Fantasy In Lights

shopping was dismal this past year with very few local vendors due to space rental prices. Lights are nice but nothing special after the third or fourth visit. And they didn’t have the beloved smoked turkey legs in the trailer that originally was there.

There were a handful of very beautifully designed features. That is the only reason I’m giving 2 instead of 1 star. none of them were worth the price. It should be a cost per vehicle of 20 dollars rather than per person. Make sure to bring a few road beverages or snacks it takes a solid 1.5 hours. Which is also ridiculous.

VERY ANGRY bought tickets for 8 to 830 when I got there about a 7:45 I was told to get in I had to go all the way around the park to the other side because they wouldn’t let me in that way and then when I got to the huge line and I was told I have to wait at least an hour to get in and I had little kids in the car with me that had to go to school on Monday morning so I didn’t even get to use my ticket that I bought a head of time (which was mandatory). to get in at 830 was forced to turn around and go home without using my $ 20.00 ticket. Super angry

I love Fantasy of Lights. I grew up in GA and we went for a few years. I moved to a few different states, and every time I fly home I make sure to do it when the lights are up. It is amazing!

Super disappointed :(definitely not worth the drive at all. I was expecting something similar to the Winter Wonderland lights at Turner Field but it was way different. There weren’t as many lights as I expected and we waited in line for longer than an hour. The lights were motionless and consisted of soldiers, butterflies, a variety of animals, flowers, etc.
The trolley was open so it’s pretty windy/​cold, especially when passing the lakes. The only thing that was remotely worth seeing was maybe the two «majestic trees» on the lake. Definitely will not be visiting again.

I have been here a few times over the past ten years. It really brings the kid out of you and puts a smile on any kid’s face. This is one of those magical places that no matter how cold it is outside, you’ll feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. It seems to gather more popularity over the years, which means it gets a lot busier as Christmas approaches.
This review pertains to the light show. I haven’t been inside in years. My youngest passed out during the light show, so I decided to leave instead of waking him after driving through. Although, my siblings went inside after driving through and had a great time.
We paid for our tickets in advance and printed them out. Please note: you don’t have to print them out because they scan the code and it checks everyone in, even if you’re traveling in separate vehicles. I wasn’t certain if I would have a cell signal to pull the email up on my phone. That’s why I went ahead and printed them. I like to be prepared. We chose a value night because it’s a lot cheaper and less crowded. It was $ 17/​adult and $ 8.50/child. Children five and under are free. They hit you with a service fee to purchase them in advance. Really, it’s a convenience fee. You don’t have to sit in the long ticket line before sitting in the line to enter the light show. In addition, they give you a free pass to visit Calloway Gardens on the day of your visit up until December 31^st.
Just a note, any same-​day pass is going to be $ 28/​adult and $ 14/​child. Purchase your tickets in advance for a prime night and it’s $ 24/​adult and $ 12/​child. They also have specialty nights, like pet night, bike night, motorcycle night, etc. Specialty nights cost the same as purchasing value night tickets in advance.
When we arrived, the line was extremely long, but I quickly realized they were going to the main area to park, buy/​pick-​up tickets, etc. We already had our tickets and arrived about 10 minutes before our time-​slot. I left the line, turned right to reach the line-​up where the attendant scanned our code and directed us to a line to wait. We waited about 10 minutes before we were allowed to enter. Some jerks to the far right, jumped ahead of everyone in my line. The attendant had to run to the end to prevent anyone else from going. I mean, really? Is it absolutely necessary to be inconsiderate of the other people who were patiently waiting? Would it kill you to use manners or were you never taught any?
I’ve seen a lot of light shows. This light show is the best so far. It’s not perfect, but they put on a good show. A lot of work goes into the light decorations and animations. I don’t mind how far each scene is spaced, but some type of illumination to guide you along the road until you reach the next scene would make it less dangerous. I was extremely cautious because the sections without lighting were extremely dark, almost to the point of not being able to see the road in front of you. Be careful.
Kids love the light displays. They’re fascinating and beautiful. The music is lively and fun. My favorite part is the Snowflake Valley scene. There are lights hanging above and all around. The leaping frog, FIL, is utterly adorable too.
I recommend driving instead of riding on the trolley because it gets pretty chilly at night. If you go on the trolley ride, bring blankets and wear a thick jacket because it’s cold. Common sense will take you a long way. Another thing to mention is that it’s best to come before the week of Christmas. Since everyone rushes to see the lights then; it will be packed at that time.
Overall, it’s worth the trip. I’ll return in the future because it’s a tradition for my family. Not only that, but I enjoy it. My children enjoy it. Why wouldn’t I return? Check it out if you’re in the area!

