Looking for the best Atlanta Christmas light show this holiday season? World of Illumination's Candy Rush at Six Flags White Water in Marietta delivers a spectacular drive-through experience that's unlike anything else in the Atlanta metro area. With only 15 days left before the season ends on January 4, 2026, now is the perfect time to experience this candy-coated wonderland of lights, music, and holiday magic.
Whether you're a local Atlanta family looking for a festive tradition or visitors seeking the ultimate holiday experience, Candy Rush transforms your vehicle into a journey through a sweet-themed celebration featuring millions of synchronized LED lights set to holiday music. The entire experience takes 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect evening activity for families, couples, and groups of all ages.
What Makes Candy Rush Atlanta's Premier Christmas Light Show
Candy Rush at Six Flags White Water in Marietta isn't your traditional Christmas light display. This Atlanta Christmas light show takes the familiar joy of the holiday season and reimagines it through the lens of everyone's favorite sweet treats—candy!
As you drive through the 1.5-mile route, you'll encounter larger-than-life candy canes standing 30 feet tall, glowing lollipops that spin and change colors, gingerbread houses illuminated with thousands of LED lights, and even a chocolate factory scene that would make Willy Wonka jealous. Every display is meticulously crafted to create that perfect balance between whimsical fun and holiday tradition.
The candy theme isn't just a visual treat—it creates an atmosphere of childlike wonder that appeals to everyone. Kids go wild spotting their favorite candies transformed into massive light displays, while adults appreciate the nostalgia and artistry of each carefully designed scene. Many families tell us that Candy Rush has become their favorite Atlanta Christmas lights experience because it offers something genuinely different from the typical holiday displays found elsewhere in the city.
What sets this Christmas light show apart is the synchronized music element. As you drive through different candy-themed zones, contemporary holiday hits and classic Christmas songs play through your car radio, perfectly timed to the light displays. Candy canes pulse to the beat, lollipops spin in rhythm, and entire sections of lights dance together in choreographed patterns. It's not just something you see—it's something you experience with all your senses.
A Sweet Journey Through Six Flags White Water
The location at Six Flags White Water in Marietta provides the perfect canvas for this elaborate Atlanta Christmas light show. The spacious venue allows for wide, sweeping displays that create tunnel effects, open plazas filled with illuminated candy sculptures, and winding paths that reveal new surprises around every turn.
One of the highlights is the massive candy tunnel—a 100-foot stretch where you're completely surrounded by glowing peppermints, wrapped candies, and striped candy canes, all pulsing to holiday music. The tunnel creates an immersive experience where you feel transported into a candy wonderland. Many visitors say this section alone is worth the price of admission, and it's consistently the most photographed moment of the drive-through.
The gingerbread village section features multiple houses of varying sizes, each decorated with intricate "icing" patterns created with white LED lights, gumdrop buttons made from colored bulbs, and candy cane pillars supporting gingerbread roofs. The attention to detail is remarkable—you can spot windows with glowing scenes inside, chimneys with twinkling smoke effects, and even gingerbread people standing guard at the front doors.
For chocolate lovers, the chocolate factory zone delivers with cocoa bean displays, flowing "chocolate" waterfalls created with amber-colored lights, and massive chocolate bar sculptures. The contemporary music in this section gives it a fun, energetic vibe that older kids and teenagers especially appreciate. It's proof that Christmas lights can be sophisticated and playful at the same time.
Atlanta Christmas Light Show: Tickets, Hours & Final Days
⏰ Time is Running Out!
The Candy Rush Christmas light show ends January 4, 2026—that means you have only 15 days left to experience Atlanta's sweetest holiday tradition! Here's everything you need to know:
Candy Rush at Six Flags White Water:
- Location: Six Flags White Water, 250 Cobb Parkway N, Marietta, GA 30062
- Distance from Atlanta: 20-25 minutes from downtown
- Hours (Final Days):
- Dec 20-23: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Dec 24: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Christmas Eve)
- Dec 25: CLOSED (Christmas Day)
- Dec 26-31: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (NEW YEAR'S WEEK!)
- Jan 1-4: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (FINAL WEEKEND!)
- Tickets: Starting at $30 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers)
- Duration: 30-40 minutes
- Buy Tickets for Candy Rush
💡 Pro Tip: New Year's week (Dec 26-Jan 4) is always popular as people look for family-friendly activities during the holiday break. Weeknights typically have shorter wait times than Friday-Sunday. If you're planning to visit during the final weekend (Jan 2-4), we recommend arriving at opening (6 PM) or purchasing tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.
How to Get to Candy Rush from Atlanta
From Downtown Atlanta:
- Take I-75 North toward Marietta
- Take exit 265 for Delk Road
- Turn left onto Delk Road
- Turn right onto Cobb Parkway (US-41)
- Six Flags White Water will be on your right
Drive time: 20-25 minutes depending on traffic
Distance: Approximately 15 miles
From North Atlanta (Alpharetta/Roswell):
- Take GA-400 South
- Merge onto I-285 West
- Take exit 15 for Cobb Parkway
- Head north on Cobb Parkway
- Six Flags White Water will be on your left
Drive time: 25-30 minutes
Distance: Approximately 18 miles
From East Atlanta (Decatur/Stone Mountain):
- Take I-285 West
- Take exit 15 for Cobb Parkway
- Head north on Cobb Parkway
- Six Flags White Water will be on your left
Drive time: 30-35 minutes
Distance: Approximately 25 miles
Parking: Free parking is available on-site. The entrance to Candy Rush is clearly marked with illuminated signage.
