Community Corner

Magical Nights of Lights Returns Lake Lanier This Holiday Season

For the 21st season, Lake Lanier Islands Resort invites guests to load up their cars, vans, trucks and buses to enjoy a modern-day sleigh ride.


When the sun went down Friday, Nov. 15, the lights went up at Magical Nights of Lights—Lake Lanier Islands’ famed animated holiday-themed light show that weaves throughout the thoroughfares and roundabouts of the 1500-acre lakeside resort in North Georgia.  

Running nightly through Dec. 31, a number of festive fan-favorite displays return—including the twinkling lights of the shimmering Snowflake Bridge, an illuminated interpretation of the 12 Days of Christmas, and a sparkling sneak peek at the elves at work in Santa’s Workshop, among others. They are joined by the dancing lights of Holiday House and the glimmer of the Diamond Wonder Light—both of which debuted just last year. For the 21st season, Lake Lanier Islands Resort invites guests to load up their cars, vans, trucks and buses to enjoy a modern-day sleigh ride that has become a cherished part of the South’s holiday traditions. 

No visit to Magical Nights of Lights would be complete without a trip to the Holiday Village to pass along a Christmas wish list and pause for a photo op with the Big Man himself inside Holiday House, roast marshmallows around a roaring bonfire, saddle up for a pony ride, or test one’s bravery aboard more than a dozen rides and attractions at the Christmas Carnival. 

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Guests can also lace up a pair of skates and take a twirl on the Verizon Wireless Ice Skating Rink, soar through the night sky on a Night Light Canopy Tour, and stop-over at the Legacy Lodge to partake in the Magical Nights of Lights Buffet* that features traditional holiday favorites. 

For holiday light watchers who wish to make an unforgettable seasonal staycation of their visit to Lake Lanier Islands Resort, the resort offers a special build-your-own “Experience the Magical Nights of Lights” Accommodation Package for as low as $179 a night. 

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Before they go, guests will want to witness the all new Live Nativity—presented by Kaleidoscope Productions. The Nativity will honor the true reason for the season with an authentic representation of the First Christmas, complete with live animals. Performances of the Live Nativity will run nightly from Nov. 30 through Dec. 24.

2013 Magical Nights of Lights Dates and Times of Operation:

  • Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2013
  • Event pricing begins at 4 p.m. nightly; Holiday Village opens at 5 p.m.

2013 Pricing for Magical Nights of Lights—priced by the vehicle, not by the person**:

  • $60 for Cars (one to nine person capacity)
  • $90 for Passenger Vans (10 to 19 person capacity)
  • $10 off Coupons will be available at participating partners including Publix, Chick-fil-A, McDonalds, Lenny’s Sub Shop, QuikTrip, and Rick Case Audi—Gwinnett***

Magical Nights of Lights fans who wish to stay up-to-date on the latest events, promotions and discounts (such as double coupon nights) are encouraged to join the new Mobile VIP Club by texting LLIR to 84700. Visitors can also download Lake Lanier Islands Radio—the resort’s official Christmas music app for holiday classics to play during the drive through the Magical Nights of Lights AND to enjoy 24-7 all season long on their mobile device. Lake Lanier Islands Radio will be available for download at app stores everywhere beginning Nov. 11.

To learn more about Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, purchase passes or make reservations online, guests are encouraged to visit www.lakelanierislands.com

About Lake Lanier Islands Resort: 

Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lake Lanier Islands Resort®. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. The Resort’s crown jewel – Lake Sidney Lanier is one of the United States’ most popular man-made lakes, encompassing 38,000 miles of surface area and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia. Legacy Lodge & Conference Center and Legacy Villas enhance the Resort’s broad assortment of accommodation choices and meeting sites – making it the ideal choice for corporate meetings and company retreats. Popular excursions like fun in the sun at the boardwalk-themed LanierWorld, outdoor concerts at the new Peachtree Pointe Amphitheater, zip lining through the trees with Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, horseback riding on a lakeside trail from the Equestrian Center, and renting a boat and ski equipment from Harbor Landing make the Resort a terrific choice for families vacationing or “staycationing” in the South. Tranquility – the Spa and the picturesque 18-hole course at Legacy on Lanier Golf Club are major draws for visitors looking to relax or play, and with more than 20 wedding venues to choose from, the Resort is rapidly gaining favor with brides- and grooms-to-be as a highly sought-after Destination Wedding site. Operated by Islands Management Company, LLC since 2005, Lake Lanier Islands Resort® is steadily securing a solid standing for their unique vision of the future of this luxury retreat, their unswerving dedication to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, and their signature brand of Southern Hospitality. For more information, schedule a tee time, learn package details or make reservations, call 770-945-8787 or visit Lake Lanier Islands’ website at http://www.lakelanierislands.com.

* Magical Nights of Lights Buffet is available 5 to 9 p.m. on select dates in November and December at the Legacy Lodge. Please visit www.lakelanierislands.com for more details, to make reservations and view the menu. 

** Carnival rides, canopy tours, pony rides, ice skating, MNOL Buffet, and concessions are available for additional nominal charges plus tax.

*** Double Coupons are back by popular demand: November 15 through 26


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