Growing up in Atlanta, with extended family who lived far north of the city, I was blessed with so many great Georgia Christmas memories.
From riding the Pink Pig and watching the lighting of the Great Tree at Rich’s (now Macy’s) to cutting our own Christmas trees in the mountains, all of them became beloved traditions for getting my family into the holiday spirit.
As an adult, I loved seeing all the incredible Christmas lights in Georgia, including the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Callaway Gardens, and Lake Lanier Islands.
But these days I increasingly long to spend Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with deep blue skies, wide open spaces, and a genuine possibility of snow turning the scenery into a winter wonderland.
To that end, here’s our look at the 20 best North Georgia Christmas events for 2022, including beloved mountain towns such as Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Clayton, Dahlonega, Helen, Hiawassee, and Lookout Mountain.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit
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North Georgia Christmas Events Guide
(Arranged alphabetically)
- Christmas in Blairsville
- Christmas in Blue Ridge
- Christmas in Clayton
- Christmas in Dahlonega
- Christmas in Dalton
- Christmas in Dawsonville
- Christmas in Helen
- Christmas in Rome
- Christmas on Pettit Creek Farms (Cartersville)
- Goats On The Roof Christmas (Tiger)
- Holiday Happenings (Alpharetta)
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell)
- Holiday Lights at Cherokee Veterans Park (Canton)
- Holiday Lights of Hope at Hobgood Park (Woodstock GA)
- Lights of Joy (Kennesaw GA)
- Lights of Life (Marietta GA)
- Light Up the Holidays at Barnsley Resort (Adairsville)
- (Margaritaville) Lake Lanier Christmas Lights (Buford)
- Mountain Country Christmas in Lights (Hiawassee)
- Rock City Christmas (Lookout Mountain)
- World of Illumination (Marietta)
1. CHRISTMAS IN BLAIRSVILLE GA
The tiny North Georgia mountain town of Blairsville GA doesn’t get as much attention as its neighbors, Blue Ridge and Helen.
But for those who prefer not to deal with the endless traffic and crowded trails that result from an influx of tourists, therein lies a big part of Blairsville’s charm!
Christmas in Blairsville is just as quaint and charming as you’d expect from a Blue Ridge mountain town of less than 700 people.
From Dec 1 through 31, you can check out the Tour of Trees at the Union County Community Center, where 40+ beautifully decorated trees and wreaths will be displayed.
On Dec 3rd the Holiday on the Square event takes place which includes pictures with Santa at the Historic Courthouse from 4pm to 6pm, a festive parade starting at 6pm, and the annual tree lighting following the parade.
Afterwards, make sure to grab a bite to eat at one of Blairsville’s restaurants.
Other fun holiday events happening in Blairsville on Saturday Dec 3rd, include the Holly Jolly Christmas- Breakfast with Santa (including photo opps) and a tiny train and the Union County Farmers Market’s ‘Kris Kringle Market’.
The 20th annual Vogel State Park Tree Lighting happens on Dec 10th. There will be a bonfire, music, hot chocolate, hot cider, cookies with Santa Clause and more!
Guests are invited to bring an unwrapped gift age 12 and under for the Sheriff’s Department.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Georgia
2. CHRISTMAS IN BLUE RIDGE GA
The signature Blue Ridge Christmas event, Light Up Blue Ridge, begins on “Blue Friday” (aka the day after Thanksgiving), with bargains for holiday shoppers, great food from local restaurants, and wandering carolers.
The 10th annual Gingerbread Village at the Arts Center also opens on Blue Friday and remains open through December 13th featuring 90+ creatively decorated gingerbread houses for you to admire.
The following day, there is live entertainment, a window decorating contest, and a Christmas Parade at 5:30 pm.
Santa will also be at the gazebo for photos or you can drop off your Christmas list for him at Santa’s mailbox and receive a hand-written reply days later.
After that, you can ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Holiday Express, which runs Nov 25-Dec 23.
While the beloved Holidays at INOLA Blue Ridge won’t be happening this year, other events in Blue Ridge include the Tuba Christmas downtown and a musical performance by Rick Stone at the Epworth Community Club.
READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge, GA
3. CHRISTMAS IN CLAYTON GA
Located in northeast Georgia, Rabun County is best known for outdoor attractions, including 3 state parks and popular waterfalls such as Hemlock Falls and Minnehaha Falls.
But they also offer an array of great Christmas events in Clayton GA the whole family can enjoy.
Starting off the holiday festivities is the Holiday Arts and Crafts Extravaganza, which will be held at the Rabun County Civic Center from 10am to 5pm on November 25th and 26th.
The shopping extravaganza features one-of-a-kind, locally-produced gifts such as Christmas arts and crafts, delicious baked goods, jams and preserves, honey, and more.
Benefiting a local charity, the event will also feature a silent auction of fully decorated trees from the Annual Festival of Trees.
Lastly, at 2pm on December 3rd, there’s the annual Rabun County Christmas Parade, which features festive floats and even Santa himself!
