Lights of Joy

Imagine over 1.2 million twinkling lights transforming an ordinary street into a true winter wonderland. This is Lights of Joy—the largest private Christmas light display in the state of Georgia. Located in the cozy city of Kennesaw, this location annually attracts thousands of guests looking to experience the magic of the holidays in the heart of the USA.

Created by Richard and Sherry Taylor, the display stretches nearly 200 meters along the road. It’s not just strings of lights on a house, but an entire glowing forest of 240 live trees and dozens of expertly trimmed holly bushes that resemble Christmas trees. The main highlight of the show is its musical synchronization. Visitors can tune their car radios to 99.1 FM and watch as millions of lights dance in time to festive melodies.

Lights of Joy is a place where family traditions meet modern technology. There is a special inner circle for walking, allowing guests to literally immerse themselves in the atmosphere of joy and warmth created by years of dedicated effort.

For those planning a visit to this bright holiday attraction, it is helpful to have the basic information on hand. Visiting the site is free, although the organizers welcome voluntary donations that help maintain and grow the display.

At Lights of Joy, everyone will find something to enjoy, whether it's quiet contemplation from a car window or an active photo session. Experienced visitors recommend a combined approach: first, drive slowly past the entire display to appreciate the scale of the light canvas, then leave the car in the parking lot and set off on a walking journey through the lights.

A mandatory part of the program is a visit to "The Tunnel of Joy." This picturesque passage, decorated with more than 100,000 bulbs, is considered one of the most popular photo zones in all of Georgia. It is the perfect place for vibrant selfies or family portraits that will brighten any Christmas card.

As you walk through the grounds, look out for fun characters: you might spot Santa Claus on a tractor, in a helicopter, and even on a golf cart. Among the many installations, the 90-foot tree shining with white and purple lights stands out, as does the giant star crowning the festive ensemble. Every detail—from the tiny lanterns on the oaks to the glowing arches—is meticulously thought out, creating a feeling of total immersion in the holiday.

The attraction is located at 1510 Ben King Road NW, very close to the Kennesaw State University campus. Reaching the site by car is straightforward—Ben King Road is well-connected to the city's main transport arteries.

Special attention should be paid to parking. The organizers recommend leaving cars in the parking lot of Futures Church (formerly known as Influencers Church), which is located directly across from the Taylor residence. This allows you to safely exit your vehicle and continue your tour on foot.

If you prefer not to drive, you can use a taxi or popular ridesharing services from the city center. Public transport in this area is limited, so a personal car or taxi remains the most comfortable way to reach the "lights of joy."

The story of this amazing place began back in 1988. That was when Richard and Sherry Taylor first decided to decorate their home, never suspecting that over time their hobby would turn into one of the state's largest Christmas traditions. Every year, the number of lights grew, and the decorations became increasingly complex and high-tech.

The name "Lights of Joy" is filled with deep personal meaning. It is dedicated to the memory of Richard's mother, Marjorie Hickson. Her loved ones simply called her "Joy," as she spent her life striving to bring light and smiles to those around her. By creating this display, the Taylors decided to continue her legacy, sharing the holiday spirit with thousands of strangers.

In 2019, the project received national recognition when the Taylor family participated in the popular ABC television show "The Great Christmas Light Fight." Today, the display is so famous that tourists come to Kennesaw not only from neighboring states but even from Canada, making it a mandatory stop on their way south.

To enjoy the full beauty of the light show without rushing, most visitors need between 1 and 2 hours. This is enough time to first drive along the entire display and then park and walk through the most interesting photo zones.

If your schedule is tight, you can see the highlights in 30–45 minutes by sticking to a short walking route. However, keep in mind that during peak hours and on weekends, the large crowds may increase your visit time. It is recommended to arrive close to opening time to avoid the heaviest traffic.

The light show is seasonal and typically opens to the public on the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving, continuing to delight guests until the first few days of January. During this period, the display is open daily, usually from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Since the exact start and end dates of the season can vary depending on the year and weather conditions, visitors are strongly encouraged to check for the latest information on the project's official website before their trip.

After a stroll through millions of lights, you will likely want to share your impressions over dinner or continue exploring the region's history. The surrounding area offers both cozy dining spots and significant historical markers.