The holidays are a magical time in the Golden Isles. Across the area you’ll find festive holiday events as well as beautiful holiday decor to complement picturesque coastal towns and scenery. Beyond the wreaths and holly, the Golden Isles is also home to stunning holiday light displays—from over-the-top parade floats to historic homes and storefronts that take holiday decorating to a whole new level.
Below, a list of the best places to see holiday light displays on St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and Brunswick.
St. Simons Pier Village
Mallery Street, St. Simons Island
The iconic St. Simons Pier Village transforms into a holiday masterpiece each Christmas season. Drive down Mallery Street to see thousands of twinkling lights adorning oak trees, store fronts and restaurants. Stop in one of the local coffee shops to pick up a seasonal drink to enjoy as you stroll toward the Pier. A huge thank you to the wonderful team at Iguanas Seafood Restaurant for sponsoring and coordinating the Christmas lights!
Brunswick's Annual Tree Lighting 2023
Brunswick
November 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The Friday after Thanksgiving, head to Historic Downtown Brunswick for the annual Tree Lighting held in Queen Square, across the street from Old City Hall on Newcastle Street. Families with kids of all ages will especially enjoy a reading of "The Night Before Christmas," Christmas music performed by the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, a visit with Santa, and more. Stroll through downtown and marvel at the displays in front of many unique antique shops, boutiques and more—then pop inside to do some holiday shopping! The Brunswick Christmas Parade on December 3 is also not to be missed. This local favorite evening parade features lighted float displays that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade
Jekyll Island
December 9 from 7-8pm, free to attend
Don’t miss the Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade. In true Jekyll Island fashion, the Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade features golf carts decorated to the nines in holiday finishings. And once the parade ends there is a true sight to behold—the dazzling light displays all throughout the Jekyll Island Historic District. With over half a million lights, the season shines brightly on Jekyll Island! Throughout the entire month of December, Jekyll Island also offers holiday trolley tours where riders can sit back and feast their eyes on the lights displayed around the island.
Magnolia Manor
St. Simons Island
Magnolia Manor is a senior living facility on St. Simons Island that has earned a reputation for going all out on its holiday light display. Drive by the facility on South Lee Street and enjoy moss-draped oaks covered in lights, lanterns outlining the main lawn and more. Drive through the beautifully decorated campus with more than a dozen buildings each showing off their own unique and festive lights. After seeing the lights, drive less than 10 minutes over to the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort for holiday-themed displays, musical performances and culinary events like Teddy Bear Tea or brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Lighthouse Trolleys Tour of Christmas Lights
St. Simons Island
December 15-24 at 7pm
$30 adults, $15 child 12 & under
Enjoy a 90-minute tour through the best holiday light displays on St. Simons Island—created by island homeowners themselves. Lighthouse Trolleys Tour of Christmas Lights departs from St. Simons Fishing Pier and guests are invited to bring food and drinks on board to enjoy during the ride. As riders enjoy the lights, Santa Claus himself may make an appearance! Reservations are required and can be purchased online.