READ MORE: North Georgia Christmas Tree Farms: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
4. CHRISTMAS IN DAHLONEGA, GA
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega GA is best known for its 1828 gold rush, its wealth of wineries, restaurants, and a music scene (including the Bear on the Square Festival) that birthed the careers of Indigo Girl Amy Ray and country star Zac Brown.
The main Dahlonega GA Christmas event, Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas, is a quaint, decidedly retro affair that makes the holidays a great time to visit the tiny town.
It begins in Downtown Dahlonega on November 25th with the annual tree lighting, with the historic town square (centered around a courthouse built in 1836) festooned in festive lights and decorations.
There are Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides ($15 for adults, and $7 for kids 12 and under) around the public square to take it all in, and Santa will be available for family photos Nov 25-Dec 18 on Fridays from 4-6pm, Saturdays from 12-6pm, and Sundays from 1-5pm.
There will also be a Christmas Parade at 11am on Dec 10th, with floats, marching bands, costumed characters, civic organizations, and more.
Best of all, the Dahlonega GA Christmas celebration will last until December 31st, so you can ring in 2023 on a fabulously festive note!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Dahlonega GA
5. CHRISTMAS IN DALTON, GA
Located in northwest Georgia less than 30 miles south of Chattanooga, the city of Dalton is best known as the carpet capital of Georgia.
But this bustling city of 33,000+ people have a lot of other things going for it, including a small but diverse assortment of Christmas events.
Downtown Dalton will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration on Nov 25, and the Spirit of Christmas Parade on Dec 1.
The Creative Arts Guild will be hosting their Mistletoe Market on December 2 and 3, where you can find local artists selling handmade goods such as jewelry and decor. Perfect for doing some Christmas shopping!
But the town’s most unique Xmas event is the Christmas Shindig at Tunnel Hill (Nov 28 & 29). Billed as “North Georgia’s most exciting Christmas variety show,” it will feature local singers, dancers, comedians, and more showcasing their talents with festive holiday flair.
READ MORE: The Best Christmas Lights in Atlanta and North Georgia
6. CHRISTMAS IN DAWSONVILLE, GA
Located 15 miles southwest of Dahlonega GA in the foothills of the North GA mountains, Dawsonville is best known for Amicalola Falls, the Appalachian Trail‘s southern terminus, and the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.
But Christmas in downtown Dawsonville GA is nothing to shake a stick at either, with loads of different options sure to appeal to every member of the family.
The holiday festivities begin on Saturday, Nov 19, with the 10th annual Jingle Market offering a chance to shop for Xmas gifts from local vendors and dine from a variety of food trucks.
Kids can pose for pictures with Santa in race cars at the Racing Museum, roast marshmallows to make S’mores over a bonfire, and check out the Dawsonville Christmas Parade starting at 4pm.
The eventful day ends with the Lighting of the Tree at dusk, which signals the official beginning of the Dawsonville Christmas season.
READ MORE: 15 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christmas
7. CHRISTMAS IN HELEN, GA
For a unique Georgia Christmas with a heaping dose of Bavarian flair, head to the alpine town of Helen GA in December!
Christmas in Helen GA is always a hoot, with most of the local attractions decking their halls (and windows) with holiday spirit.
The joyous festivities kick off with the Lighting of the Village on November 25 from 5pm to 7pm. In addition to unveiling the beautiful downtown Helen Christmas lights, the event will feature the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus to Riverside Park, musical performances, and other merriment.
The Christkindl Traditional German Market will be open on Nov 26-27 and Dec 3-4 where you can shop for unique Christmas gifts and decorations as well as a variety of sweet treats.
The annual Helen Christmas Parade will take place on Dec 3 at 5 pm, with costumed characters, festive floats, and, of course, Santa Claus himself spreading holiday cheer through the streets of downtown Helen.
READ MORE: 15 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA
8. CHRISTMAS IN ROME, GA
Located west of Cartersville in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome is a mid-sized town of 36,000+ people situated at the confluence of three rivers.
The annual Rome Christmas Parade will take place this year on November 29 and will be on Broad Street at 1st Avenue and end at 6th Avenue in front of the City Hall.
With its theme of “The Joys of Christmas,” the event will start at 6:30pm and feature a winter wonderland filled with festive music, floats, and fun holiday inflatables.
Other events being held for Christmas in Rome include the Winter Art Market at the Rome Civic Center on December 3 and 4, and the Roam for the Holidays holiday shopping extravaganza on Dec 1, 8, 15, & 22.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Western NC Christmas Tree Farms Near Asheville, Boone & Beyond
9. CHRISTMAS AT PETTIT CREEK FARMS (Cartersville)
337 Cassville Road, Cartersville GA
Encompassing 80 acres in Cartersville GA, Pettit Creek Farms has been in the Allen family since 1945, when Raymond & Fannie Mae Allen relocated to the current location after Lake Allatoona was expanded.
Today the working farm is run by their grandchildren, with the great-grandchildren being groomed to take over.
So it’s no surprise that Christmas at Pettit Creek is a family affair, with old-fashioned hayrides, a petting zoo with live Reindeer, and more.