What Atlanta Families Are Saying About Candy Rush
Michelle T., Buckhead:"Candy Rush exceeded all our expectations! We've been to several Christmas light displays around Atlanta, and this one is hands-down our favorite. The candy theme is so creative and the kids (ages 4, 7, and 9) were mesmerized the entire time. We'll definitely be back next year!"
David K., Marietta:"As Marietta residents, we love having this right in our backyard. The synchronized music really makes the experience special—it's not just lights, it's a full sensory show. Our teenagers actually put their phones down and enjoyed it, which says everything!"
Patricia R., Decatur:"We drove from Decatur and it was absolutely worth the drive. The candy tunnel section is magical, and the gingerbread village is incredibly detailed. My daughter hasn't stopped talking about it. This is now our new Atlanta Christmas tradition!"
James and Sarah L., Atlanta:"We went on New Year's Eve as a family activity before the ball drop and it was perfect. The atmosphere is festive but not overwhelming, and being in your car means you can enjoy it at your own pace. Highly recommend for families with young children!"
Frequently Asked Questions: Atlanta Christmas Light Show
Q: What is the best Christmas light show in Atlanta?
A: World of Illumination's Candy Rush is consistently rated as one of the top Atlanta Christmas light shows. Located at Six Flags White Water in Marietta, this drive-through experience features a unique candy theme with millions of synchronized LED lights set to contemporary and classic holiday music. Unlike traditional walk-through displays, Candy Rush allows you to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of your vehicle, making it perfect for families with young children, anyone wanting to stay warm, or groups looking for an accessible holiday experience. The combination of creative theming, professional-grade displays, and synchronized music creates an immersive experience that sets it apart from other Christmas lights in the Atlanta area.
Q: How much does the Atlanta Christmas light show cost?
A: Tickets for Candy Rush start at $30 per vehicle for standard admission. Each vehicle can accommodate up to 8 passengers, making it an exceptional value for families and groups. That breaks down to less than $4 per person for a full vehicle—one of the most affordable holiday entertainment options in the Atlanta metro area. VIP packages are also available for those who want expedited entry and premium perks. Tickets can be purchased online at worldofillumination.com or at the gate (subject to availability). With only 15 days remaining in the season, we strongly recommend purchasing online to secure your preferred date and time, especially for the busy New Year's week and final weekend.
Q: When does the Atlanta Christmas light show end?
A: Candy Rush runs through January 4, 2026, giving Atlanta families 15 more days to experience this spectacular Christmas light show. The extended season through early January is perfect for those who want to keep the holiday spirit alive after New Year's or couldn't find time during the busy December rush. The final weekend (January 2-4, 2026) is always popular, so booking tickets in advance is recommended. The display is closed only on Christmas Day (December 25), but open Christmas Eve until 9 PM and every other night until 10 PM through January 4th.
Q: Is Candy Rush a drive-through or walk-through Christmas light show?
A: Candy Rush is a drive-through experience only, which offers several advantages for Atlanta families. You remain comfortably in your vehicle throughout the entire 30-40 minute show, which means you stay warm on chilly Georgia nights, young children can stay secured in their car seats, and you can enjoy the experience at your own pace without navigating crowds. The synchronized music plays through your car radio (we provide the station), creating a private concert atmosphere. This format is especially popular with families with infants, elderly relatives, or anyone with mobility concerns. If you prefer walk-through experiences, other Atlanta-area venues offer that option, but the drive-through format at Candy Rush is what makes it unique and accessible to everyone.
Q: What makes Candy Rush different from other Atlanta Christmas lights?
A: Several factors make Candy Rush stand out among Atlanta Christmas light shows. First, the candy theme is genuinely unique—you won't find massive illuminated lollipops, candy canes, and gingerbread houses at other displays around the city. Second, the synchronized music element creates an immersive experience where lights dance and pulse to the beat, elevating it beyond static displays. Third, the sheer scale and production quality rival major theme park holiday events. Fourth, the drive-through format offers comfort and convenience that walk-through displays can't match. Finally, the location at Six Flags White Water provides ample space for sweeping displays, long tunnels, and elaborate scenes that smaller venues simply can't accommodate. Many Atlanta residents who've experienced both traditional displays and Candy Rush tell us they appreciate having this creative, modern take on holiday lights available in their city.
Don't Miss Atlanta's Sweetest Christmas Tradition!
With only 15 days left before Candy Rush closes for the season on January 4, 2026, there's still time to make this Atlanta Christmas light show part of your family's holiday tradition. Whether you're looking for a festive activity during New Year's week, want to keep the holiday spirit alive into January, or simply haven't had a chance to visit yet, now is the perfect time to experience the magic of Candy Rush at Six Flags White Water.
At just $30 per vehicle for up to 8 passengers, Candy Rush offers exceptional value for families and groups. The candy-themed displays, synchronized music, and professional production quality create an experience that rivals major theme park holiday events at a fraction of the cost. It's entertainment, tradition, and memory-making all rolled into one spectacular 30-40 minute journey.
Don't let the season end without experiencing Atlanta's most unique Christmas light show:
Get Your Tickets for Candy Rush Now
Pro tip for Atlanta families: Book your tickets online today to skip the box office line and guarantee your spot during the busy final two weeks. The New Year's week and final weekend (Jan 2-4) typically see the highest attendance, so securing your tickets now ensures you won't miss out on what many call Atlanta's sweetest holiday tradition!
See you under the lights!
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