If you’re looking for something to entertain the whole family for this holiday season, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer is here for you. Whether you want to spend money or enjoy for free, here is a (mostly) reliable guide to holiday cheer.
Here are some of the best holiday light displays in Columbus and the surrounding areas, by cost.
Higher cost Christmas displays
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens
-
Location: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA
-
Experience: 10 million lights spread across 18 themed scenes. Drive the 7-mile light show or ride the Jolly Trolley.
-
Additional Attractions: Access to the Callaway Christmas Village, Santa meet, snacks and shopping
Shine: A Celebration of Nature & Wonder
-
Location: Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus, GA
-
Experience: Not exclusively a Christmas light show, it celebrates nature with festive elements
-
When: Dec. 5 to 23 with time slots at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
-
Tickets for members are free; buy tickets here
Free with community participation
Uptown Tree Trail
-
Location: Broadway, Columbus, GA
-
Experience: Decorated live Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses and founded by CSU’s Servant Leadership Program
Napier’s Midtown Market Tree Lighting
-
Location: 2213 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA
-
Experience: A tree lighting and a visit from Santa When: Dec. 8th at 5:00 to 7 pm
-
Additional attractions: Santa visits, treats and Christmas carols from local schools
Advertisement
Advertisement
Free (with donations appreciated)
Foster’s House of Christmas
-
Location: 1024 Crosswinds Drive, Columbus, GA
-
Experience: 250,000 lights synchronized to music.
-
Additional attractions: Listen at 90.1 FM
-
When: Until Jan. 9 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Mixon’s Magical Christmas
-
Location: 280 Lee Road 942, Smiths Station, Alabama
-
Experience: Display synchronized to music on 91.9 FM
-
When: Lights are on daily from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. until Dec. 28.
-
Additional attractions: Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods, which will be donated to a local food bank. You can also visit a second location, Mixon’s Christmas Land.
Reader suggestions
-
6 Minuteman Court, Midland GA
-
Wickham Drive, Columbus GA
-
24 Justice Drive, Fort Mitchell AL
-
Richards Place subdivision, Summerville Road, Phenix City AL
Did I miss your favorite? Send me addresses, photos or social media handles to srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
Do GA cities have to pay for any damages done to your yard by public work? What the law says
Will La Niña freeze out GA & bring more snow or dry the state up this winter? Here’s the forecast