The Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza is back downtown with music, lights and crowds filling the streets each night. The event features rows of glowing walkways lined with lighted Christmas trees, giant ornaments, reindeer figures, musical instruments and a sleigh, all moving and flickering in sync with the Christmas music that fills the atmosphere.
This year’s event is free and open to the public, running through Jan. 4. Nightly shows take place on the hour at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m., with lights remaining on without music from 10-11 p.m. Attractions include carriage rides on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14, selfies with Santa on Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21. A live reindeer will be make an appearance on Dec. 20, five days before Christmas day.
Opening night was Nov. 29 and featured the first lighting of the displays and a live performance by Macon Pops, whose recorded arrangements now play with the synchronized shows every evening.
“This concert is one of the highlights of our year. Seeing thousands of people gathered downtown, families and kids bundled up, lights dancing to the music we have poured our hearts into is pure magic,” Steve Moretti, CEO and co-founder of Macon Pops, said.
Moretti said the group’s involvement has become a tradition for both the orchestra and the community. As crowds have grown, Macon Pops has shaped its shows to match the scale and spirit of the event.
“This year marks our eighth year performing the Macon Pops Christmas Spectacular live as part of the Christmas Light Extravaganza, our ninth year providing the recorded synchronized music,” Moretti said.
The concert and synchronized shows feature joyful melodies ranging from classic Christmas songs to modern holiday tunes and Macon Pops special arrangements, unique to the Macon Christmas light experience. The lights also draw steady crowds into downtown restaurants and shops as families make their way through the decorated blocks. Businesses along the route say the increase in visitors brings a welcome lift to the season.
Scot Mitchell, owner of Sweet Eleanor's Divine Desserts, said the light show brings "an energy to downtown that we just love." Mitchell’s dessert shop sits along the heart of the route on Poplar Street, giving his team a close view of families stopping in to warm up, take photos and enjoy the atmosphere.
“Seeing the smiles on the faces as we become part of the traditions of local and thriving families is our favorite,” Mitchell said.
As families continue along the route past storefronts like Sweet Eleanor’s, the event’s reach extends to signage and tables for the community partners who help make the experience possible.
Northway Church serves as the presenting sponsor and anchors the event with volunteers and financial support. The church’s involvement offers its members a chance to connect with the community throughout the season, according to Ryan Knapp, a discipleship pastor at the church.
These volunteers help shape the visitor experience and offer assistance along the walkways as "they pass out candy canes and information," Knapp said.
“I love that this event gives our people the opportunity to love on our community,” Knapp said.
