While breathtaking views are nothing new at Georgia’s Lanier Islands Resort, thousands of illuminated paper lanterns filling the night sky lend an undeniable air of magic above Lake Lanier. That was certainly the case in October 2025, when 4,500 guests lined the resort’s scenic PineIsle to experience the glowing spectacle during the lakeside destination’s first-ever partnership with Viive Events. Representing the Atlanta leg of the national Lights Fest, the inaugural event was so well-received that Lanier Islands Resort announced today the return of The Lights Fest to its shores on Saturday, March 28. In addition to the opportunity to light their own lantern in celebration of a special milestone, in memory of a loved one, or to simply share an experience with other sky-gazers, attendees of the early Spring event will also be treated to local food trucks, family-friendly entertainment, and live music. For those who wish to extend the magic with an overnight stay at the award-winning resort, the Lights Fest accommodation package includes deluxe overnight accommodations and a $50 resort credit for Lights Fest ticket holders to use toward food, beverages, resort cart, Game Changer activities, and more*.
The Lights Festival™ is more than a mere spectacle; it’s a transformative experience that connects people, cultures, and emotions. It’s an event where people of all backgrounds and beliefs come together for an uplifting, positive, and unforgettable experience. The “lights” in The Lights Fest are 100% biodegradable, fire-resistant lanterns made of rice paper, string, and bamboo. Each adult ticket includes a packet to be picked up at the event. The packet includes a lantern and a marker for decorating it. Each guest 13 and older will need an adult ticket to enter. Children ages 4 – 12 require a kid’s ticket, and those 3 and under are admitted free. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. on March 28 at PineIsle at Lanier Islands Resort.
“The Lights Fest marks the start of an exciting Spring on our shores,” said Matthew Bowling, President of Lanier Islands Resort. “The coming weeks and months will kick off our busy season with our Wedding Open House for engaged couples and the opening of Georgia’s only night-lit Par 3 course in March, the return of our popular Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch in April, the opening of our newly renovated Legacy Golf Course clubhouse in May, and so much more. It’s all part of our highly intentional, never-ending pursuit to deliver a second-to-none guest experience. As we witnessed in October, tickets to The Lights Fest are on a first-come, first-served basis, and they sell out quickly. It’s such a beautiful sight that’s well worth experiencing, so we recommend getting tickets as soon as possible. Be sure to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, and arrive early to secure a great spot on PineIsle.”
Guests can purchase tickets to The Lights Fest at https://thelightsfest.com/sky-lantern-events/atlanta/. To further enhance their experience, the Lights Fest accommodation package can be booked online at www.lanierislands.com or by calling 770-945-8787. To plan a visit around upcoming events at Lanier Islands Resort, prospective guests are encouraged to visit https://www.lanierislands.com/events/. Lanier Islands Resort is 45 miles north of Atlanta at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford.
*Does not include festival food and drink.
