For many, walking around and looking at beautiful holiday lights is an annual tradition and some of the best quality time they’ll get around this festive time of the year. Whether it’s a romantic evening stroll or a cherished family drive, the magic of the twinkling lights sets the perfect festive mood.
Whatever the reason for your excursion, you’ll only want to see the best of the best. Here are the 8 best holiday lights in Cobb County you need to see.
Winter Wonderland’s Festival of Trees
Location: 50 N Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060
Cost: Free
The Festival of Trees is a part of the Winter Wonderland event in Marietta Square. Local schools and organizations have adorned the park with enchanting trees, showcasing the artistic flair of the students.
This forest of themed trees, a perfect backdrop for holiday photos, comes alive with the arrival of Santa on the Square. Seize the opportunity to meet some of Santra’s elves and watch as your letter gets put straight into the hands of Santa himself.
For an extra special experience, you can book a 30-minute private session with Santa where the little ones can enjoy story time, crafts, and indulge in milk and cookies. This magical moment will be captured in photos by professional photographers and you can take home a digital copy and a personalized ornament.
Lights of Life
Location: 1269 Barclay Cir, Marietta, GA 30062
Cost: $10 for cars/trucks; $20 for buses
Lights of Life is one of the most affordable drive-thru holiday light displays in metro Atlanta. This 1.5-mile drive around the campus of Life University features more than a million lights and will run every night, rain or shine.
Besides the many thematic displays and glowing installations, the event also features family-friendly activities. This includes a petting zoo, concession stand, and train rides.
While we don’t have this year’s price info yet, the petting zoo and train rides were $5 last year. Furthermore, you get a chance to win a prize if you share your Lights of Life photos on social media.
Holiday in the Park
Location: 275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168
Cost: One-day ticket starts at $40 (online price)
Holiday in the Park is Six Flag Over Georgia’s magical wintertime event that features festive holiday lights and themed decorations. Winter attractions include Candlelight Carousel, Holiday Express, Looney Tunes Family Portrait, and Merry Lane.
You can also meet Santa and visit his workshop, enjoy arts & crafts, reindeer games, Santa’s Candy Cane Farm, and get sweet treats at the Peppermint Forest. On top of the numerous festive entertainments, the park’s exclusive holiday sweets and treats are a must-try.
Don’t check out the merry merchandise for holiday-themed gifts and souvenirs. Please note that Hurricane Harbor is not included with the admission and the gate/walk-up price for a one-day ticket is $79.99.
Holiday Magic – Woodruff Family Christmas Lights
Location: 5268 Seamus Way, Powder Springs, GA 30127
Cost: Free
Woodruff Family’s Holiday Magic Christmas Lights is a free holiday light show that features inflatables, Christmas lights, and special effects synchronized to holiday music.
You can witness this symphony of thousands of dazzling lights every night, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Each year, they feature new displays, songs, and props. You can also tune your radio to 102.1 FM so you can enjoy the soundtrack.
World of Illumination: Enchanted Safari
Location: 250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062
Cost: Starts at $39.99 per car
World of Illumination’s Enchanted Sarafi at Six Flags White Water is a premier drive-through audio-visual immersive experience like never before. The show uses state-of-the-art technology and joy-filled, whimsical designs to transport guests into a world of wonder.
The Enchanted Safari, with its jungle-themed displays, is one of the most popular holiday attractions in the Atlanta area, and for good reason. Exotic animals from piranhas to peacocks will be there to greet you. You can also encounter reindeer, a T-Rex, lions, sharks, jellyfish, and so much more.
The show features a 20 to 30-minute audio-visual experience and more than a million lights synchronized to music in a way that is both awe-inspiring and beautiful. Moreover, it’s very family-friendly so it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit with your loved ones. Please note that the show is only open Tuesday to Sunday (and Monday, Dec. 18 & 25) at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Lights of Joy
Location: 1455 Ben King Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Cost: Free
Kennesaw’s breathtaking holiday spectacle, Lights of Joy, is a magical light display where over 240 trees illuminate the night with a dazzling array of colors. There are 40 musical trees that are synchronized to holiday music, which you can tune in at 102.1 FM.
Seven hundred feet of road frontage is also lighted and 60 Holly bushes have been shaped into Christmas trees which are also all lighted. Some of the most notable features are the “Tunnel of Joy” with over 100,000 lights, the Inside Circle, a giant star, Santa on a tractor, and Santa in a helicopter.
With more than 1.2 million lights in total this year, Lights of Joy stands to its claim as the largest residential light display in Georgia. Even though there’s no fee to walk around the display, donations are highly appreciated.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Location: 2245 Callaway Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30008
Cost: Gate ticket price is $39.95; +$20 for an express ticket per car
Partnered with Cobb County PARKS, Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland presents its all-new, award-winning drive-through light show at Jim R Miller Park and Event Center. Opening until January 7, 2023, the show uses cutting-edge technology and timeless holiday charm to create an unforgettable experience.
It features a 300-foot RGB tunnel that surrounds you in a kaleidoscope of colors, a towering wall of lights, 50-foot-tall sparkling Christmas trees, and so much more. Along the tour, you can also catch a glimpse of how Mr. and Mrs. Clause, the elves, and reindeer live at the North Pole.
After this dynamic show, you can visit Santa’s Village and engage in various activities. There’s an ice slide, ice skating, rides, tasty treats, and opportunities to take a photo with Santa.
Hrockin Hranicky Christmas Lights
Location: 3848 Rivers Run Trce NW, Acworth, GA 30101
Cost: Free
Marking their 17th year of sharing their Christmas display with the community, Hrockin Hranicky Christmas Lights presents an amazing show with hot chocolate and sweets. The display features precision synchronization, moving lights, and holiday music. You can tune into the music on your FM radio and enjoy the show.
They accept donations for Angels Among Us Pet Rescue. Just look for a red “Snoopy” doghouse with a mailbox attached to its roof to drop your monetary donations or place products (cat/dog food, treats, blanket, toys, cleaning supplies, towels, etc.) inside the doghouse if you choose. No obligations to donate to enjoy the show but it’s greatly appreciated.
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