Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort‘s 14th Annual Magical Nights of Lights celebration. Known as the world’s largest animated light extravaganza, the holiday celebration begins Saturday, November 18th and runs through Friday, December 30th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

"Magical Nights of Lights is a holiday tradition for people of all faiths," said Virgil Williams, managing owner of Lake Lanier Islands Resort. "From our live nativity scene with actors and animals to our new ice skating rink, there is something for everyone.”

Under new ownership since August 2005, Magical Nights of Lights features new and improved holiday entertainment and attractions along with its traditional driving tour through more than six miles of giant, illuminated characters that comprise of millions of twinkling lights. Children and adults alike will be dazzled by the festive splendor, including The Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa’s Elves at Work, the North Pole Express, the Animated Sliding Penguin, Jack & The Beanstalk, Jet-Ski For Two, a virtual tunnel through Icicle Bridge and a stroll down Candy Cane Lane.

Presented by Blackshear Place Baptist Church, the live nativity scene premiers December 1, 2006 complete with actors, live animals, manger and first century-like stable.

After the driving tour and nativity scene, stop by the latest addition to the holiday merriment, the ice skating rink. The cost is $3.00 per person plus $6.00 to rent skates if needed. The 4,250 square foot rink opens each day at 4:00 p.m. beginning November 18 and closes December 30th. Groups can book the rink in the mornings by calling 678.318.2026.

Holiday Village is a must-see for everyone, complete with a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, delicious holiday fare, pony and amusement rides, holiday shopping and much more. Look for that perfect Christmas tree to take home with the family and decorate. And what holiday spectacle would be complete without a visit with jolly old St. Nick? Kids of all ages can take a break from roasting marshmallows and riding ponies to have their photo taken and share their holiday wish lists with Santa at the Santa Shop. Nominal charges apply to the Santa photos, amusement rides, pony rides and marshmallow roasting.

Entry into Magical Nights of Lights is $30 per car, Monday to Thursday; $40 per car Friday to Sunday and holidays; $55 per passenger van and $150 per bus. Car passes are also available online at www.lakelanierislands.com/mnol for $30 anytime plus $1.95 transaction fee. Discounted coupons for weekday entry can be obtained through participating Publix, Party City, The UPS Store, Great Clips and McDonald’s locations.

Visitors to the 2005 Magical Nights of Lights experienced several enhancements, which will be implemented again this year:

· More efficient traffic flow, including an express lane with scanners for tickets purchased over the Internet and additional off-duty Sheriff's deputies to help keep traffic moving smoothly.

· Additional concession and restroom areas, one of which is conveniently located near the front gates to the Islands.

· Every vehicle will receive an event brochure for this year's Magical Nights of Lights. This guide details the route, each light display, and restroom and concession areas.

With holiday packages available at a price even Scrooge can appreciate, families can turn the visit to Magical Nights of Lights into an overnight getaway at the Emerald Pointe Hotel & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. The Magical Nights of Lights package includes accommodations for a family of five; one vehicle pass through Magical Nights of Lights’ displays; complimentary pony and amusement rides for up to three children at the Holiday Village; and Breakfast with Santa** in the Resort’s Windows Restaurant. Packages start at $179* per night. For package information or reservations, please call 770.945.8787.

*Based on availability. Offer not valid with any other offer or discount. Price does not include tax or resort charge. Package rate of $179.00 is available Sunday – Thursday. Price increases to $199 Friday – Saturday. **Breakfast with Santa available on select dates; however, breakfast is included with the package on dates that Santa is not present.

Directions: To reach Lake Lanier Islands Resort, take I-85 N to I-985 N to exit 8 (Friendship Road). Turn left on Friendship Road. Friendship Road ends at the Lake Lanier Islands Resort entrance. Or take Georgia 400 to exit 14 (GA Highway-20). Travel east on Highway-20 for ten miles. Turn left onto Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Turn left onto Friendship Road. Friendship Road ends at the Lake Lanier Islands entrance.

About Lake Lanier Islands Resort

Forty-five minutes from northeast Atlanta, Lake Lanier Islands Resort is situated on the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier and is Georgia’s most visited lakeside resort destination. The 1,100-acre resort provides a variety of amenities and services. Emerald Pointe Hotel & Conference Center, 30 lakeside cottages, two award winning golf courses Emerald Pointe and PineIsle, scenic horseback riding, spa services, famed wine tasting dinners, campsites and boat rentals from Harbor Landing are currently available for reservations. Each year, the Beach & WaterPark is open during the summertime and Magical Nights of Lights, the world’s largest animated holiday light extravaganza, takes place mid-November until the end of December.

In August 2005, the lease interest in the hotel and businesses at Lake Lanier Islands was sold to LLI Management Company, a resort enterprise of the Virgil R. Williams family of Gwinnett County, Georgia. The Williams family is committed to enhancing the recreational experience on the Islands through higher quality developments and accommodations, more leisure opportunities and superior landscape.

Conceptual ideas for future development of Lake Lanier Islands Resort includes a variety of lodging accommodations and price ranges, including an expansion of Emerald Pointe Hotel & Conference Center and potential development of a luxury lodge. The upscale lodge would replace PineIsle resort, the original and first lodging facility on the islands, which dates back to the early 1970s. Other accommodations being considered are a boutique hotel, harbor/beach club, small group conference hotel and family center and bed and breakfast inn. Eco-friendly transportation such as electric cars, Segways and electric and standard bicycles will be available for travel around the islands. Scenic paths, viewing stations, gardens and current roads will be created or updated to accommodate future transportation and complete the feel of the “natural sanctuary.”

For more information about Lake Lanier Islands Resort visit www.lakelanierislands.com.