There is nothing quite like a slow drive past glowing rooftops, a giant tree lit against a night sky, and a car full of kids pressing their noses to the windows. If you are looking for Christmas lights in and around FoCo, this guide pulls together the displays and lighting celebrations worth planning around in 2026. One of our favorites is just outside the county line and worth the drive. We have noted what is confirmed and what to double-check before you head out.
Ashebrooke Night of Lights: Cumming’s Biggest Neighborhood Tradition
If you only see one display this season, make it Ashebrooke. For two decades, this west Forsyth neighborhood has opened its streets one evening each December for a drive-through celebration of lights that draws hundreds of cars and doubles as a community fundraiser. Forsyth County News reported that the 2025 event, held on Sunday, December 21, was the neighborhood’s 20th annual.
- When: The event traditionally takes place on the third Sunday of December, which falls on Sunday, December 20, 2026. The neighborhood announces details each year, so confirm on the Ashebrooke Night of Lights Facebook page before you go.
- Where: Ashebrooke subdivision, entering via Luke Drive (5020 Luke Dr, Cumming, GA 30040), off Bethelview Road.
- Cost: Free to drive through. Donations are collected for charity, so bring a little cash for the donation bucket.
- Hours: Past years have run in the evening, roughly 6 to 9 p.m. Expect lines of cars, and plan for a slow, bumper-to-bumper crawl at peak times.
Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands
Just up the road from Cumming, Lanier Islands Resort in Buford (Hall County) turns its roads into one of the largest drive-through light shows in the Southeast. The 2026 season runs November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are sold per vehicle and vary by vehicle size and date, and you can buy in advance or at the gate. Parking is included once you are inside the resort. Details and tickets are on the Lanier Islands website.
Lighting Ceremonies in Forsyth County
Some of the prettiest lights in the county are the ones you can walk through. These community celebrations pair a giant glowing tree with music, vendors and hot cocoa, and the ones below are community celebrations open to the public.
Cumming City Center
The annual tree lighting and winter market at Cumming City Center is the signature holiday night in downtown Cumming. Look for the 2026 tree lighting event page for the latest times and entertainment, plus the Glitter Star Fest on November 8 earlier in the season.
The Collection at Forsyth
The Collection lights its tree on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with a holiday market earlier in the day and programming in the late afternoon. See the event page for the schedule.
Halcyon and Downtown Cumming
Halcyon’s Cherry Street and downtown Cumming both sparkle through the season, from holiday markets to the City of Cumming Christmas Parade on December 12. Our full 2026 holiday events guide has every date, time and ticket link in one place.
Tips for a Great Night of Lights
- Go early or go midweek. Weeknight evenings are usually the least crowded for drive-through displays.
- Bring cash. Ashebrooke and other charity-minded displays collect donations at the curb.
- Be a good neighbor. Keep headlights low, voices quiet and engines off while you wait, and never walk onto private lawns.
- Pack the cocoa. A thermos, blankets and a holiday playlist make the wait part of the fun.
- Check before you go. Weather and organizers can change hours, so confirm the day of your visit.
Plan Your Forsyth County Holiday Getaway
Turn a night of lights into a full holiday weekend. Browse the Forsyth County events calendar for markets, parades and performances, find a cozy dinner spot on our where to eat page, and book a room from our where to stay guide.