Georgia’s can’t miss holiday event of the year! Wild Adventures is Bigger, better and brighter than ever before.

December 12th, 2024

Every year millions of people look forward to the Christmas season, more so than any other time of the year. It’s a time of unparalleled joy, love, and wonderment, that brings out the best in the individual and really ties families together.

Christmas has its foundation on the birth of Jesus but is celebrated in so many delightful ways. The colorful array of glimmering lights, the towering trees filled with ornaments, the festive foods, drinks, and candy, the iconic Christmas characters, with Santa bringing it all together. Yes, there is no more special time than Christmas.

In Valdosta, Georgia is a theme park that checks all of these boxes and is essential for a wonderful Christmas experience. The name of the place is Wild Adventures, and their event is called Christmas Wild & Bright, which goes daily from 11/23-12/31/24.

Wild Adventures Theme Park has been known as one of the best family-friendly parks in the south, with impeccable cleanliness, affordability, and a diverse array of both rides and animals. During the warmer months, Wild Adventures even has a wonderful Water Park and a who’s-who concert series which is not to be missed.

But, during Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright, the entire theme park is transformed into an epic ‘Winter Wonderland.’ Everywhere you look, you see some of the over 2 million brilliant lights that help create an unparalleled atmosphere.

Among those lights, around the park’s central lake, are seven towering, animated trees that display shows every 30 minutes, dancing to the tune of your favorite Christmas songs. Seeing them reflect off of the water’s mirrored surface is simply breathtaking. Enjoy it while taking in the holiday-themed Carol of the Animals Lake show.

For a one-of-a-kind view of all the park’s amazing lights, scale up 100 feet in the air on the ride, Aviator that swings you around while you control the angles. Wild Adventures has many rides, at many levels of thrills, throughout the park guaranteed to keep anyone excited and happy. From their legendary multi-directional roller coaster, Boomerang, and the inversion-crazed coaster, Twisted Typhoon, to the milder version, Swamp Thing and Marsh Mayhem.

In between the exhilarating rides, you can wind down at some of Wild Adventures Wild & Bright’s best attractions. Start out with Holly Jolly Junction, which features characters and set pieces from the timeless movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This area is filled with cookie making, fun reindeer games, and great photo opportunities with its characters.

Almost every area in the park had holiday-themed characters to meet and photo ops for making memories. My personal favorite was their Tunnel of Stars. It was so impressive, not just to behold, but to walk through as well. You are immersed in a tunnel of animated lights like being inside the belly of a Christmas tree. Be sure to take and post some photos to wow your friends.

Ever since the movie The Polar Express came out, my kids have been obsessed with trains and their desire to go on a train ride. Well, here you are invited to come aboard the Candy Cane Express. This Christmas train travels through an array of whimsical light displays and passes by some of the parks most beloved animals.

From candy canes to gingerbread is the Gingerbread Village. With candy decorations all around, you will feel like you stepped onto the set of a Willy Wonka holiday show. Try to keep from eating the gumdrops off of these walls though (lol). To settle your grumbling tummies, sit by one of their open-flames and indulge in some make your own S’mores (yum!!!).

The highlight for most kids, though, is seeing Santa. What a wonderful place Wild Adventures has created with Santa’s Outpost. Not only can you meet and take pictures with Santa himself, but there’s so much more packed into this area. You can write letters to Santa, enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, and experience a full-on blizzard as you get blasted in Santa’s Snow Storm Party.

For the more outgoing kids, there’s a chance to become a star and have some fun at “Holly Frostington’s Elf Training Academy” or they can even take part in The Magic of Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. The way that Wild Adventures caters to children and their families is truly second-to-none.

As a parent, I loved everything, but I was particularly blown away by the Wonder Walk area. This location has a boardwalk that goes through the twisting, climbing trees of the Georgia wetland. It really seems like a park unto itself and holds its own. Now, for Christmas Wild & Bright, this area soars to a whole new level. You are transcended into a state-of-the-art laser display unlike any I’ve ever seen before.

As fun and enjoyable as everything here is, it still wouldn’t be Christmas without giving the proper homage to Jesus himself. Wild Adventures puts on a must-see show called The Miracle of Christmas Nativity. The cast members, outfits, and scenery really do an excellent job in bringing the birth of Christ back to life. As Mary and the ensemble are singing, you are sure to join in with them and be filled with joy!

As an added bonus, make sure you purchase a Christmas Tasting Card. You get unlimited soda for the entire day and five Christmas food items to feast upon. There are different items throughout the park, like Apple Cinnamon Funnel Cake, Cherry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, Santa’s Loaded Potato Soup, and so, so much more!

Wild Adventures’ vice president and general manager, Jon Vigue, is quoted saying, “It is no exaggeration to say the Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright is the largest holiday event we’ve ever hosted in our 27-year history. We aimed to create an unforgettable Christmas experience for families in our region, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to wrap themselves in Christmas spirit at this event.”

I’m just mesmerized at how much they put into this event. Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright was able to showcase the very heart of Christmas, while maintaining the indelible heart of a child. This is definitely a holiday mainstay, not just for children, but for everyone that loves Christmas and having fun at an incredible place. One that, unlike most other places, won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Make sure to visit before December 31^st or you’ll have to wait an entire year to check this out for yourself.

For more information on tickets and discounts go to their website: https://www.wildadventures.com