2024 Christmas Light Extravaganza boosts Macon-Bibb economy by $7.1 million

Visit Macon reported that more than 685,000 people visited historic downtown Macon during the Christmas light display.

March 5, 2025

Monica Diaz-Meek,

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The 2024 Christmas Light Extravaganza contributed an estimated $7.1 million in economic development to Macon-Bibb County, according to a news release.

Visit Macon reported that more than 685,000 people visited historic downtown Macon during the Christmas light display. Visit Macon also noted that out-of-state visitation grew by 3.9% compared to last year.

President & CEO of Visit Macon, Gary Wheat, shared the following statement:

“Despite the loss of a week due to the timing of Thanksgiving in 2024, the Christmas Lights Extravaganza continues to grow its economic impact attracting thousands from outside Macon-Bibb County resulting in increased visitor spending and record sales tax collections. The visitor economy continues to grow and add to the County tax base allowing for new projects and citizen savings through SPLOST and OLOST while supporting the operations of 11 Macon-Bibb tourism partners with the hotel-motel tax.”

Visit Macon released the following statistics:

Numbers of visitors decreased: 850,000 in 2023 vs. more than 685,000 in 2024
Economic impact increased: $7.1 million in 2024 vs. $6.8 million in 2023
Visitors spent on average $139.47 per trip this year
52% of visitors stayed in Macon more than 1 day
8.1% of visitors were from Florida
3.3% of visitors were from Alabama

Stage manager and technical engineer of Macon’s Christmas Light Extravaganza, Bryan Nichols, shared the following statement:

“What I love most about the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza is seeing all of the families and friends together – children smiling and memories being made. The economic impact numbers are the cherry on top of the joy the lights bring to visitors. I love seeing how full the restaurants are, thriving businesses, and visitors checking into hotels. These visitors are another reason to vote for the SPLOST, as their visits help support Macon’s infrastructure, parks, and other SPLOST-funded projects. As always, I can’t thank our sponsors and volunteers enough for helping make this a reality every year!”