Lights, Music, Macon
Where Every Lane Is Merry & Bright
See over a million lights twinkling in synch to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes, performed by Macon Pops, across multiple blocks in Downtown Macon from November 29th to January 5, 2025.
You have to see it to believe it! Christmas Light Extrvaganza
Stroll through beautiful Downtown Macon illuminated by twinkling lights.
This year, you can chill with Santa and meet his reindeer, or warm up with delicious hot chocolate while finding the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones. Don’t miss the kick-off performance by Macon Pops LIVE on November 29th! Over one million Christmas lights span across five blocks in Downtown Macon and synch every night hourly after the kick-off concert on November 29th thorough January 5th. All of your favorite holiday tunes are recorded and produced by Macon Pops and can be heard while strolling under archways of lights and experiencing truly one of the nation's top holiday light displays.
Then continue the holiday cheer by heading to Mercer Village to see Light More Homes display which benefits the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity.
Who is Macon Pops and when is the kick-off Christmas Ligth Extravaganza concert?
Throughout December, downtown Macon becomes a dazzling spectacle with over one million twinkling lights illuminating the streets. These lights, covering five city blocks, dance in sync with music by Macon Pops during nightly shows, quickly establishing the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza as a beloved holiday tradition in Middle Georgia. Now in its eighth year, this event offers a whole month of family-friendly enjoyment set against the charming backdrop of downtown Macon. On the opening night of the Christmas Light Extravaganza November 29, 2024 at 6pm you can't miss The Macon Pops Christmas Spectacular presented by Northwestern Mutual of Central Georgia. Listen to the band as the 1,000,000+ lights twinkly in synch with the songs! Bring your family and friends for a magical experience filled with joy, festive tunes, and the spirit of the season!
Who is Macon Pops? Steve Moretti, a multi Grammy-nominated drummer and percussionist, and Matt Catingub, a renowned pops conductor and Grammy-award-winning arranger, have a long-standing collaborative history. They first performed together in February 2013 at The Capitol Theatre in Macon, Georgia, alongside the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings. The concert's warm reception sparked an idea.After the show, both Moretti and Catingub envisioned creating a musical experience in Macon that was inclusive and fun for everyone, not just for the elite or musically trained. This led to the creation of Macon Pops, which has grown to become more than just a concert; it is an event.With backing from NewTown Macon and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Macon Pops received the support needed to launch successfully. Since October 2015, it has operated as an independent 501(c)3 organization.Incorporated into their offerings is the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza, where Macon Pops performs and synchronizes their music to the breathtaking holiday light display that spans multiple blocks. This collaboration provides the soundtrack that brings the extravaganza to life, featuring an entirely unique musical score with arrangements by Catingub and performances from local artists.
What is Light More Homes?
Macon Area Habitat for Humanity’s (MAHFH) Light More Homes annual Christmas light display brings Joy to thousands each year and helps us literally "light more homes" by raising funds to build homes in Macon-Bibb and Jones Counties.
Beginning in 2008, Light More Homes was located at Chick-fil-A on Tom Hill Sr. Blvd for 12 years before moving to Mercer Village in 2020. With the need for a larger venue and our long-standing partnerships with Mercer, the decision was made jointly by Habitat, Mercer University and the Lofts at Mercer to significantly expand the display and move to Mercer Village. In 2020, Presenting Sponsor Lofts at Mercer joined additional sponsors as we installed a 52,000 light canopy that spanned Montpelier Avenue and created a gorgeous holiday setting. In 2021, the display expanded around Stadium Drive with a Candy Cane Lane, which is a stretch of 180 Candy Cane wrapped trees
This year's light display will launch on November 21st at Candy Cane Lane at Mercer Village. More lights and archways will also be launched shortly after with a grand launch on December 3rd.
