License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville Review

Snow in metro-Atlanta? It’s rare, but there is one place where it’s always guaranteed — License to Chill Snow Island brings a snow-filled winter wonderland at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands where you can go snow tubing, have snowball fights, and ice skate.

In the summer, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is all about water slides and lakeside fun. But once winter rolls around, the resort transforms into a snowy paradise complete with snow tubing, a snow play area, ice skating, and carnival amusement rides. It’s one of North Georgia’s most festive winter attractions, perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants a dose of snow without leaving the South.

We spent a full day snow tubing and ice skating (because as a figure skater, that’s what I’m really here for!), and it was such a fun snow day that you can’t find anywhere else in Georgia! Here’s what to expect when you visit License to Chill Snow Island this season.

A special thanks to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands for providing us with tickets to License to Chill Snow Island! As always, all opinions are my own.

License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

License to Chill Snow Island at Lake Lanier is the only place in metro-Atlanta that you’re guaranteed to get snow this holiday season. So if you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, you won’t want to miss this!

License to Chill Snow Island is open on select dates from November 15, 2025 through February 22, 2026.

Here are all the fun things you can do at Margaritaville’s Snow Island this winter:

Blizzard Mountain Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is probably not something you thought you could do in Georgia, much less at Lake Lanier. But at License to Chill Snow Island, you can have all the snow tubing fun you want!

Blizzard Mountain is a 575-foot-long, eight-story high snow slide that you can tube down, if you’re brave enough. It’s one of the longest snow rides in North America!

Don’t worry, you don’t have to walk all the way to the top; grab a tube near the bottom and hop on the moving sidewalk to take you the rest of the way up.

This adrenaline-pumping snow tube sends you flying down the hill — you might even do a 360. Lines can be long for this ride, but it’s worth the wait.

Frosty’s Ice Rink

Ice skating is my favorite winter activity (actually, I do it all year-round)!

Frosty’s Ice Rink is a small covered rink that’s enclosed on three sides, so you don’t have to worry if the weather outside is frightful. The seating area is covered as well, with plenty of heaters to keep you warm as you watch the skaters.

There’s no limit for how long you’re allowed to skate. It’s a small rink, so it can get pretty crowded. As far as outdoor rinks go, this ice wasn’t too bad.

Check out more places to go outdoor ice skating in Atlanta here.

Snowball Alley

Ready for a snowball fight?

Snowball Alley is heaps of fun. Snow is piled high for you to run around (careful, it’s slippery) and have a snowball fight, make snowmen, make a snow angel, and more! Seriously, kids were making entire snow tunnels through these mounds.

If you, or your child, have never seen snow before, this is definitely a great experience. Be sure to wear something more waterproof, especially shoes, because you will get soggy.

Snow Island Amusement Rides

All throughout Snow Island, you’ll find carnival rides and games. There’s a Ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars, a swinging pirate ship, and more.

Be sure to take note of the height requirement. Many rides have a minimum height, and some are for kids only.

Santa Sightings

On select days in December, you can find Santa at his workshop inside the gift shop. You’ll have the opportunity for a family photo and for the kids to give him their wish list.

Santa is at Snow Island from 5 p.m. to close on December 3-4, 10-11, and 17-20. Santa visits cost $12 or 4 activity tickets for a family of up to 6. Check back for 2025 Santa dates!

Festive Treats

S’mores, cookies, cake pops, hot chocolate. There are tons of delicious holiday treats around Snow Island.

Stop by the Glacier Café and Glacier Café Bakeshop for things like burgers, chicken tenders, hot cocoa, cookies, cake pops, and s’mores kits.

The Tipsy Snowman has treats perfect for adults. Get your favorite brew or a cocktail, either hot or cold, to help warm you up. I’m a big fan of a spiked hot chocolate. You can also get some snacks here.

The Parrot’s Nest is open for a quick snack to-go or a meal on the patio, like chicken tenders, curly fries, and pretzels.

There are also plenty of carnival treats like funnel cake, corn dogs, nachos, and fried Oreos.

Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights

Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights is back (replacing Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular) for a 6-mile drive-through light show that happens nightly.

This light show set to holiday music features festive holiday scenes and shimmering displays. You can drive through at your own pace in the comfort of your own car.

Holiday Headquarters at Game Changer

This year, Game Changer has been transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkling holiday decor, Clark’s Holiday Pop-Up bar (from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), a festive menu, outdoor fire pits, and the same fun and games as always.

Pop in for a chance to meet Santa on select nights, drink Moose Mug cocktails, and have all kinds of festive fun.

Landshark Bar & Grill

For dinner, head to the Landshark Bar & Grill. You can drive to it and park at the Grand Hall parking lot).

This sit-down restaurant serves a menu of burgers, fish tacos, fried shrimp, tropical cocktails, and your favorite brews.

Snow Island and Lakeside Lights Spectacular Dates

License to Chill Snow Island is open on select dates from November 15, 2025 through February 22, 2026. Hours vary by date. See their full schedule for hours and dates.

Snow Island is open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day!

Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights is open nightly from November 15, 2025 through January 4, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Magical Nights of Lights is open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day!

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518

Snow Island and Magical Nights of Lights Pricing

One-Day Passes include access to snow tubing, snow play area, the ice rink, and amusement rides. These cost $59.99 for adults; $44.99 for children ages 4-7, active and retired military, and seniors 62+; and free for children ages 3 and younger. Evening tickets starting at 6 p.m. cost $39.99

Access to License to Chill Snow Island and LandShark Landing after 5 p.m. will require a Magical Nights of Lights ticket.

Magical Nights of Lights tickets start at $25 per car (up to 10 passengers) when purchased in advance online and $35 per car at the gate, or $100 per van/shuttle (up to 20 passengers), or $250 for buses (21 passengers or more).

Winter Fin Passes are the winter season pass, and these cost $89.99 per person, or $154.97 with a Magical Nights of Lights add-on.

You’ll also have to pay the Lanier Islands gate fee, which costs $20 per vehicle.

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Cheers!

Paige

Have you experienced License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands? Let me know in the comments!