Winter Festivals & Christmas Light Shows
Within 100 miles of Phenix City and Columbus
‘Tis the season for winter festivals and Christmas Light Shows! Whether you live east or west of the Chattahoochee River, you don’t have to travel too far for a fabulous winter festival or Christmas light show. If you need a little help deciding where to go, we’ve got you covered! For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of spectacular winter festivals and Christmas light shows within 100+ miles of Phenix City, Ala., and Columbus, Ga.
Uptown Tree Trail, Columbus
The Uptown Tree Trail is a live display of brightly decorated Christmas trees through the heart of Uptown, Columbus. The Tree Trail provides a wonderful winter activity for friends and families to enjoy. Guests can walk the trail, enjoy the decorations, and attend special Uptown Tree Trail events throughout December. The trees are sponsored by Columbus businesses, organizations, and groups.
Location: Broadway, Columbus
Shine: A Celebration of Nature & Wonder, Columbus
Location: 3603 Weems Road, Columbus, GA
Ludy Christmas Spectacular, Columbus

Photo Credit: LudyChristmas.com
Back for 2021, the Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular display is a multitude of lights sequenced to music. This must-see holiday tradition uses 20+ miles of cords and 500,000 lights. Tune your radio to 90.1 FM as you drive up to hear the music through your car speakers. There is no charge for visiting. The family takes donations for the Make a Wish foundation.
Location: 5784 Ironstone Drive, Columbus
Auburn Gingerbread Village, Auburn
Check out the largest Gingerbread Village in East Alabama at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The Auburn-inspired buildings include Storybook Farm, the President’s Home, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Samford Hall, The Hotel at Auburn University, the Auburn Train Depot, the Auburn University Chapel, and more, to form the gingerbread village. The village will be on display in the conference center’s pre-function foyer until the start of the new year.
Location: 241 S College St, Auburn
Fantasy in Lights, Pine Mountain, GA

Photo credit: callawaygardens.com
When it comes to Christmas light shows, Fantasy in Lights tops them all! Named one of the “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights” by National Geographic Traveler, Callaway Resort & Gardens glistens with custom-built scenes and more than 8 million lights. Bundle up for a Jolly Trolley ride, or drive your own car through the spectacular displays. Shop for gifts from Georgia crafters and specialty treats inside the Christmas Village. This is a holiday “must-see” event! Click here to read our review.
Location: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA
Christmas Lights Festival, Montgomery, AL
A great zoo to visit during the holidays is the Montgomery Zoo. Complete with a train ride, hot chocolate, and the Zoofari Skylift, this area also offers visits with Santa himself. This event is happening every weekend until the end of the month, so don’t miss out.
Location: 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110
Main Street Christmas Lights Show Extravaganza, Macon, GA
Thousands and thousands of lights adorn the trees, bushes, and features of the Poplar Street median in a rainbow of colors guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. The lights move in time to original music composed by the Macon Pops and featuring local artists. Stroll through candy cane lanes, illuminated arches, and twinkling trees while enjoying the shops and restaurants of downtown Macon. This is one show you won’t want to miss!
Location: Historic Downtown Macon, Poplar Street, Macon, GA