Best holiday light show
YOUR PICKS
1) Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights
You say, “My family walked the 5 mile Callaway Garden Christmas lights last night and it was amazing! Even my 9 year old said it was worth the long walk. My favorites are the snowflake valley and twin trees. They even have a nativity scene.”
3) Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights
4) Life University’s Lights of Life
5) Flood Town/Eton, Ga.
OUR PICKS
1) Life University’s Lights of Life
We say, “It used to be free, but they’re charging a small fee these days to offset those big electric bills. It’s still a great bargain (at $5 per car, more for larger vehicles) and a spectacular, colorful display.”
2) Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights
3) Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights
5) Residential neighborhoods (including Avondale Estates, Morningside, Smoke Rise, Flood Town, West Paces Ferry Road, Dunn Street in Smyrna and many more)
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110 comments Add your comment
The Don
November 24th, 2009
11:30 am
I’m sorry, but when lights are put up before Thanksgiving (even if Christmas-themed), they are holiday lights.
Bushwacker
November 24th, 2009
12:17 pm
Pagen,It must suck to live such a miserable existence that you have nothing better to do than criticize and put down what is essentially something good whether you agree with it or not.
Bringing everyone else down will not make you happy no matter how hard you try.
All you haters out there ought to try something different meaning peace in your heart will make your existence something worth looking forward to getting up every day for rather than your next chance to bring people down.
You probably voted for the Anti -Christian OBama, how’s that workig out for you??
God Bless you anyway!!!
Bushwacker
November 24th, 2009
12:18 pm
Oh yea, last year Walmart only had HOLIDAY LIGHTS for sell.
You can get CHRISTMAS LIGHTS at Home Depot.
Pagen
November 24th, 2009
12:40 pm
@ Bushwacker:
When did I criticize or put anyone down? I was merely enlightening others on the origins of the “holidays”. I am neither miserable or bitter. You are the one hurling attacks. Not everyone believes as you do. I understand that and I respect that. What I don’t respect is the intolerance of people like you who make spurious assumptions……I voted for McCain……
Vanessa
November 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
If they were only up at Christmas, they would be Christmas lights. But since they are already up for Thanksgiving, that makes them Holiday lights. Just because someone uses the word “holiday” doesn’t automatically mean they are trying to be politically correct. Besides, if you don’t think others should be offended by the word “Christmas”, then you have no right to get offended by the word “holiday.” You’re all a bunch of hypocrits. And I vote for Callaway Gardens!!!
retired on the lake
November 24th, 2009
1:20 pm
while i am not a pagen, it is obvious that the narrow minded imbecile is Bushwacker with his psuedo christian political agenda. holiday encompasses everyone and includes Christmas Get a life bushjacker and get out of grandmas basement and into the real world.
Lori
November 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
Who gives a a hoot if someone wants to call them holiday lights or Christmas lights, or whatever. Why would you be offended by what someone else wants to call a holiday. Really, do you really care? If you were a real Christian (not the usual Church going folks, but a real Christian), you would be more tolerant of others. Wasn’t Jesus the model of tolerance and forgiveness. So next time you get all in a huff about having to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, stop and think for a minute. Why make the other person uncomfortable. You know what your beliefs are, so why shove it down everyone else’s throat.
Jim
November 24th, 2009
1:38 pm
I’ve got a friend who is Jewish, who puts up his own lights…yes, you can get Hannukah lights!
So, his are Hannukah lights, and mine are Christmas lights.
Uncle Splat
November 24th, 2009
2:16 pm
Holiday spirit fail: A 100 word article on light shows devolves into a pissing contest about *what* to call the light shows, followed by a bunch of “My god can beat up your god” rhetoric.
Sad.
Pagen
November 24th, 2009
2:54 pm
HA!…..I don’t have a god!
Kim
November 24th, 2009
3:34 pm
waahhhhh, it’s the annual war on Cmas, waaaahhhhh
John
November 24th, 2009
4:14 pm
All homes in the Morningside neighborhood that have Christmas lights displayed.
