How much is Lights of Life?

$15 per car and $30 per bus for 2026, paid at the entrance. Rides, the train and the petting zoo cost extra.

When is Lights of Life open?

Every night from Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) through December 31, from about 5:30 pm; the university's FAQ gives November 27 as the start, so check before you drive out on opening night.

What is the best Christmas light display in Georgia?

For value, Lights of Life. For a full day out, Stone Mountain Christmas; for a big walk, the Atlanta Botanical Garden. All of them are compared on our Atlanta page.

For $15 a carload, yes — especially with small kids who can get out at the stops and visit the petting zoo.

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Drive-thru · Life University, Marietta · Ticketed

Lights of Life 2026 (Marietta, GA)

A 1.5-mile drive around Life University's campus through more than a million lights, then a walk-around area with a petting zoo, pony and train rides, food and light-up toys — the most affordable light show in the Atlanta area.

2026 dates: Nov 26 – Dec 31, 2026, every night

Google 4.0 ★ · 393 reviews

At a glance

2026 dates: Every night Nov 26 – Dec 31, 2026 (life.edu, read 2026-10-16; the FAQ there says Nov 27, the event details Nov 26)
Hours (2026): Lights on at sunset (about 5:30 pm) until about 9–10 pm
Price (2026): $15 per car, $30 per bus — flat rate any day, pay at the entrance; no advance tickets needed
The drive: 1.5 miles around campus through more than a million lights, with stops where you can get out
Extras: Petting zoo, pony and train rides, food — paid separately
Where: Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle SE, Marietta, GA 30060

Is it worth it?

Good value with small children; manage expectations on the lights themselves.

What visitors say

Toddlers love the petting zoo and lights, and families appreciate the low price. Critics say the lights themselves aren't especially creative, the food and cocoa are poor value, and on busy nights parking alone took an hour.

Petting zoo
Train and pony rides
Food stands
Proceeds go to student scholarships

Getting there and getting in

Mostly a drive-thru, but there are parking areas along the route where you can get out, take photos and walk around.
Rides, the train and the petting zoo cost extra.

Worth knowing

Much cheaper than the other drive-thrus on this page, and open rain or shine.

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Life University campus

Official site

Questions people ask

How much is Lights of Life?: $15 per car and $30 per bus for 2026, paid at the entrance. Rides, the train and the petting zoo cost extra.
When is Lights of Life open?: Every night from Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) through December 31, from about 5:30 pm; the university's FAQ gives November 27 as the start, so check before you drive out on opening night.
What is the best Christmas light display in Georgia?: For value, Lights of Life. For a full day out, Stone Mountain Christmas; for a big walk, the Atlanta Botanical Garden. All of them are compared on our Atlanta page.
Is it worth it?: For $15 a carload, yes — especially with small kids who can get out at the stops and visit the petting zoo.

Checked 2026-09-30. Sources: Life University — Lights of Life. Last season's numbers are labelled with their year until the organizer publishes 2026.

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