My Favorite Macon Christmas Things

Christmas is my most favorite time of the year. There’s just something truly magical about all of the twinkling lights and the smiling faces they bring on. 

For me, the lights mean more for a very personal reason: I can remember being in the middle of a divorce with two small children and feeling completely broken. At that time one of the Chick-fil-A’s in Macon partnered with Habitat for Humanity to put up lights in their drive through and play holiday music. Sometimes, I would drive over there on Sundays- when they were closed- just to watch the lights and hear the music. I wasn’t the only one. There was something about it all that brought strangers together, searching for community in the lights and sounds of the season.

Fast forward several years to when Bryan Nichols, downtown Macon business owner, got the idea to put up lights and music in downtown. I’ll never forget the wonderment of that first year and how my kids delighted in it. How this event has grown every year since. Watching even more strangers come together to delight in the lights and sounds.

And then, Habitat for Humanity would relocate their own lights and music show to Mercer Village- not far from downtown. 

I don’t know about y’all, but this year I feel like I need the twinkling lights and Christmas magic even more than usual. 

These Christmas lights in Macon are something that everyone can enjoy, both people who live here as well as visitors. People who are young, and people who are…. I’ll say mature. 

It’s one of those times when I see people offering to take photos for families- so one person isn’t left out. It’s when you can take a moment to escape everything happening in your world and feel the magic literally twinkling around you. 

So here’s some of my recommendations for what to do while checking out each of these light shows in Macon:

Downtown

Hotel Forty Five

If you’re going to stay the night, why not stay in walking distance? Hotel Forty Five has everything you could need to make this your home away from home while easily strolling the streets to watch the lights. And be sure to grab dinner at their AMAZING Loom restaurant before grabbing a cocktail at their rooftop bar. It’s a great spot for seeing the lights from up high and getting the perfect set of photos. 

Fatty’s Pizza

It’s become a tradition for my family and I to grab slices of pizza at Fatty’s on the opening night of the lights show. It’s just off of the “main street” (so to speak) of the display, and so we’re usually able to get in pretty quickly. Though… perhaps not so much now that I’ve shared this!

Shuester’s Ice Cream

The cutest ice cream parlor ever! My family and I managed to go three times in one weekend… ha, oops! But seriously go for their ice cream flight to try multiples all at once.

Sweet Eleanors

Because one can’t get enough sweets in one spot- you’re going to have to try their cakes and cannolis. Owner Scott Mitchell, or “Mr. Scott” according to my youngest, is sure to greet you with the brightest smile. 

Taste & See Coffee

Owner Kevin Nichols is the founder and genius behind the Macon Christmas Lights- but he also serves an amazing latte. Take it from me, I’ve been going since day one! Literally, I even got to go inside during construction when I was a student reporter.

The Rookery

One of the mainstays of downtown Macon, their burgers and shakes cannot be beat! And they’ve got a ton of overflow seating so don’t be fooled by their storefront. 

The Vintage Thread

Ok I guess I’ve given you plenty of places to eat and drink- but what about shopping? My daughter begs to go in here whenever we’re close by and I swear we always, always find something we can’t live without. 

Marche de Noel 

I took my older kids to NYC last year at Christmas time and we fell in love with the shops in Bryant Park- hot chocolate and all! Though the crowds were as one might expect. However, the Marche de Noel has all the charm of the Bryant Park shops without near the crowds! Please note- for their first year they’re open from December 8th through the 14th. 

Mercer Village

Macon Pizza

An easy place to run in with the whole family or even grab a few pints at the bar- Macon Pizza has been sure to please even the pickiest eater in my family. 

Margarita’s 

Got a large group? This is where you want to go for straight forward Mexican fare- sure to please a crowd or even the more discerning Mexican food fan.

Z Beans Coffee

The OG of Mercer Village, although previously under a different name and owner, there has been a coffee shop in Mercer Village from the start! Don’t love coffee? You can also get smoothies and sandwiches. Watch the lights from their windows or sit on the patio. 

Yollah

Ok so they may not technically be in Mercer Village, but it’s just a short drive or walk down. If you are wanting a full, sit down meal where you can also grab a glass of wine this is a true winner. Be sure to get the plantains and salsa verde chicken casserole for the table! 

These are just a few of my favorite Macon Things for Christmastime!

AND- here’s a gift from myself, Visit Macon, and Hotel 45 for you: we have a staycation package from Hotel 45 for one lucky winner! Be sure to follow me, @lovemollykate, @visitmacon, @maconpops and @hotelfortyfive on Instagram to be entered to win. More details on the Instagram post!!