Getting ready forMagical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands.
A drive-through holiday lights show at Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, nightly Nov 20 2026 to Jan 3 2027, 5 pm to 10 pm. Everyone stays in the car, and one ticket covers the whole vehicle.
Know before you go. Magical Nights of Lights doesn't list sensory nights or supports. Here's what it does say about the lights, the crowds and staying in the car.
Hours
Nightly, Nov 20 2026 to Jan 3 2027, 5 pm to 10 pm, including holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. From 4 pm each night, the Magical Nights of Lights surcharge applies at the resort gate.
Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518
“drive through miles of sparkling lights and animated displays, with even more lights and more magic to discover along the way.”
“The busiest time is usually from shortly after sunset until 8:30 PM. If you’d like a quieter drive, plan to arrive after 8:30 PM. The show runs until 10 PM.”
“For your safety, guests must stay in their vehicles along the roadways during the Christmas light show.”
“Cozy up in the car, turn up the holiday tunes and take it all in at your own pace.”
“Plan for at least 2.5 hours for the full experience, especially on busy nights. That gives you time to drive the light show, play in the snow at License to Chill Snow Island and warm up at our Holiday Headquarters at Game Changer.”
“The driving tour is fully accessible, since you enjoy the whole show from your vehicle.”
“As long as the roadways are safe, Magical Nights of Lights stays open in bad weather.”
“Pets are welcome inside your vehicle during the driving tour.”
Your family stays in its own car for the whole drive, so the car can be the calm space your kid already knows, with your own music, your own temperature and your own snacks.
Snow tubing at License to Chill Snow Island and the Holiday Headquarters at Game Changer, a 23,000-square-foot indoor playground, are extra stops with their own fees. The resort's 2.5-hour plan includes them; the drive alone is your call.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
Ask before you go
sensory nights or a sensory-friendly time
a quiet area
headphones or sensory kits to borrow
where restrooms are along the light route
whether a radio station plays music with the lights
whether you can leave the light route before the end
Call 770-945-8787More about Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands
Tickets are per vehicle: a Standard Vehicle Ticket for up to 10 passengers, whose price varies by vehicle size and date, a $100 Shuttle Ticket for 11 to 20 and a $250 Bus Ticket for more than 20. Buy online ahead or at the gate.
The busiest time is usually from shortly after sunset until 8:30 pm. Arrive after 8:30 pm for a quieter drive.
Everyone stays in the vehicle along the roadways, and no one rides in truck beds or trailers.
Parking is included once you're inside the resort.
Give Back Nights, Nov 20 to 30 2026: bring five cans of food to the front gate for $20 in vouchers, $10 off License to Chill Snow Island and $10 off food and drinks at Game Changer (not alcohol).
Santa visits the Holiday Headquarters at Game Changer on select nights, starting Fri Nov 27 2026. It isn't billed as a sensory visit.
Weather: the show stays open in bad weather as long as the roads are safe; check the resort's website or social media for closures.
Pets are welcome inside your vehicle during the drive; only certified service animals are allowed at Snow Island and the restaurants.
You can arrive by boat, but there's no transportation from the docks to the light show entrance.
