As the holiday season continues to grow closer, many people are planning celebrations, putting up decorations and starting their shopping. Businesses and towns are getting prepared for the season as well, and residents on Atlanta’s Southside have an opportunity to visit many of these places right in their own backyard.

Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights begins next weekend, Nov. 22 and runs through Jan. 3, 2014. The area turns into one of the city’s biggest drive-through Christmas light parks with more than one million LED lights, and for the first time this year, the route include portions of the speedway’s racing surface. The Gift of Lights is open from 6p.m. until 9 p.m Sunday through Thursday, with admission of $15.00 per car.  Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays it is open from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. with admission of $20 per car. While you’re there, make sure to visit the Holiday Village that is presented by Speedway Children’s Charities. Open on Fridays and Saturdays, the village will have hot chocolate, photos with Santa, other holiday photo opportunities and a Christmas tree farm.

One of the most revered holiday traditions is the annual tree lighting that can be found occurring in town squares all over the state. This year, the cities of Locust Grove and Hampton will be holding their annual Christmas tree lighting on Thanksgiving night. The festivities will start at 6 p.m. in Locust Grove, where the Mackie Creek Band will play your favorite Christmas tunes as Santa arrives for the lighting of the tree at the Municipal Complex grounds. Hampton will kick its holiday celebration off at 7 p.m. at the Hampton Depot.

Located just minutes away from all of the holiday celebrations is Heron Bay Golf and Country Club, a master-planned community in Locust Grove. This fantastic community features a Canongate Golf Course and a full range of amenities, including a three-pool aquatic center, parks, seven miles of walking trails, a lighted tennis center, community lodge and much more. Home buyers have a plethora of home styles and price ranges to choose from throughout Heron Bay’s many distinct neighborhoods, making this the perfect community for every family, regardless of size or budget.

For more information on this esteemed community and the new Locust Grove homes that are available at Heron Bay, please visit www.HeronBayInfo.com or like Heron Bay on Facebook.