This year marked our first time viewing the amazing Fantasy in Lights down at Callaway Gardens. It couldn’t have been more perfect. We started our evening off by heading to Robin beach which is where you will find the Christmas Village. In the big Green and White tent, you’ll not only find one of the best Santa’s I’ve ever seen but lots of local vendors that have cute Christmas items and fresh coffee and hot cocoa. Your little ones can paint a Christmas ornament then steal a hug from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
After a little browsing, we went to grab a tasty bite to eat. I love that Callaway changes up the menus so that you get some variety at each of your visits. Gourmet quality pizzas and Chicken Salad sandwiches. While we sat and ate they had a short light show out on the beach of the nativity scene. It was a narrated scene that moved, very nice.
The weather wasn’t too chilly yet so we were able to ride in the Jolly Trolley to view the lights. It is an open-air trolley that takes you through the five-mile stretch. There were Toy Soldiers and colorful trees. I love how they lighted actual trees in the Gardens to become part of the show. I had two favorites “sections” of the trip, one of which was a show of the Seasons with Fairies and gnomes transforming the flowers with the changing seasons. The lights overhead changed colors with the changing seasons. But my top pick has to be Snowflake Valley filled with giant snowflakes and thousands of white lights to look like a flurry of magic.
Some of the lighted displays are also animated. The Frog jumping into the pond was the cutest one. It was so nice watching my little ones face light up around every bend. After our ride, we walked around the beach a little bit before stumbling onto a fire pit where we could roast marshmallows and make smores! I have been craving them since fall started and my daughter had never had one before so we were game! Getting her to try it was funny because “It’s sticky” but once it hit her mouth it was all over.
My family and I really enjoyed this trip. We got to experience the amazing cottages. They were fully equipped with everything you could need. Dishes and appliances. Screened-in porches and comfy couches. I couldn’t believe how amazing and nice they were. Big too, you can fit even the largest of families in them because each room had double beds. I didn’t want to leave. I think next summer I’ll try to make a real vacation out of staying down there!
So if you haven’t checked out Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights yet I hope that you add it to the list of amazing light shows around the city! They were just voted one of the Top 10 Best in the U.S. So trust me it’s well worth the drive!