Small town Americana in the heart of the city.
Momma Bell
November 24th, 2009
4:20 pm
Life University is wonderful….and their price is much better than Stone Mountain and Lanier Nights of Lights.
Merry Christmas!
Shaggy
November 24th, 2009
5:53 pm
Truth Deede, put down your “New World Translation” read a real King James Version bible and stopped being decieved by four men you purported to be able to read Greek and Hebrew and were shown to be liars in court. Neither ever had any training in reading Greek or Hebrew. Site the scripture or reference to which you defer about Jesus’ birth being in Palestine in September.
My vote for CHRISTMAS lights is Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. at US Hwy 27, easily accessible from I-185 South
Shaggy
November 24th, 2009
5:55 pm
you purported should have read: who purported. Apologies for the mistake the computer made on its own.
Maretta
November 24th, 2009
7:28 pm
RIDGE DRIVE, SMYRNA, GA
MARTY
November 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
Went to CALLAWAY GARDENS last night with my family and HAD A BALL, the lights beautiful and the weather was GREAT to. BUT WE HAVE GOT TO REMEMBER WHAT THE REAL REASON for CHRISTmas is. it is the BIRTH OF MY LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. You can let SATAN STEAL YOUR CHRISTmas but HE’S NOT GOING TO STEAL MINE, IN JESUS NAME. SO MERRY CHRISTmas to ALL.
Steve
November 25th, 2009
2:21 pm
Last I knew, this blog was supposed to be for discussing where the best lights can be found. It is not a place to argue about religion. Can you kids give it a freakin rest finally? And ‘Pagen’ – you must really be a effing retard if you can’t even spell the name of your own religion. Pathetic.
Anyway, Lights of Life is pretty cool, never been to Calloway, and Lanier is, as others have said, an overpriced tourist trap. Stone Mountain isn’t even worth mentioning most years.
Lane
November 25th, 2009
3:02 pm
AMEN, Marty! You said all that needs to be said!
Not Sure
November 25th, 2009
3:10 pm
The most vocal and dogmatic Christians are usually the ones who are the biggest sinners and hypocrites.
BTW we like the lights and atmosphere at Lake Lanier.
MARTY
November 25th, 2009
3:45 pm
LANE, Thank You Very Much for your comment, I hope YOUR FAMILY HAS A GREAT THANKSGIVING AND ALSO AND MERRY CHRISTmas TOOOO
Pagen
November 25th, 2009
8:42 pm
@ Steve
When did I misspell the name of my religion? When did I ever mention my religion? I express some thoughts without resorting to insults. If you are a true Christian, I would think you could do the same. You didn’t.
Dawg237
November 25th, 2009
10:05 pm
HOLIDAY LIGHTS????? They are CHRISTmas lights. Get it RIGHT, AJC!
Chad
November 26th, 2009
12:34 am
I’m Jewish and I love Christmas lights! Doesn’t bother me either!
Things to ponder
November 26th, 2009
5:28 pm
Fascinating that a season supposedly about kindness, giving, and other positive human traits, so easily degrades into insults, vitriolic epithets, and dogmatic spouting of doctrines that aren’t fully understood by those spouting them.
Nowhere in the Bible, (KJV or otherwise) will you find either Jesus’ date of birth, or anything saying he was born in December, nor will you even find anything saying to celebrate his birth. Indeed the Bible says that the day of a man’s death is better than the day of his birth. And Jesus asked his followers to celebrate, not his birth, but his death, since it is his death that was to be the salvation of mankind.
However, since so many seem to be hung up on his birth-date, by examining clues given in the scriptures (any Bible version) you can see that the shepherds were still sleeping in the fields with their flocks at the time, which would point to a time other than December, which would be far too cold for this. Nor would the leaders of the time have required the people to travel from all over to report for a census during December, due to the weather conditions, when the people were already discontented and the leaders feared revolts. And since Joseph and Mary were on their way to report for the census at the time, it is unlikely that December was the month this occurred. Historians who write of that time believe that he was born sometime in August or September, based on the events outlined in the Bible.