We were in the area due to work and decided to watch the lights because my boyfriend heard that it was beautiful.
It was $ 65 for the both of us and we drove in our vehicle. The wait time seem forever then the lines of cars started moving. Boy, we were disappointed in the light show and the price does not justify its quality. Too many spaced out and stationary lights. The only part of the show we enjoyed were the string of lights above the drive path.
Never again we will waste our time and money on a lifeless light show.

Completely disappointed. We drove from Atlanta with high expectations. Got there early and was expecting a really nice showing of Christmas lights. We rode the trolley through the golf course. It was cold however we thought it would add to our experience. Once we got to the lights we were smiling and happy expecting to be amazed and dazzled. All of the lights are motionless shapes of flowers, soldiers, tress, butterflies. A lot of dark spots on the trail. It is just nothing. They play music on the trolley and on some trees. But y’all I have seen neighborhoods that will put this place to shame. The lights are just on, I mean no amazement, very small elementary animation. There were maybe 2 parts that was ok, but it was me trying to make it ok. this place should be free. It’s not worth that long drive and the money. They sell food, most of it is $ 8 or more. They sell Christmas ornaments, and they have rides and other things. After riding this trolley we were frozen and ready to go about half way through. It took us about 1hr to ride through the entire course on the trolley. Once we past the last light display it was darkness for about 10mins of riding back. Very poor setup and execution. They need to watch the show «Light Fight» and try this again. I will tell you this, the people, host, workers were extremely nice, hospitality was on level 10. They just need to get some better ideas for the display of lights. I really hate I had to rate it this low, but this is the truth. However customer service gets 5 stars easily.
If u still wanna go after I said save ur money it’s not worth it, go early because it gets super crowded!

A great field trip over the holidays! Sure, there are a few other options closer to the Metro Atlanta Area; but they pale in comparison. Plus, the alternatives are not necessarily cheap either. It’s worth a trip at least once to see Fantasy in Lights, especially if you have never been. Too, it will give you something to compare others to.
I’ve come to Fantasy in Lights several times over the years and have always enjoyed it.
The thing I noticed this year is the bar near the lake. I wonder with a family-​oriented type of scene, why they felt the need to put a bar in place. Seems they are encouraging the wrong things. I’m sure it has to do with money.
The shop inside the main «tent» seems to be built back up again. It’s gone through some changes over the years, but it seems to be built back up a little. There are lots of things to look at, including some crafts and a lot of ornaments, and a snack shop in there too. The only disappointing part of the gift and ornaments sold is that everything is «Handcrafted in China.» Sad and ironic, a bit; don’t you think?
They have a snacks and food area outside underneath the concrete-​roofed pavilion. $ 3.50 for a corn dog and about $ 6.50 for anything much better. The hot cocoa is hot but not much else. Don’t expect anything stellar here; but at least there are a few options to get a snack if you’re hungry like we were by the time we got there.
I would also recommend taking a look at the nativity scene light show down on the beach at the lake. Pretty nice even if you are not super religious.
While this year was dryer (as in, not raining while we were there) and was far warmer than it has been any other time I have been, I would still recommend driving your own automobile through instead of the trolley.
The time we did the trolley it was freezing cold, and it’s an open-​air trolley. Too, you’ll take your tour with a bunch of other people you probably don’t know. True. That’s OK; but I think taking your own vehicle through is the way to go.
It cost me just shy of $ 84 for the 3 of us to go this year; and it’s a 2 hour+ drive from North Atlanta; but it’s worth it. It’s a good experience and a great way to help get into the holiday spirit.

