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I’ve always loved the holiday season, but I never expected to be flying through outer space while celebrating it—until I discovered World of Illumination’s Cosmic Sleigh Ride. From the moment I heard about this intergalactic-themed show, I knew I had to see it in person. Little did I know, this would become one of my favorite holiday memories. If you’re looking for something new and downright magical this year, Cosmic Sleigh Ride might just be the best drive-through light show Atlanta has ever seen. Here’s a peek at my experience, and why I think it’s worth every twinkle.

I started my evening by gathering a small group of friends—none of whom had heard of this cosmic adventure before. We piled into my SUV with blankets, hot cocoa, and a playlist of our favorite holiday tunes (though we wouldn’t need that playlist for long). The drive was surprisingly quick, and before we knew it, we saw the neon sign for Cosmic Sleigh Ride glowing in the distance. Even from the entrance, it felt like we were about to blast off into a whole other world.

The magic really kicked in when we tuned the radio to the recommended station. Suddenly, spacey holiday music filled the car, and the lights at the entrance gate shimmered perfectly in sync. It was like we’d been transported into a cosmic wonderland, where candy-cane comets and shimmering planets replaced the usual snowmen and reindeer. The holiday spirit was all there, but with an unexpected futuristic twist. I couldn’t help but grin as our car glided forward into the first glowing tunnel.

I’ve been to plenty of Christmas events, but I’ve never seen anything that melded a sci-fi vibe with the warmth of the holidays so well. Think glowing UFOs, shooting stars that appear to streak overhead, and a Santa who seems perfectly at home among the galaxies. It’s still a “sleigh ride,” but one that tosses tradition on its head and zooms through outer space. As we drove deeper into the show, we spotted clusters of neon planets spinning as though caught in orbit, all while the radio pumped out remixed holiday jams. The lights flashed in time with the music, blinking on and off in perfect tempo. In that moment, we all felt like wide-eyed kids again, marveling at a new kind of Christmas magic.

What made the experience even more special was the chance to enjoy it all from the comfort of the car. No crowds jostling us around, no standing in long lines, no hustle to move from one display to the next. We were able to cozy up under our blankets, pass around the thermos of hot cocoa, and roll down the windows for a better look whenever we wanted. It was a clear, cool night—a perfect backdrop for what felt like a galactic holiday parade. To me, this is what the holidays are all about: sharing simple, joyful moments with the people you care about most.

If you’re looking for drive-through Christmas lights Georgia can truly be proud of, look no further than this show. Atlanta is already famous for its bright lights and Southern hospitality, but Cosmic Sleigh Ride feels like it was plucked from the future. Every turn offered a new surprise—a shooting star here, a rocket-powered Santa sleigh there. As the music changed, so did the light patterns, creating a flow that turned the night into a sort of cosmic dance. My friends and I found ourselves tapping along, eagerly craning our necks to see what delightful display would pop up next. We even started rating our favorite sections—one friend loved the floating asteroids, while another was all about the rainbow shooting-star bridge.

It’s tough to convey just how expansive this show is. Instead of a small loop, you’re treated to a full journey through themed areas that build on each other. One section looked like a futuristic candy-land, with giant lollipops swirling against the backdrop of planets and stars. Another was all about the galaxy’s hidden corners, complete with glowing meteor showers streaking across the sky. The entire adventure felt both familiar (like the holidays should be) and brand new (as if Santa had decided to conquer the cosmos). By the end of it, I was genuinely surprised at how much ground we covered—and just how many lights there were. Millions, I’m sure, though I couldn’t possibly count them all!

For anyone who worries about finding the time to sneak in a holiday outing, rest assured that this drive-through format is super convenient. We reserved our tickets online in advance, showed up at our scheduled time, and hardly waited at all before entering. With the easy flow of traffic, each car gets to enjoy the show without feeling like you’re bumper-to-bumper. Plus, because you’re in your own vehicle, you can control everything—from the temperature to whether the kids need a break to rummage for snacks in the backseat. And if you have friends who like to take a million photos, no problem—just slow down or pause briefly (where it’s allowed) so they can snap away.

When the grand finale came into view—a gigantic cosmic Santa scene, complete with a swirling vortex of colored lights—I couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude. The holidays can be stressful, but moments like these remind me why I love this time of year so much. Sharing a laugh with friends, feeling the warmth of the cocoa in my hands, and taking in the spectacular display all around us made for the perfect evening. We all agreed that in a city brimming with holiday options, this truly might be the best drive-through light show Atlanta could wish for. It’s fresh, different, and brimming with that good old-fashioned Christmas wonder—but with a spacey twist that left me both awestruck and smiling from ear to ear.

So if you find yourself in the mood for a little interplanetary cheer, load up the car, grab some blankets, and head out to experience Cosmic Sleigh Ride for yourself. It’s not just another light show; it’s a journey that brings out the kid in everyone, reminding us that the holidays are for dreaming big—no matter how far those dreams might take us. I hope you come away from it as starry-eyed as I did, ready to embrace the season with a renewed sense of wonder. Here’s to the holidays, here’s to Atlanta, and here’s to blasting off on a cosmic sleigh ride you won’t soon forget. Safe travels and happy holidays!