Additionally, early followers of Jesus did not celebrate Christmas, they were Jewish. They celebrated passover, along with Jesus himself. It was not until a few years after Jesus’ death that they ceased following Jewish teachings, and still, they followed his request to commemorate his death, not of his birth.
It was not until several years later, that in an attempt to convert the Roman masses to Christianity, that “Christmas” was created, with the promise that the people could continue to practice their Saturnalia celebrations of the winter solstice, which occurred from December 17th to 25th. These included going naked from house to house singing, widespread feasting and intoxication, making little “people shaped” breads, and culminating in the sacrifice of an innocent, supposedly to destroy the forces of darkness and allow light to return. Roman emperors also forced the giving of gifts and offerings during the Saturnalia as well.
Later, to “convert” still other pagans while allowing them to keep their celebrations, bringing trees into the home and decorating them was embraced to allow for the traditions of the pagans who were being converted. Still later the “cult of Nicholas” appeared and continued to evolve up until the final “jolly” appearance of Santa Claus in 1931 when Coca Cola wanted him portrayed with a “Coca Cola Red” suit for their advertising.
The celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Post-reformation England, and in the pilgrim’s colonies in the Americas, due to the paganism inherent in the festivities.
Not to put a damper on anyone’s “Holiday Spirit” but it seems you’re all doing that well enough on your own, with your angry words and hatred laced posts. Actually, it seems you’re getting right into the spirit of the “real” December 25th celebration’s origins by persecuting those who believe differently.
Things to ponder
November 26th, 2009
5:40 pm
Oh, and back to the original reason for the post… My favorite place to see holiday lights… is driving down some of the little residential streets, like over off of Peachtree-Dunwoody… or off of West Paces Ferry, where some of the houses and landscapes are AMAZING to look at.
Pagen
November 27th, 2009
12:05 am
People only believe what they want to believe. Regardless of the source, if they hear something enough, they will believe it and it becomes truth. The Christmas holiday is a prime example of this. That would be OK if it were not for the hatred some exhibit if you are not like them and refuse to participate in the rituals of decoration and gift giving. Nearly every aspect of the Christmas holiday is motivated by greed. I can forgive anyone who chooses to participate in this merchandising orgy if they can forgive me for not wanting to participate.
Tourist
November 27th, 2009
4:45 pm
Callaway is overpriced too. The lights are nice but it can definitely be costly.
Atlanta Native
November 27th, 2009
5:11 pm
So, who has the best light?
Vincenzo
November 27th, 2009
6:58 pm
Any of you can tell me where is that house that has IMAZING Christmas light? I remember see it a couple of years ago and there was an article on AJC but I do not remember the name of the stree. The only thing I remember is that the house is off of Columbia, I think.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Merry Christmas
rlm
November 27th, 2009
6:59 pm
Christmas should be reserved for people who are interested in preserving a religious holiday.
Holiday is great for the commercial glut at this time of year so Holiday lights are a better term for lights, Santa and store sales.
Reserve Christmas for believers in Christ and the religious aspects of the season
Christy
November 27th, 2009
10:50 pm
Callaway Gardens has the greatest Christmas Lights
Wayz
November 28th, 2009
8:28 am
Richland Creek, off of Sycamore Rd in Sugar Hill
Nicky
November 28th, 2009
10:19 am
Floodtown!!! Mesmerizing and awesomely tacky!!!
Michael
November 28th, 2009
10:59 am
Its not the politically correct “holiday” lights…its Christmas Lights. Let’s not forget what this celebration is about.
