Macon’s Christmas Light Extravaganza breaks records in revenue, visitors
The Christmas Light Extravaganza, which ran from Nov. 28, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026 on Poplar and Third streets, broke the previous year’s record for visitors and revenue, organizers said.
The downtown light show attracted about 723,000 non-residents. The numbers are up from the previous year, when some 625,000 non-residents attended, according to a news release. Non-residents are identified as people not living in downtown Macon and include “commuters and traditional visitors,” the news release stated.
Macon also drew visitors from across the Southeast, Florida, Alabama, the Carolinas and Tennessee. Compared to the previous year, the light show brought about 116,440 visitors who traveled 50 miles or more, the news release said.
Between 6 and 10 p.m., a total of 107,700 visitors visited the Poplar and Third street blocks, which NewTown Macon says was a “12% jump over the previous year,” according to the news release.
Macon also debuted Marché de Noël, a European-style Christmas market, which brought in 18,199 shoppers in 10 days. There was peak foot traffic on Dec. 13, the news release said.
“For a first-year event, that kind of turnout speaks to a real appetite for new downtown experiences and sets a promising foundation for seasons ahead,” the news release said.
How much profit did the light show generate?
The Christmas Light Extravaganza was a strong pull for diners and shoppers, the news release said.
“Data shows that 21.3% of visitors dined or shopped before the light show, and 26.4% did so afterward, a strong signal for local restaurants and retailers,” the news release said.
The total revenue generated was over $7 million, with an average of $193,678 per event day.
“What a season,” said Bryan Nicholas, technical director and stage manager of the light show. “Record-breaking economic impact, a bustling Marché de Noël bringing Cherry Street Plaza to life, and a 38-foot snowman welcoming visitors on Poplar Street at Rosa Parks Square. Watching this event grow while still delivering that same magic for families never gets old, and none of it would be possible without our incredible sponsors, partners and volunteers.”
