Magical Nights of Lights

As it rounds the corner on nearly two decades as one of the Southeast’s leading holiday destinations for families, Georgia’s Lake Lanier Islands Resort® has a few new “magic” tricks up its sparkly holiday sleeves on the renowned annual illumination celebration, The Magical Nights of Lights®.

Enjoy the popular seven-mile drive through the Islands boasting millions of twinkling lights, dozens of animated displays, and the electric epicenter of enjoyment – the Holiday Village. Open nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1, families, friends and couples can still expect to experience many of their traditional favorites during the 2011 installment of Magical Nights of Lights®. This year, visitors are cordially invited to revel in a handful of new additions to this cherished holiday treasure.

NEW FOR 2011:

    •    NEW! Night Light Canopy Tours – Make believe you’re a stealthy elf making his way from Santa’s sleigh to a series of rooftops as you zip and glide through the night sky by the light of the moon. Located adjacent to the Holiday Village, our Express Tour features four exciting zip lines and one scenic sky bridge. Be sure to bundle up and reserve about 30 minutes to complete your treetop trek.

    •    NEW! Magical Nights of Lights® Show Tent – You never know who you’ll run into from one night to the next in the Magical Night of Lights® Show Tent. You might get a high five from Lake Lanier Islands’ mascot “Bucky Beaver” or a hug from Jingles the Christmas Elf. You may run into a strolling group of carolers, delight in the talents of a local marching band, or be treated to the all NEW production of “I Can’t Wait ‘Til Christmas”. Step inside the climate controlled tent and be treated to free entertainment nightly.

    •    NEW! Glitter Tattoos – Add a touch of seasonal sparkle to this year’s photo with Santa with a temporary glitter tattoo.

    •    NEW! Big Screen Nativity Show – Conveniently situated along the Magical Nights of Lights® driving route, Lake Lanier Islands brings the real meaning of Christmas to the big screen with a truly memorable drive-in experience.

Traditional Magical Nights of Lights® Favorites:

    •    Seven-Mile Driving Tour of the Islands – The holiday glow will work its way from the animated light displays outside car windows onto the faces of every passenger along the route of The Magical Nights of Lights® as guests pause to reflect on the twinkling illuminations from The Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa’s Elves at Work, the North Pole Express, Jack & The Beanstalk, the stunning Icicle Tunnel and more.

    •    Holiday Village – This must-see stop along the route features enormous bonfires for roasting marshmallows, vendors selling hot cocoa, a petting zoo and pony rides, carnival rides and games, holiday shopping, and a chance to visit with the Big Guy himself, Santa Claus. You won’t want to forget your Christmas Wish List or your camera. Please keep in mind that some activities in the Holiday Village require an additional fee.

    •    Magical Nights of Lights® Buffet – As you make your way through the lights, you’re bound to get hungry. Be sure to stop-over at the well-lit Legacy Lodge and Conference Center for a festive feast of epic proportions. Masterfully prepared by Lake Lanier Islands’ NEW Executive Chef, Rick Whorf – this holiday table features delectable dishes such as Honey Glazed Smoked Ham, Roast Spiced Leg of Lamb, and Sweet Mustard Glazed Pork Loin Roast, in addition to seafood, salads, soups, sides, and a delightful array of desserts.

    •    Breakfast with Santa – All are welcome to enjoy the time-honored tradition of Breakfast with Santa at Legacy Lodge and Conference Center on Saturday and Sunday mornings in December, in addition to every morning the week before Christmas. Breakfast buffet served 9 a.m. to noon.