J
November 28th, 2009
11:47 am
Uh, Grandma, are you saying that everyone who isn’t a Christian is just a minority, meh, just forget about them? I’m Jewish. I have absolutely no problem with people wishing me a Merry Christmas, calling the lights Christmas lights, etc. However, I do have a problem with ignorant idiots like you saying that it’s perfectly fine to insult the ‘minority’ of the world. Yes, there may be less of us, but we deserve the respect that all HUMANS deserve: freedom of religion. Also, have you ever considered how similar many of the religions of the world are? Do some research, and make one of those charts that our kids in schools are doing now, see what you find.
nonya
November 28th, 2009
11:49 am
The best christmas lights are at the Malls, hello. duh, for free, get a clue people.
Saintmarks
November 28th, 2009
12:20 pm
While we are all getting offended by word choices and and whether non Christians are offended and even if Christmas is Christian, let’s at least get one thing straight:
It is CallAway Gardens not CallOway. Get the O out folks.
Etowah Eddie
November 28th, 2009
12:28 pm
There is a house in Smoke Rise subdivision, off Hugh Howell Road that has great lawn decreations and lights. Don’t remember the street. Don’t know if the owner is Christain, Jewish, Hindu or whatever, but they have a great display that the kids will really enjoy, as will their parents and grandparents.
Great ATL Guy
November 28th, 2009
1:06 pm
Does anyone know if the two brothers in Scottdale still do the competing light display each year? The loser pays the other one’s light bill! Those are a hoot, but I can’t remember what street that is off Ponce out there.
R u freakin kidding me
November 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
It never ceases to amaze me how a simple question becomes a debate. Some of you are worst than crips and bloods. I hope the gang origins didnt come from who had the best damn Christmas/Holiday lights. Sheesh
Ryan
November 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
For y’all who have your panties in a wad about whether they’re “Christmas” lights or not, you can’t exactly put them up before Halloween or Thanksgiving and only call them “Christmas” lights.
STARE K
November 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
What about the people that don’t believe in Jesus ? On the other hand they are celebrating his Birth. CHRISTMAS is a RELEGIOUS AFFAIR . Mabe they don’t know what it’s all about.Don’t know how to look up a scripture, pray a prayer , or any thing . Why are they out shopping ?
motherjanegoose
November 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
New to this blog but last year we saw a house with synchronized lights here in Gwinnett. You could tune your radio in to the presentation. It was in a neighborhood off of Collins Hill Road near 316.
Not sure if it was a gift to others or a hassle to the neighbors but we loved it!
Linda brown
November 28th, 2009
5:58 pm
I am erring on the side of caution. Jesus is the reason for the season. Why take the chance ????
Kelly Ferguson
November 28th, 2009
6:16 pm
The best in the Northwest is Lake Coeur d’Alene, ID complete with light show, carriage rides, huge fireworks display and over a million christmas lights. We also have ferry rides to the North Pole that boast the world’s largest living Christmas tree, at 162 feet. Stunningly the most beautiful…..
Bama Bill
November 28th, 2009
8:06 pm
Christmas Lights of Life ! Been to Callaway and Lanier and Life beats them hands-down and by a mile as a price-performer ! Give it a try !
Sister Sledge
November 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
Give us a couple of weeks, but Avondale Estates is one of the best drives inside the perimeter.
Charlie Darwin
November 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
Linda Brown, if you (and others of your ilk) accept Jesus just as a way of hedging your bets, then you are not really accepting him. I might as well say, “Well, I hereby accept all of the Greek gods, Roman gods, Norse gods, Hindu gods, Buddhist gods, Earth Mothers, and every other spirit and god ever thought of, just to hedge my bets !!!!! You either really believe it, or you don’t really. Nothing much you can really do to change what you really believe. I mean, you can’t force it upon yourself, really.
plays with fire
November 28th, 2009
9:56 pm
I heard Floodtown doesnt really do much any more as far as the Christmas lights are concerned (could be wrong) but have heard rave reviews from friends about Callaway Gardens lights and plan on going there myself.
By the way…some people are just WAY to politically correct…I am not Christian but am not the least bit offended by Christmas lights and am rather more offended by Holiday lights…Just offering my unasked for 2 cents