Fun Things to Do in North Georgia for the Holidays

Atlanta might seem like the best place to be during the festive season for fun and exciting events, but there are many things to do in North Georgia for the holidays that residents and visitors can enjoy in December! From gazing at twinkling Christmas lights adorning 100-foot pine trees, riding in a horse-drawn carriage through a traditional Christmas town, or chatting with Santa on a boat or a train, the unique adventures you’ll find in North Georgia are second to none!

See Holiday Lights With the Family

The Fantasy In Lights event at Callaway Resort & Gardens is a spectacular journey through a seven-mile scenic drive featuring 17 brilliantly illuminated Christmas scenes. A forest of sparkling lights, life-size snowflakes, giant ornaments, and the Callaway Christmas Village encaptures the season’s magic! The Field of Lights scene is nearly two football fields long and features a Christmas tree over ten stories tall (approximately 100-120 feet), making it the oldest Christmas tree in the South! Tickets available: Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024

Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is an award-winning light extravaganza featuring more than 30 holiday scenes that transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. Located a quick drive from downtown Chattanooga, this magical Christmas lights experience is one of the memorable events of the season. Visitors love to explore the Arctic Kingdom, North Pole Village, and the Magic Forest for holiday shopping, lighted scenes, and visits with Santa. Tickets available: Nov. 17 – Dec. 31, 2023

Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Lanier Islands is a magical walk through holiday lights and unique scenes with festive, seasonal music. Grab a cocktail or hot chocolate and a sweet treat from the Tipsy Elf to add to the experience and warm you up as you tour the ground. Ice skating, a snow play area, fire pits, s’mores, carnival rides, and more are available at Snow Island – one of Georgia’s most popular snow attractions and fun for the entire family. Tickets available: Nov. 22-26, 2023; Dec. 1, 2023 – Jan. 3, 2024, then weekends only through Jan. 15, 2024

If you’re up for a unique adventure on the water, Christmas Cove on Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville is the perfect holiday destination! Take a boat ride to view the colorful displays at “Christmas Cove,” a quiet enclave on Lake Sinclair where local tradition has neighbors adorning their docks and boat houses with Christmas decorations and lights that reflect on the calm waters. Soar across the lake, bundled up with a steaming mug of cocoa, and cruise along the cove at sunset for a show that stretches for miles! The light display is only viewable by boat from Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2023. If you need to rent a boat, many local marinas offer them. Additionally, if sitting seaside with Santa is on your wish list this year, H20 Adventures offers Cruises with Santa this holiday season!

Visit a Holiday-Themed Home or Town

Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega is back! Come out with family and friends for the Christmas Parade on December 9, and don’t forget to visit with Santa on various dates throughout the month. The Dahlonega Square will be lit with Christmas lights and offer horse carriage rides, festive music, food trucks, wine tastings, extended shopping hours, and more holiday festivities until Dec. 31!

This year, the Old Governor’s Mansion in Milledgeville will transform into a traditional representation of Christmas’s past in the time before the Civil War. Every room is embellished with authentic period decorations during Christmas at the Mansion. Candlelight home tours are also available on Dec. 2 and 16 for visitors who want to experience the home in all its historic splendor. Tickets available: Nov. 11 – Dec. 22, 2023

Go on a Festive Train Ride

All aboard the Polar Express™ to the North Pole! A train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a 1-hour or 4-hour ride is great for families with small children. Riders will listen to holiday music classics, and “The Night Before Christmas” story will be read aloud. Children will receive a holiday goody bag and get a chance to visit Santa Claus as he makes his rounds on the railway. You can enjoy delicious hot chocolate and other snacks from the concession car. Tickets available: Nov. 24 – Dec. 24, 2023

Find the Christmas spirit on the Georgia Coastal Railway when Jolly Old Saint Nick and his elves board the Santa Special Christmas Train in Kingsland. This 70-minute journey is packed with entertainment for the family. Other beloved holiday characters will join this year, including Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and many more! Popcorn, beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks are available at the station before departure. Tickets available: Nov. 24 – Dec. 23, 2023

‘Home for the Holidays’ with Peachtree Building Group

We hope your holidays are filled with family memories, warm nights by the fireplace, and a newfound appreciation for home. Peachtree Building Group wants to help you come home for the holidays this year! Contact us today to learn more about our available new homes in North Georgia and our exclusive incentives to save you money to receive up to 15K* on the new home of your dreams!

*Use toward closing costs or interest rate buy-downs. Must use builder’s preferred lender – contact an agent for full promotion details, offer valid only on contracts written by 12/31/2023.