ajc.com 2008 Holiday Guide

Callaway Gardens claims it uses more than 8 million lights on 731 miles of strings in its Fantasy in Lights show, and seeing is believing.

Drive your own vehicle or ride an open-air Jolly Trolley on the five-mile route. It passes through scenes of woodland creatures such as an owl taking flight, Santa's Workshop, the 12 Days of Christmas, Nutcrackers, hardworking fairies and gnomes, and a swirling snowfall — all set to a pleasing soundtrack of Christmas and classical music.

Frank Niemeir/Staff (ENLARGE)

The holidays shine at Callaway Gardens' Fantasy in Lights.

HOLIDAY GUIDE Entertaining | Shopping Events | Decorating

At the end, a Nativity scene in lights uses Robin Lake as its backdrop, and the nearby Christmas Village offers holiday shopping and a visit with Santa Claus.

Through Dec. 31. Adults: $15-$20. Children 6-12: $7.50-$8. Packages combining overnight accommodations (including at the new Callaway Lodge and Spa) and Fantasy in Lights tickets are available.

Information: 1-800-225-5292 or www.callawaygardens.com.

— Howard Pousner

Other nearby light shows

Athens Holiday Lights. A drive among illuminated snowmen, animated trains and giant teddy bears. 6-9:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 1. $10 per vehicle Fridays-Sundays; $7 per vehicle Mondays-Thursdays. Sandy Creek Park, 400 Bob Holman Road, Athens. 706-369-9732, www.athensconnection.org.

Holiday in Lights. An ice rink, concerts and lighting displays throughout the park, extending to the Georgia World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome. Through Jan. 8. Free. The Penguin Train (noon-8 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays only through Dec. 31, $2) is an alternative to walking for visitors taking in the holiday lights and festivities. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Centennial Olympic Park Drive N.W., Atlanta. 404-222-7275, www.centennialpark.com.

Lights of Life. 17th annual event with hundreds of luminaria displays and animations. 6-11 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. $5 donation per car; $25 donation per bus requested. Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta. 770-426-2884, www.life.edu.

Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier. More than six miles of holiday displays, with more than a million lights. Driving tours culminate at the Holiday Village, with entertainment and shopping. 5-10 p.m. daily through Dec. 30. $30 per car Mondays-Thursdays; $40 per car Fridays-Sundays and holidays; $55 per passenger van; $150 for a bus. Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Holiday Road, Buford. 770-932-7200, www.lakelanierislands.com

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