What: Holiday Light DisplaysWhere: Around Metro AtlantaWhen: Now through Dec. 31Costs: Vary

One of the things I LOVE about the holidays are the lights. One day, I’m going to rent a bus, stock it with good cheer and invite family and friends to tour the lights of Atlanta. Until then, here’s an incomplete list of where [...]]]>

What: Holiday Light Displays
Where: Around Metro Atlanta
When: Now through Dec. 31
Costs: Vary

One of the things I LOVE about the holidays are the lights. One day, I’m going to rent a bus, stock it with good cheer and invite family and friends to tour the lights of Atlanta. Until then, here’s an incomplete list of where to find the lights so you can go on your own tour. Know a place I missed? Add it in the comments. While you’re at it, let me know a little about you — are you a white lights only or the more color the better?

Centennial Olympic Park Holiday in Lights
Dates: Nov. 14 – Jan. 3
Cost: Free
Info: 20 miles worth of lights blanket the 21-acre Park and include a 58 ft. holiday tree. While you’re there, enjoy Atlanta’s only outdoor ice rink.

It’s Snowin in Atlantic Station
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 31
Cost: Free
Info: View 250,000 lights within an 8 block radius. While you’re there, gather around Atlantic Station’s grand 50-foot tall Christmas Tree and experience the magic of a realistic snowfall weeknights at 7:30pm, and Fridays & Saturdays, hourly 6pm-9pm. (Snow is weather permitting)

Life College Lights of Life
Dates: Nov. 23 – Dec. 30
Cost: $5 per car, $10 per van and $20 per bus, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank
Info: More than 100 pieces displayed throughout the 1.5 mile drive through campus. The display of Santa and his sleigh stands over 65 feet high making it the tallest in the Southeast. There is a petting zoo and pony rides on weekends for free. You can also sit on Santa’s lap or have your picture taken for $10.

Lake Lanier Islands, Magical Night of Lights
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 30, 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Prices start at $33 for a pre-purchased car ticket. Vans and buses extra
Info: Known as the world’s largest animated light extravaganza. In addition there is a Holiday Village with carnival rides, pony rides and holiday treats. Warm up with a sweet marshmallow roast or step inside the Santa Shop for some holiday shopping.

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights
Dates: Nov. 20 – Dec. 30
Cost: $25 per adult, $12.50 per child for same day purchases. Discounts apply for pre-purchased tickets (under 5 is free, but must have a ticket)
Info: More than eight million twinkling lights celebrate the holiday season. While you’re there, visit the Christmas Village where you can see every nutcracker imaginable, or view intricately decorated trees and dream of holiday mornings in Toyland.

A Stone Mountain Christmas
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 30
Cost: Various plans, but the best value is a $109 family of four pass, includes 4 tickets and 4 meals vouchers
Info: More than two million twinkling lights. While you’re there, watch live entertainment shows, see the Polar Express in 4-D, watch a festive Christmas Parade, a special laser show and more.

Here’s a map guide to holiday light displays from the Atlanta Journal Constitution for 2008. They don’t know if they’re going to update this for 2009, but this is a good place to start.