PRESS RELEASE: 2025 Christmas Light Extravaganza Generates $7.36 Million in Economic Impact for Macon-Bibb County

MACON, GA — The Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza announces the economic impact and visitation findings for the 2025/2026 season. Despite a shorter calendar window than the 2023–2024 season, this year’s event outperformed it across virtually every category.

According to data from Visit Macon, the 2025/2026 event drew 723,000 non-resident visits, a 10.3% increase over the 652,800 recorded in the prior season. Non-resident visits are all visits by people not living in the Business Improvement District (BID) footprint, including commuters and traditional visitors.

Long-distance visitors, defined as those traveling 50 or more miles, grew 4.6% to reach 116,440, underscoring the event’s standing as a regional attraction drawing visitors to Macon. The total economic impact was $7.359 million, averaging $193,678 per event day.

During peak viewing hours of 6–10 PM, the blocks of Poplar and Third Street recorded 107,700 evening visitors, a 12% jump over the previous year.

The 2025/2026 season continued to draw visitors from across the Southeast, with Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee rounding out the top five home states.
The lights didn’t just bring people downtown; they kept them spending. 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.

This season also marked the debut of the Marché de Noël, Macon’s first European-style Christmas market. The inaugural run attracted 18,199 shoppers across 10 days, with peak foot traffic on December 13. 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.

Bryan Nichols, Technical Director and Stage Manager of the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza, summed it up best: "What a season. 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. The best is still ahead: this coming year is our 10th anniversary, and Macon, you won't want to miss it."

Source: All data provided by Visit Macon.

About NewTown Macon We are an independent nonprofit that focuses on economic development and revitalizing Downtown Macon. We make it safe and beautiful and fun and affordable. And we keep it local. We are located at 555 Poplar Street, Macon, GA 31201 and can be reached at (478) 722-9909. For more information, please visit newtownmacon.com.