For nearly 30 years, Georgians and Peach State visitors from all across the nation enjoyed a beloved holiday tradition – the Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort. After a five-year hiatus, the lakeside destination announced Thursday, September 25 that “The Magic is Back” this holiday season and is better than ever before.
With plans to flip the switch on an entirely new driving light tour beginning November 15, 2025, Magical Nights of Lights will run nightly from 5:00-10:00 p.m. through January 4, 2026. The newly designed show will feature mile after mile of twinkling, animated light displays. Guests will be able to tune into a dedicated radio station during their modern-day sleigh ride, filling each vehicle with holiday cheer amidst a backdrop of classic Christmas carols. The tour will lead to two destinations – the Holiday Headquarters at Game Changer and Margaritaville’s License to Chill Snow Island. As in the past, pricing for this treasured holiday attraction will be based on the carload, rather than on individual guests.
“We take pride in listening to and honoring the wishes of our guests and most fervent supporters at Lanier Islands Resort,” said company president Matthew Bowling. “It warms our hearts to realize that we loomed so large in the holiday memories of so many people. That’s why we’re excited to announce that the calls for the return of Magical Nights of Lights will be answered this holiday season. We’ll pay tribute to some old favorite light vignettes, while introducing several entirely new displays for our visitors to enjoy. The newest addition to the experience will be our Holiday Headquarters at Game Changer, offering a climate-controlled option for light watchers to explore and enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome back all those old fans of Magical Nights of Lights, and we look forward to becoming a cherished holiday tradition for those who’ve never experienced it before.”
Some of the most popular displays making their nostalgic return to the holiday light show at Lanier Islands Resort include:
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Marching Toy Soldiers
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12 Days of Christmas
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Old Man Winter
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Candy Cane Lane
The 2025 show will also introduce several new displays, such as:
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Tailgating Santa
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Pickleball Elves
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Multi-faith light displays that celebrate the spirit of the season at the new Chapel on Lanier
Once they’ve wound their way through the light displays, guests can pop by Game Changer to warm up with hot cocoa or mulled wine, roast s’mores by the outdoor firepits, or step inside the ultimate indoor entertainment destination, which will be transformed into an extravagantly festive wonderland. In addition to 23,000 square feet of arcade games, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, adult gaming machines, and virtual sports suites, Game Changer will showcase Clark’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar with Moose Mug cocktails and holiday treats. On select nights, Santa Claus will also be on hand to pose for pictures and listen to Christmas wishes from little ones. Afterwards, light watchers can head over to License to Chill Snow Island for ice skating, carnival rides, fresh fallen snow, and chances to brave Georgia’s longest, fastest & only snow tubing slide down Blizzard Mountain.
Guests can enjoy savings on Magical Nights of Lights by purchasing a pass online for a starting price of just $25 while supplies last. They can also purchase passes at the gate for a starting price of just $35 per vehicle of up to 10 guests. Bowling encourages prospective attendees of Magical Nights of Lights to book early online to take advantage of savings, as there are limited presale tickets available. Admittance for vans and shuttles of 11 to 20 guests starts at $100, and buses of 21 passengers or more will start at $250. Pricing may vary by the evening attended. With a bevy of other holiday happenings throughout the season that run the gamut from Breakfast with Santa to a Holiday Market, Lanier Islands Resort will also offer festive accommodation packages. Overnight guests will enjoy a complimentary tour of the lights to enhance their holiday season stay.
To view holiday accommodation packages and make overnight reservations, visit https://www.lanierislands.com/special-events/christmas/ or call 770-945-8787.
