What can visitors expect from the Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights experience?
The light display at Callaway Gardens uses over 8 million individual LED lights, making it one of the largest holiday light displays in the Southeastern United States.
The Fantasy in Lights event covers a 7-mile scenic drive through the gardens, featuring 16 different illuminated holiday-themed scenes and displays.
In 2023, Callaway Gardens unveiled a brand-new 40-foot "Pixel Pine Tree" as the centerpiece of the Christmas Village, featuring a mesmerizing light show synchronized to music.
Guests can choose to either drive their own vehicles through the light display or take a ride on the "Santa Express" tram, which provides a closer, more intimate view of the installations.
In addition to the light show, Callaway Gardens offers a variety of holiday-themed activities, including visits with Santa, holiday music performances, and festive food and shopping options.
The Fantasy in Lights event has been running annually at Callaway Gardens for over 25 years, making it a beloved holiday tradition for many families in the region.
The light displays are designed and engineered by a team of lighting experts, using a combination of traditional incandescent bulbs and cutting-edge LED technology.
Callaway Gardens utilizes a sophisticated computerized control system to precisely synchronize the timing and choreography of the light displays with accompanying music and sound effects.
The Fantasy in Lights event has been recognized and awarded for its creativity, scale, and environmental sustainability efforts, including the use of energy-efficient LED lighting.
The Fantasy in Lights event is a significant economic driver for the local community, attracting thousands of visitors and generating revenue for businesses in the Pine Mountain area.
Callaway Gardens' commitment to sustainability is reflected in their use of energy-efficient lighting and ongoing efforts to minimize the environmental impact of the Fantasy in Lights event.
The light displays are designed and installed using a modular system, allowing the team to easily update, expand, and refine the experience from year to year.
Visitors can enhance their Fantasy in Lights experience by choosing to visit during special events, such as the "Night Walk" or "Bicycle Night," which offer unique perspectives and activities.
The Fantasy in Lights event is a popular destination for photographers, who capture the stunning displays and share them on social media, further spreading the word about this magical holiday experience.
Callaway Gardens partners with local schools and community organizations to create custom light displays, fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride in the event.
The Fantasy in Lights event has become a significant part of the cultural identity of the Pine Mountain region, attracting visitors from across the Southeast and beyond.
Callaway Gardens' commitment to accessibility ensures that the Fantasy in Lights experience is enjoyable for visitors of all abilities, with features like designated handicap-accessible parking and viewing areas.
The light displays at Callaway Gardens are engineered to be resilient and withstand the occasional inclement weather conditions common during the holiday season in Georgia.