More Lights. More Magic. More Memories.

Magical Nights of Lights is Brighter Than Ever

Magical Nights of Lights returns to Lanier Islands Resort for another season of holiday magic! From November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, drive through miles of sparkling lights and animated displays, with even more lights and more magic to discover along the way. Make the most of your visit with a stop at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands’ License to Chill Snow Island, where you can trade twinkling lights for snowy adventures and enjoy a little winter magic, too. Gather the family, turn up the holiday music and make Magical Nights of Lights part of your holiday tradition.

Join us for Give Back Nights, November 20 - 30! Bring five cans of food to the front gate to receive a $10 voucher for License to Chill Snow Island and $10 voucher at Game Changer. Your donation supports the Georgia Mountain Food Bank and helps brighten the holidays for local families.

We’re grateful to Coca-Cola and Georgia Power, our Magical Nights of Lights sponsors, for helping make the season shine.

Pricing is per vehicle.

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Two kids ride in a purple SUV at night, one reaching toward the other as colorful lights glow behind them.
A large illuminated sign that reads “12 Days of Christmas” with festive shapes and lights, set up outdoors at night.
Bright holiday lights: glowing snowmen and figures around a clock tower, with a red “HAPPY HOME” display and glowing snowballs along the ground.
A nighttime scene with colorful LED holiday figures along a roadside: a large round ornament centerpiece flanked by dancing characters, wreaths, and stylized figures in bright neon outlines.

The Experience

With more lights and more magic, there is more to see! Start your holiday adventure at 5 PM each evening and drive through miles of dazzling, animated displays. From shimmering lights to playful holiday scenes, every turn is filled with festive fun and nostalgic magic. Cozy up in the car, turn up the holiday tunes and take it all in at your own pace. Whether you’re bringing the kids, planning a date night or gathering the whole family, Magical Nights of Lights is a holiday tradition everyone will love.

Magical Nights of Lights Sponsors

The image shows the Georgia Power logo with a triangular design in red, blue, and green above the company name in black text.

Magical Nights of Lights is proudly powered by Georgia Power. Their sponsorship helps keep the holiday magic shining bright across Lanier Islands Resort, illuminating unforgettable moments for families all season long.

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The image shows the Coca-Cola logo in red text on a white background.

Magical Nights of Lights is proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola. Their partnership adds extra sparkle to the season, helping create festive memories and timeless holiday cheer at Lanier Islands Resort.

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The image shows a Christmas tree made of ribbon with a star on top and the text

Magical Nights of Lights is made possible with the support of Universal Concepts. Their partnership helps bring the holiday season to life at Lanier Islands Resort, creating a festive atmosphere filled with dazzling light displays.

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Magical Nights of Lights FAQs

You've got questions? We've got answers!

  • Will Santa be there?

    Santa will be at Game Changer! Catch him at the end of the show on select nights - including Santa's Magical Arrival on November 27.

  • What is Magical Nights of Lights?

    Magical Nights of Lights is one of the nation's most iconic holiday traditions, featuring miles of dazzling light displays, festive attractions, and seasonal cheer for the whole family. For the full experience after our Christmas light show, we recommend visiting License to Chill Snow Island and joining us in our Holiday Headquarters located at Game Changer (additional fees apply).

  • When does Magical Nights of Lights start?

    The event runs nightly from November 20 through January 3, including holidays.

  • What are the event hours?

    The light show begins at 5:00 PM and closes at 10:00 PM. Beginning at 4:00 PM each night, the Magical Nights of Lights surcharge at the gate goes into effect.

  • Where is it located?

    Magical Nights of Lights is located at Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, GA, just 45 minutes north of Atlanta.

  • How much are the tickets?

    Pricing for the Christmas lights show experience varies by vehicle size and date. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.

  • Are tickets priced per person?

    No. Tickets for Magical Nights of Lights are priced per vehicle, unlike many other light shows.

    • Vehicles with up to 10 passengers: Standard Vehicle Ticket
    • Vehicles with 11 - 20 passengers: Shuttle Ticket - $100
    • Vehicles with more than 20 passengers: Bus Ticket - $250
  • Is parking included?

    Yes, parking is included once inside the resort.

  • How long does it take to go through the show?

    We recommend planning a minimum of 2.5 hours to enjoy the full Magical Nights of Lights experience, especially on busier nights. This allows time to experience the drive-through light show, play in the snow at License to Chill Snow Island, and warm up in our Holiday Headquarters at Game Changer.

  • What else can we do besides the lights?

    In addition to the light displays, guests can purchase tickets for License to Chill Snow Island to enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, and more. Dining options are available at several of our restaurants, and we strongly recommend visiting our Holiday Headquarters inside Game Changer for festive fun.

  • Can I get out of my vehicle during the show to take pictures?

    No. For your safety, guests are not permitted to exit their vehicles along the roadways during the Christmas lights show.

  • Can I bring my pet(s)?

    Pets are welcome inside your vehicle during the driving tour. However, for safety and health reasons, pets are not permitted in License to Chill Snow Island or any restaurants unless they are certified service animals.

  • Can I bring a trailer or have people ride in my truck bed?

    All guests must follow state and motor vehicle laws and regulations. Passengers are not permitted to ride in truck beds or trailers.

  • Are you open if it is raining, sleeting, or snowing?

    Yes. Provided that roadways are safe and navigable, Magical Nights of Lights will remain open during inclement weather. Please check our website or social media for the latest updates regarding potential closures for Magical Nights of Lights or License to Chill Snow Island.

  • What are the peak hours?

    The busiest hours for our Christmas light show experience are typically shortly after sunset through 8:30 PM.

  • Can we come by boat?

    Guests are welcome to arrive at Lanier Islands Resort by boat; however, transportation is not provided from docks to the light show entrance. There is quick access from the courtesy dock to our Holiday Headquarters located at Game Changer.

  • Do you provide overnight packages?

    Yes. Lanier Islands Resort offers several holiday packages with accommodations at Legacy Lodge, Legacy Villas, and our two-bedroom / two-bath LakeHouses. Visit our overnight packages page for details and special offers.

  • Can I host a group or corporate event?

    Absolutely! Lanier Islands Resort offers meeting spaces, venues, and dining options perfect for group outings, meetings, weddings, and holiday parties. As an added bonus for booking an event between November 20th and January 3rd, your attendees get into Magical Nights of Lights for FREE! For more information, please contact our Sales Team at 678-318-2027.

  • Is Magical Nights of Lights wheelchair accessible?

    Yes. The driving tour around the Christmas lights show is fully accessible, and most other attractions have ADA access.

  • Can I take photos and videos?

    Yes! Photography and video recordings are encouraged. Share your experience on social media by tagging us @lanierislands and using #MagicalNightsOfLights or #TheMagicIsBack.

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