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Fantasy in Lights Holiday Production
at Callaway Gardens

Pine Mountain, Georgia

By Carol Muse Evans

Now celebrating its 12th year of holiday tradition, the Fantasy in Lights celebration takes place in Pine Mountain, Georgia’s Callaway Gardens once again this holiday season.

Running November 21 through December 28, 2003, the gardens at Callaway are turned into a five-mile, sparkling wonderland of themed, lighted scenes, many set to music and storytelling. The scenes tell both secular and religious stories of Christmastime, attracting visitors of all ages. Since it first opened in 1992, the production has attracted some two million visitors.

And Callaway has even more to offer during the light show. The whole resort is prepared for the holidays. The horticultural center is arrayed in thousands of holiday flowers and plants, with amazing displays of Christmas trees built entirely from flowers. Stroll through the center, and then be sure to visit the Christmas Village at Robin Lake inside the giant, warm tent, before or after heading through the Fantasy in Lights.

At the Christmas Village, which opens daily at noon, you’ll find 22,000 square feet of food, entertainment and shopping fun for the holidays, from the unique, to crafts, artisans and fun holidays toys. The Christmas Village’s “Land of the Nutcrackers” includes just about everything connected with this “character” that has become a holiday tradition. The “Ornament Forest” features a large collection of trees and their ornaments, many decorated by theme, and “Toyland” offers a wide array of toys, from the technical to the handcrafted.

In the “Georgia Crafters” area, craftspeople demonstrate their arts and can often personalize your special gifts or even create one on the spot. Santa and his helpers will be on hand, too. Enjoy cocoa, holiday cookies and sandwiches in the “Fantasy Food Court,” and then enjoy carolers and talented musicians who perform throughout the day and evening. Kids will enjoy characters such as Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman who roam the village, who will pose for some great photos.

Experience the Fantasy in Lights by either driving your own vehicle through the gardens or take the Jolly Trolley Ride. The Jolly Trolley is much more festive and fun, but colder, so plan for cold weather and dress accordingly. The trip through the lighted gardens takes between one and one and a half hours.

Group discounts are available. If you choose to attend on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday, you are required to select a specific time slot and may want to make a reservation in advance. Tickets can be purchased at 800-CALLWAY, and same day tickets can be purchased at the Callaway Center or the Ticket Booth at Robin Lake Beach, based upon availability. The tickets also include a one-day admission to the Gardens at Callaway on the day of or day after your visit to the light show.

The holiday event is open nightly November 21-December 28, 2003. Lights are turned on at 6 p.m., and it is best to “check ahead” for special events and sold out evenings. Special overnight packages are also available by phone or on the web site, which include Callaway Gardens lodging.

If your plans allow you to stay more than a day at Callaway, consider one of the on-site lodgings. There’s the Callaway Gardens Inn, the Callaway Gardens Cottages, fully equipped and spacious, and the Callaway Gardens Villas, a bit more luxurious but also private and fully equipped. Prices do vary seasonally, and Callaway often offers online specials, particularly during the holidays.

Callaway Gardens itself is a back-to-nature experience in a lovely, secluded setting for the individual, the couple or the whole family, with activities including nature displays with live animals, world-class sports, hiking, swimming, paddle boating, great hotels and restaurants and even the Florida State University “Flying High” Circus during the summer.

This man-made landscape preserve is just one hour south of Atlanta and was created by Cason and Virginia Hand Callaway to “provide a wholesome family environment where all may find beauty, relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world.”

For a great side trip during the holidays, just 20 minutes away from Callaway is Warm Springs, Georgia. It’s where President F.D. Roosevelt visited frequently for treatment of his polio and is now the site of F.D. Roosevelt’s “Little White House,” the F.D. Roosevelt State Park and the famous Bulloch’s Restaurant, where the FBI used to “hang out” while Roosevelt was in town. The town celebrates the holidays in its own glittering style, with lots of lights, entertainment, specialty shops and even horse-drawn carriage rides.

IF YOU GO….

CALLAWAY GARDENS
1-800-CALLAWAY
www.callawaygardens.com/events

Fantasy in Lights tickets are $13 for adults 13 and older and $6.50 for children ages 6-12 on Monday through Thursday evenings. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children on Friday through Sunday nights and on holidays. Children five and under are admitted free.

Warm Springs, GA
www.warmspringsga.com

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