One of the South's biggest holiday light shows is just up the road from Columbus. Fantasy In Lights returns to Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain on Friday, Nov. 13, and runs nightly through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027.

The show features more than 10 million lights along a seven-mile route through the gardens. Callaway says that's enough lights to cover more than 26,000 Christmas trees. It's about a 40-minute drive north of Columbus.

What's new this year

The big addition for 2026 is "Song of the Trees," an all-new scene where towering trees light up in color in time with holiday music. Callaway describes it as a glowing forest that comes alive.

The show now has 18 light scenes, many of them animated and set to music, including two at Robin Lake Beach. It has come a long way since 1992, when it opened as a simple drive-through with just five scenes. Callaway says it was inspired by Virginia Callaway's love of Christmas lights.

Ways to see the lights

• Drive through in your own car. Tune in to the holiday soundtrack and take your time. The route is about seven miles and takes at least 45 minutes.
• Ride the Jolly Trolley. A guided trolley tour takes you through all 18 scenes, so nobody has to drive.
• Bike Night. On special bicycle-only evenings, you can pedal the route instead of driving it.
• Pink Jeep tour. A guided open-air Jeep ride through the lights with holiday music.

Callaway Christmas Village

Plan extra time for the Callaway Christmas Village, a walkable area with a forest of twinkling lights, giant snowflakes, oversized ornaments and a 40-foot "Tree of Traditions" pixel pine. You'll find:

• Santa for meet-and-greets and photos
• Hot chocolate and s'mores
• The Christmas Market for holiday shopping
• Christmas Tree Lane for a stroll

Tickets

Ticket prices change by night. Quieter weeknights cost less than busy weekends and the weeks around Christmas. For the 2026-27 season, adult tickets range from about $16 to $40 and tickets for children ages 4 to 12 from about $16 to $35, according to Explore Georgia. Children 3 and under get in free.

A few things to know before you buy:

• Tickets include same-day admission to Callaway Gardens, so you can arrive early and explore the gardens before dark.
• Tickets are for a specific date and one-hour time slot. You can arrive any time during your hour. If you miss it, you'll need to exchange your tickets at Will Call for the next available slot.
• Tickets are nonrefundable, including for bad weather. If it rains, trolley ticket holders can drive through in their own car instead without exchanging tickets.
• Season passholders get a discount. Log into your account before buying.

Buy tickets at callawayresort.com. Popular weekend nights in December sell out, so book early.

Tips for Columbus families

1. Go on a weeknight for lower prices and lighter traffic.
2. Go early in the season. Mid-to-late November is usually less crowded than December.
3. Arrive before dark to use your free gardens admission, then grab hot chocolate in the Christmas Village before your time slot.
4. Bring the dog if you're driving. Pets can ride along in your own car, but they're not allowed on the trolley or in the Christmas Village (trained service animals excepted).
5. Use the restrooms first. There are restrooms at the Robin's Nest, in the queue lot and by Trolley Loading.

More holiday events at Callaway

• Breakfast with Santa: Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at 9 and 11 a.m. at the Lodge and Spa. Reservations required.
• Run Callaway: Dec. 4-6. Includes a kids' fun run, a nighttime 5K, a 10K and a half marathon through the lights.
• New Year's Eve Celebration: Dec. 31, with dining, live music and fireworks at midnight.

Getting there: Callaway Gardens' main entrance is at 17617 U.S. 27 in Pine Mountain. Follow the Fantasy In Lights signs when you arrive.