As the holiday season approaches, families across the Southeast begin counting down the days until one of the region’s most beloved traditions – Callaway Gardens’ Festival of Lights. For 30 magnificent years, guests have flocked to the gardens to wander among the twinkling splendor of over 8 million luminous bulbs. This dazzling display has earned accolades as one of the top ten holiday light events in the world. So why does this glimmering wonderland ignite the senses and spirits of close to a million visitors annually?
Nestled in the foothills of Pine Mountain, Georgia, Callaway Gardens spans over 5,000 idyllic acres. By day, guests explore lush gardens, wooded trails, and the shimmering waters of Mountain Creek Lake. As the sun sets, the botanical oasis undergoes a transformation into a magical winter carnival aglow from mountain to lake edge. The illuminations begin modestly – a blanket of tiny white lights shining through the woods. Before long, however, brilliant colors and larger-than-life displays emerge in every direction.
History and Growth of the Festival of Lights
In 1992, an abundance of fragrant Fraser firs on the property inspired Gardens staff to adorn several trees with white lights – a low-key decoration effort. The simple concept quickly sparked the imaginations of creative team members. If a handful of sparkling trees brought so much joy, what would happen if they illuminated more?
The following year, Callaway debuted its inaugural Festival of Lights with 4 holiday-themed scenes. Visitor reactions exceeded expectations, and successive years brought expanded lighted acreage and new Yuletide motifs. Over time, the event grew into an ambitious production showcasing the work of 35 full-time employees. The current 8-million-bulb extravaganza now unfolds across a 2.5-mile route that immerses guests in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season.
By the Numbers: Light Display Superlatives
To appreciation the enormity of the Festival of Lights requires an understanding of scale. Consider these statistics:
- 8 million lights hand-placed across 15 scenes
- 60 miles of wire weave through the displays
- Over 5,500 lighted displays blanketing 350 acres
- World’s largest Butterfly Tree sculpture – 39 feet tall
- Celebration Lake’s new Dancing Forest scene featuring 30 towering lighted trees
What’s New for 2023?
While Callaway’s signature light features delight guests annually, subtler changes unfold each season to reveal new visually stunning or interactive elements. For 2023, visitors can look forward to:
- An augmented reality app allowing guests to visually transform Celebration Lake into scenes like the North Pole.
- 10 new mouthwatering holiday treats at the Christmas Village like hot chocolate cream puffs and ginger spice funnel cakes.
- More opportunities to meet Santa and his reindeer at Santa’s Workshop.
- Festive projections, music and illuminationBlanketing Callaway’s TreeTop Adventure courses at night for the first time.
Signature Scenes and Fan Favorites
While delightfully overwhelming in its entirety, several displays consistently inspire awe and capture hearts as guest favorites. These include:
Enchanted Rainbow Forest
This vibrant scene envelops visitors with 20-foot-tall illuminated flowers and mushroom silhouettes. Prismatic effects bathe the landscape in every color of the rainbow.
Whimsical “Twin Trees”
Two soaring 75-foot Southern Red Cedars entwined in over 4 miles of lights and decorated ornaments. These sparkling sisters tower like sentinels heralding guests’ imminent immersion into the lights.
Interactive Musical Trees
Strings of colorful bulbs hanging from trees play holiday songs when touched. Young ones especially delight in activating their own jolly melodies.
Getting into the Christmas Spirit
Beyond marveling at artistic light arrangements, fully engaging the senses allows Callaway’s Yuletide motif to envelop visitors in the nostalgic warmth and cheer of the season.
signature light features delight guests annually, subtler changes unfold each season to reveal new visually stunning or interactive elements. For 2023, visitors can look forward to:
Classic holiday melodies fill the crisp, pine-scented air as families sip hot cider and nibble gingerbread. The circuitous path reveals new surprises around each bend, with golden reindeer silhouettes, dancing snowflake towers, and a luminous Arctic forest.
At Santa’s Village, the jolly old elf holds court in his workshop or nestled in his rocking chair before a roaring fire. Kids cling in hushed awe to his every “ho ho ho” while cameras preserve their starstruck expressions.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
When planning a holiday lights pilgrimage, keep these suggestions in mind:
Visit on Less Crowded Nights
While busier nights boost the energy, visiting Sunday through Thursday generally allows more relaxed viewing.
Compare Trolley vs. Drive-Through
Riding fully enclosed trolleys permits gazing upwards at displays without missing path details. Driving allows control over timing and route.
Access Light Walking Trails
Park at decorated Discovery or Mountain Creek Lake to meander among lights and botanicals on foot.
Pack Your Camera
Capture enchanting memories of your family against fairytale backdrops. Arrive at dusk to utilize optimal twilight lighting.
Callaway Gardens’ Festival of Lights has rightfully earned notoriety as one of America’s most spectacular holiday extravaganzas. Over a million gleeful guests annually affirm the multi-sensory experience awakens childlike awe. Reserve your tickets now online and come witness your senses ignite amid the fairy tale glow.