MACON, Ga. — For many of you, the countdown to Christmas is on, and that includes right in the heart of downtown Macon.
The Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza is coming back on Friday at 6:00 p.m., and it's been an annual tradition since 2017.
"The light show is for everybody, and the beautiful thing is it's one of the only places you can go that is 100% free," founder Bryan Nichols said.
He started the idea seven year ago, to bring in more tourism for downtown Macon. It started small, but it's grown to 5.5 blocks of downtown Macon, and over a million lights each year.
This year, they've got some new displays and even more sights to get pictures taken with.
"We've closed some of the streets off this year, so you can walk a little bit better and do a do a few things, it's a little bit easier," he said. "There's so many beautiful photo spots. Come have a Christmas card made!"
And stringing together lights and music, is the Macon Pops. They're the live orchestra show that plays synchronized music to the light displays each year.
"It would be just fine with a Christmas playlist, a Spotify playlist, but let's make it Macon! Macon-centric and unique," co-founder of Macon Pops, Steve Moretti said.
Moretti also plays drums each night during the shows. They have four shows daily, and he said they also added two new songs this year, including an original one. Each show is unique from the rest, so you can catch a different show each time you visit. You can see their song list here.
"We're all here just having a good time and forgetting what's happening in the real world for a little bit and that is priceless and that really has a profound effect on, on me as an artist," Moretti said.
Nichols said he loves seeing folks mingle and make new friends during the light display season.
"It's a really magical place to be and beautiful thing to come and see during the holiday season. Walk around, see your neighbors, talk to friends," he said.
Moretti hopes exposing more people to the local talent during the shows, will become a gift that keeps giving.
"We know the rich music history of Macon but it's our job to, part of our mission I should say to highlight and showcase the talent that we have now," Moretti said.
The show starts Friday at 6:00 p.m. and goes through Jan. 5. They'll have shows each and every night at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.
You can see the lights at Poplar Street, First Street to MLK Jr. Boulevard, Third Street, and Plum Street to Cherry Street.
Many downtown businesses will be open with shopping, food, and treats.