hiking, and exploring the Butterfly Center before the lights come on.
- Dress Warmly: Georgia winters can be chilly, so layer up with hats, gloves, and warm shoes—especially if you’re riding the Jolly Trolley! We highly recommend bringing a small blanket to keep warm during the Trolley ride.
- Forget some of your essentials? No worries, our Fantasy In Lights pop up shops carry a variety of merchandise.
- Rent a Callaway Cruiser: For overnight guests, renting a Callaway Cruiser is the best way to explore the gardens at your own pace. These electric carts provide a fun and convenient way to get around, making it easy to enjoy all that Fantasy In Lights has to offer. Learn more about rentals here.
- Grab a Holiday Hot Chocolate: Before boarding the Jolly Trolley, don’t forget to pick up a warm cup of holiday hot chocolate! For the adults, we also offer Hot Toddy with Cider and another specialty spiked Cider drink to add an extra festive twist to your ride.
- Plan Your Route: Download the Callaway Resort & Gardens app for easy navigation throughout the park.
- Consider a Membership: If you’re visiting multiple times, upgrade your Fantasy In Lights ticket to a Platinum Membership for access to events year-round, including Fantasy In Lights.
- This can be done by calling 800-CALLAWAY or visiting the Information Center during operating hours.
Plan Your Visit to Fantasy In Lights
With dazzling light displays, festive dining options, and activities for all ages, Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re coming for the day or staying overnight, we’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Get your tickets and start planning your visit today here.
