Georgia’s Lanier Islands Resort announced today that Santa Claus has deemed Game Changer the North Pole’s Southern Branch for 2026. Beyond fun and games in the 23,000-square-foot indoor entertainment hub, guests will spot the occasional celebrity during the resort’s renowned Magical Nights of Lights, from the Jolly Old Elf himself and the Coca-Cola Polar Bear to Cindy Lou Who and The Grinch. Beginning November 20, in conjunction with the launch of the lakeside destination’s holiday light show, Game Changer will bring back a crowd favorite – Clark’s Pop-Up Bar – with over-the-top décor, festive treats, and specialty cocktails served in iconic Moose Mugs. New this year, the resort is proud to premiere its Holiday Market, featuring thoughtfully curated artisans selling an array of unique gifts. The holiday season reaches a new level on November 27, when Santa Claus makes his grand arrival at Game Changer aboard a firetruck.
“Lanier Islands is one of the Southeast’s most memorable holiday destinations,” said Matthew Bowling, President of Lanier Islands Resort. “Magical Nights of Lights has been a cherished Georgia tradition for generations, and we’re building on that legacy by creating an even more immersive holiday experience across the Islands. From our expanded light displays and Clark’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar to the debut of our Holiday Market and unforgettable experiences with Santa and other holiday characters, we want guests to feel the magic of the season from the moment they arrive. Whether it’s an annual family tradition or someone’s first visit, our goal is to create memories they’ll carry with them for years to come.”
For the Holiday Market, the Islands has hand-selected a collection of vendors bringing everything from sweet holiday treats and handmade gifts to seasonal items and home goods. Shoppers can expect to shop the wares from Zig & Willow, Sweet Salutations, Imagination Station, Debbie Wendell, KR8-A-COOKIE, Knitt Happens, Love Well & Co, Soggy Stitches, All About the Wreaths, Brooklyn’s Finest Creations, A Christmas Boutique, Charm & Bronco, Geoseff Designer Originals, Object and Grove, and more.
Bowling recommended guests save the date for the following special events:
- Dashing Through the Glow 5K – November 15, 2026, with two start times at 6:15 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. – granting participants the chance to be among the first to experience the Magical Nights of Lights
- Magical Nights of Lights – 5-10 p.m. November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027
- Clark’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Game Changer – 5-10 p.m. November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027
- Give Back Nights – Bring 5 cans of food to benefit Georgia Mountain Food Bank and receive a $20 voucher – $10 to enjoy toward food and non-alcoholic beverages at Game Changer and $10 off License to Chill Snow Island admission – 5-10 p.m. November 20-30, 2026
- Thanksgiving Buffet at Legacy Lodge – 12-6 p.m. November 26, 2026
- Santa’s Magical Arrival at Game Changer – 5-9 p.m. November 27, 2026
- Holiday Market at Game Changer – 5-10 p.m. November 27 & 28 and December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, and 18-23, 2026
- Breakfast with Santa – 8-11 a.m. November 28 & 29 and December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, and 19-23, 2026
- Photos with Santa at Game Changer – 6-9 p.m. December 4, 11, and 18, 2026
- Celebrity Sightings at Game Changer – 6-9 p.m. December 1 for Buddy the Elf, December 4 for Cindy Lou Who, December 18 for The Grinch, and December 4 & 5 for the Coca-Cola Polar Bear
- Coca-Cola Caravan at Game Changer – sample new flavors, enjoy a photo op with Santa, and explore festive Coca-Cola gift essentials – 5-10 p.m. on December 12, 2026
- Santa’s Magical Departure from Game Changer – 6-9 p.m. December 23, 2026
- Christmas Day Buffet at Legacy Lodge – 12-6 p.m., December 25, 2026
- New Year’s Eve Celebration with Two Ways to Celebrate – a Family-Friendly Gathering at Game Changer and an Evening of Elegance and Style at Legacy Lodge – December 31, 2026
To transform their Magical Night into a spectacular seasonal stay, Bowling encouraged guests to book one of the resort’s holiday-themed accommodation packages. Reservations can be made at https://www.lanierislands.com/holiday-events/holiday-packages/ or by calling 770-945-8787. Lanier Islands Resort is 45 miles north of Atlanta at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford. To explore amenities and other future events, visit www.LanierIslands.com.
