The Holiday Parade in Georgia That Will Easily Quell Your Inner Grinch
The annual Downtown Parade of Lights in Athens, Georgia, is a unique nighttime holiday parade featuring themed floats, festive lights, and a tree lighting ceremony.
As we've mentioned, Georgia has quite a few holiday activities throughout the season that will surely ignite your spirit. Take The Winter Wonderland Train Ride In Georgia That Showcases Thousands Of Holiday Lights For Your Enjoyment, for example. However, for those of you who want to celebrate the season with your whole family and a ton of festive surprises, then there is only one thing to do — attend this holiday parade in Georgia that will easily quell your inner Grinch.
The annual Downtown Parade of Lights in Athens, Georgia is unlike any other holiday parade in the state.
Uniquely set at night, this famed holiday tradition brings together friends and family to enjoy the festive lights set up throughout the downtown Athens area.
Georgians can submit their entries to build and decorate their own floats, and the best float will receive a cash prize plus the honor of a memorable plaque.
At the end of the parade, there will be a visit from the man of the hour himself, Santa Claus, who will take the helm of the traditional tree lighting ceremony.
Thanks to the Athens-Clarke County YouTube page, we can see the 2016 Downtown Parade of Lights Festival in all her glory:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwUwgGfW_2g
But remember, new theme means ALL NEW FLOATS! This year the 2017 Athens Downtown Parade of Lights will be held on Thursday, December 7 at 7 p.m. For more information about this year's parade, click here.
I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about the holidays is heading out and checking out all the great Christmas light displays in Georgia. Whether you're a fan of strolling by foot admiring the twinkling lights or prefer the drive-through Christmas lights in Georgia, we have magical holiday adventures all over the state that are worth a visit. Check these out:
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1. IllumiNights: Atlanta
It's no surprise that Atlanta has one of the best displays of Christmas lights in Georgia - it is our capital city, after all! Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta is an incredible collection of hand-crafted lanterns. Some of these sculptures are more than 20 feet tall! This is a must-visit for anyone looking for the best Christmas lights in Atlanta, GA. This year's display will be set up from Nov. 14, 2024, to Jan. 19, 2024, and is perfect for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Zoo Atlanta website.
Callaway Gardens is a popular year-round destination for anyone looking for outdoor fun, and the magnificent Fantasy In Lights display here has some of the best Christmas lights near Columbus, GA. There are more than 10 million lights on display here, and you can even ride on the Jolley Trolley or even partake in Bike Night at Fantasy in Lights to enjoy one of the best drive-through lights in Georgia. This real-life winter wonderland opens for the season on Nov. 15, 2024. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at the Callaway Gardens website.
3. Winter Wonderlights: Athens
Winter Wonderlights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a relatively new event that's only been around for a few years, but already this event is proving to have some of the best Christmas lights in Athens, GA. The half-mile, fully accessible trail is perfect for the whole family and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get through. This year's festivities run on select nights between Nov. 24 and Dec. 30, 2024. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the State Botanical Garden of Georgia website.
4. Light Up the Holidays at Barnsley Resort: Adairsville
If you've never visited Barnsley Resort at Christmas, you are really missing out! This magnificent Southern estate has the best Christmas lights near Rome, Georgia. Whether you're staying at the resort or just stopping by to see the light display, this is a wonderfully relaxing (and beautiful) place for a winter trip. Find out more and check out the calendar of events on the Barnsley Resort website. You can also book an overnight stay on Booking.com.
5. Lockerly in Lights: Milledgeville
The Lockerly Arboretum is a beautiful garden in the historic town of Milledgeville, and this year's Lockerly in Lights Christmas celebration is set to be bigger and better than ever! The festivities start on Nov. 14, 2024, and run on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday evenings through Dec. 21. One of my favorite things about these Christmas lights in Milledgeville, GA is that Fridays feature drive-through viewing only and Saturdays feature walk-through viewing only, so you can pick your experience (or enjoy both on separate days!). Tickets must be purchased in advance for Saturdays, but advanced tickets are not available for Fridays. Learn more from the Lockerly Arboretum website.
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6. Enchanted Garden of Lights: Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is one of the most fairy tale places in Georgia: you'll feel like you walked straight into a storybook exploring this beautiful place! Come winter, you can enjoy some of the most magical Christmas lights near Chattanooga at this epic landmark. The Enchanted Garden of Lights celebration is still going strong after nearly three decades and has been a family favorite for many Georgia families. This year's festivities run from Nov. 15, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025, although it will be closed on Christmas Eve. Come and see why this is among the best Georgia holiday lights! Tickets must be purchased in advance from the See Rock City website.
7. Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza: Macon
Macon's main drag really goes all out for Christmas — the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza features the best Christmas lights in Macon, GA. The festivities take over the entire downtown area from Nov. 29, 20234, to Jan. 5, 2025, and feature over a million lights set to music played by the Macon Pops. It's easy to see why this central city is nicknamed the Heart of Georgia: there are so many great local shops and businesses to support here!
The beach seems like an odd place to go for Christmas, but once you see Holly Jolly Jekyll, you'll see why this is considered to be the best Christmas lights in the Golden Isles. More than 350 light displays are set up throughout the town, and you can even take a ride on an open-air trolley to check out all the lights! Holly Jolly Jekyll is a celebration that belongs on everyone's holiday bucket list.
9. December Lights & Holiday Nights: Savannah
The Hostess City may not get too chilly in the winter, but that doesn't prevent the December Lights & Holiday Nights extravaganza at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens from being one of the best Christmas lights in Savannah, GA. This display has had both drive-through experiences in the past, but this year's is set to include walking trails with a charming fairy tale theme. Learn more and purchase tickets from the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens website.
10. Ludy's Christmas Light Spectacular: Columbus
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, this spectacular light display has been retired. However, there are so many other incredible Georgia Christmas lights to enjoy this season!
The Ludy's Christmas Light Display is a years-long tradition with the best Christmas lights in Columbus, GA. This residential display of lights is absolutely magnificent and features over 500,000 lights. The display is free to check out and you can even get out and walk around. Last year's display was greatly reduced, but the Ludys hope to be back in full swing this year. Keep an eye on Ludy's Christmas Light Spectacular Facebook page for all the details.
Wild Adventures is one of the best theme parks in Georgia, and this winter brings another incredible holiday experience: the Christmas Wild & Bright celebration. We're not quite sure what to expect, but we know this will have some of the best Christmas lights in Valdosta, GA! More than two million lights will be on display, and there are several shows planned as well. The experience starts on Nov. 23, 2024, and runs select dates through Dec. 31, 2024.
Wow! Which of these great Christmas light displays, including some of the best drive-through Christmas lights, in Georgia do you plan on checking out this year?
Make sure to check out our Holiday Gift Guide to get all the best gifts for the travelers in your life this Christmas!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