This low rating is due to the price and the cold temperature.
I went with my wife and some in-​laws. When we got there it was in the 40s. The food was okay, not cheap, but not outrageous. The tent with Santa Claus and the shops was okay. Other than that, there is not much to do while waiting for the Lights tour. We tried to go early, but couldn’t get in the line until the time printed on our tickets. This means were were just sitting around for about an 1 hour in the cold after we ate and looked in the tent.
The Fantasy in Lights line was not fast, but not as slow as I expected. By the time we got on the tour the sun had gone down and the temperature was about 37 degrees. We sat in the very back (not on purpose) and I sat at the very left. For me, it got colder and colder. Cold wind was blowing directly in my face almost the entire time. Halfway though it became unbearable and I covered my face with my hood. Also, the wind picked up when we passed lakes and ponds. With the windchill it felt like below freezing wind constantly blowing in my face. I pretty much wanted the ride to be over. I’m from the North and usually brag about how I am use to the cold. Southerners often complain when the temperature drops below 55 degrees. I was wearing two coats, a blanket, and thick gloves and was freezing.
The lights were okay. The kids around us seemed to enjoy the tour.
I would not recommend this after mid-​December, and it would not be worth going back for a second time.

I went for it last evening and frankly it’s a oh well kinda experience. I do not mind cheesy Christmas parades and have had my fair share of them at theme parks and I have liked almost all of them but not this one. Unless you are here with little kids who are in superty duper Christmas spirit, feel free to give it a miss. Also I like my Christmas parades to be a bit more secular and this one has an ongoing tone of being religious which is oh so very South Georgia and well somewhat off putting. I felt that it’s a bit tacky, overrated and over crowded.

OK watch this! The rating is going down and fast over the next couple of years. All the previous reviews are dead on the money. It was beautiful and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Now keep up did you notice the was in that last sentence? They have skimped and cut out some of the best parts without taking down one single decoration. You are now saying how could that make it worse? Here is how! Choose the car you would prefer to drive (think of gas as free though) a Honda Civic or a Cadillac Escalade. Do you understand now? The whole light show has been squeezed into a lot less room. It is still a nice visit, but if you have been here in the past then cherish your memory of the past and do not come back here. I have been told they are pretty much going commercial in the next few years. This is going to ruin this place completely.
Y’all Come back now ya here!

Went on a whim after getting off a bit early from work Christmas Eve. It’s a great deal of fun and definitely worth trying once. I particularly enjoyed the «winter wonderland» scene and some of the animated animals, like the giant squirrel, the owl, and the frog jumping in the water.
First, regarding the trolley versus drivethrough conundrum, we drove through because we weren’t dressed warmly enough, and that was the right choice for us. I think dressing warmly and taking the trolley is probably funner, though.
A few more things to know before you go:
–the sign is a little misleading, and Callaway Gardens is MASSIVE, so make sure you know where you’re going.
–it’s pretty steep at $ 20 a person
–some of the music that plays as you drive through is painfully cheesy, primarily the «twelve days of christmas.» the arrangement they play of that song is unbearable — «three french hens» is said in a french accent, for example, and «nine maids a milking» is played as a hoedown. most of it is just cute, though.
–the end is a bit anticlimactic. i expected more of a grand finale.
–the chocolate peanut butter fudge is very good, as is the hot cider.

If you’re not in the Christmas spirit after this, I’m not sure what to tell ya.. . Santa himself may need to help you out.
This Fantasy in Lights stuff is a huge deal to Callaway — it’s one of their main seasonal attractions, has been around for 16 years and is probably one of the top ways people get introduced to Callaway Gardens.
They have lighted ‘scenes’ set up throughout the gardens, with options being to either drive your own car or take the ‘jolly trolley.’ We chose the jolly trolley on recommendations that this definitely gives more of a ‘holiday flavor’ — you sit in an open air trolley (read: remember to dress veerrry warm and bring gear in case it rains), squished amongst strangers as you’re carted through the route, which takes about an hour. There’s a recorded tape that takes you though the park — you’re lead by a horse named ‘Snowflake’ through scenes of a ‘blizzard,’ ‘Santa’s workshop,’ the twelve days of Christmas. .. and many more awe-​worthy lights. She also prompts you to sing carols. .. I’d recommend belting out the words for maximum holiday spirit.
There’s also a «Christmas Village» which has stuff for sale. Be forewarned, don’t anticipate doing your holiday shopping out here, unless everyone on your list wants a cheesy ornament or gel candle. The outdoor food court area has your standard ‘fair food’ if you’d prefer to gorge on that instead of a normal dinner.