The celebration runs from Nov 24 until Dec 30, and good old Santa Claus drops in for photos every Thursday through Sunday.
You may want to bring some extra cash, as they have hot apple cider, cocoa, and S’mores kits for roasting on the campfire. They also have real Christmas trees for sale!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Tree Farms in Virginia
10. GOATS ON THE ROOF CHRISTMAS (Tiger)
3026 Highway 441 S, Tiger GA
If truly bizarre Georgia Christmas events are more your speed, make plans to visit Goats On The Roof, a roadside attraction on Hwy 441 S in the tiny town of Tiger, GA.
If you’ve never been there, it’s a crazy place. There are actual Goats on the roofs of multiple buildings, all connected by a sky bridge (the only thing missing is a troll!).
The Goats (who tend to prefer shade in the heat of summer) can also come down to ground level to be fed and petted by visitors, with goat chow available for purchase.
If that’s not enough interaction for you, then check out Goats On The Roof Christmas. Santa will be there from 11am to 3pm every Saturday from Nov 25, posing for photos with you!
Unfortunately, Santa will not have his baby goat this year. All photos are self-take and free.
READ MORE: 50 Fascinating Facts About the History of Santa Claus
11. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS (Alpharetta)
The city of Alpharetta is packed with a variety of events during the holiday season that are perfect for enjoying with friends and family members of all ages.
Kicking off on Nov 20 with the Lighting of the Avalon, there will be special holiday performances and entertainment, fun activities, the official opening of the ice-skating rink, and even a magical visit from Santa.
Alpharetta will also be hosting the Season of Celebration event, which takes place the first three Fridays in December, starting with the annual tree lighting downtown on Dec 2.
Each week the activities will vary from things like falling snow and carolers to photo opportunities with life-sized Nutcrackers and Santa.
There will also be the Arts Alpharetta Artists Holiday Market at the Alpharetta Arts Center (Dec 2-3), the Jolly Jingle Jam for parents and kids (Dec 2), the Alpharetta Community Chorus Winter Concert (Dec 11), and showings of A Christmas Story: The Musical at ACT1 Theatre (Dec 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18).
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta
12. HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT CHEROKEE VETERANS PARK (Canton)
7345 Cumming Highway, Canton GA
If you like Christmas in Georgia, Americana, and military veterans, you’ll LOVE this unabashedly patriotic holiday celebration at Cherokee Veterans Park in Canton GA.
The park is home to a monument that’s dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of all the military veterans who have served our country.
Starting in late November each year, this all-American attraction offers a 2-mile drive featuring over a million twinkling Christmas lights. They include animated displays, two drive-thru tunnels, and a 1/4-mile devoted to the various branches of the US military.
Tickets are $20 per car, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to various non-profits, including CRPA Play it Forward, Papa’s Pantry, and Veterans of Cherokee County.
Holiday Lights will be available from Nov 21st until Dec 31st, and it will be open daily no matter the weather.
READ MORE: The 30 Best Hiking Trails in North Georgia Bucket List
13. HOLIDAY LIGHTS OF HOPE AT HOBGOOD PARK (Woodstock)
6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock GA
Holiday Lights of Hope is a giant walk-through Christmas light attraction in Hobgood Park in Woodstock. Now in its 11th year, the attraction features over two million dazzling lights, including both traditional and animated displays!
There will be photo opportunities with Santa, a mile-long Christmas maze, and a chance to roast s’mores over a bonfire.
If you want to get some Christmas shopping done, you can take a stroll down Main Street and enjoy holiday tunes from Christmas carolers.
Tickets for the event are only $10, with children 14 and under getting in free, and the money will benefit the Anna Crawford Children’s Center.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Christmas Lights in Atlanta and North Georgia
14. LIGHTS OF JOY (Kennesaw)
1510 Ben King Road NW, Kennesaw GA
Lights of Joy is known as the biggest residential Christmas light display in Georgia, featuring over 230 Christmas trees that are filled with lights.
Beginning Nov 27, several Christmastime figures will decorate the area and the lights can even be synchronized with 102.1 FM alongside nine different musical trees. This gives visitors an amazing dancing light display!
Due to this being a walk-through Christmas light display, there is parking available at the Influencers Church across the street.
It is a free holiday event, but guests are asked to leave their pets at home.
READ MORE: The 10 Most Festive Christmas Towns in Virginia to Visit
15. LIGHTS OF LIFE (Marietta)
1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta GA
Lights of Life at Life University is one of the oldest holiday events in Atlanta, drawing in huge crowds each year.
Located on the Marietta’s college campus, this 1.5-mile drive features a million LED lights and a 65-foot-tall Santa and sleigh display that’s the tallest in all of the Southeast!
They change up the light display each year so visitors will see something new no matter how many times they see it. This year’s light display will run from Nov 24 to Dec 31.
Buses are $20 and all trucks and cars are only $10, and there are also pony rides, a petting zoo, and a chance to get photos with Santa!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in North Carolina
16. LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS AT BARNSLEY RESORT (Adairsville)
597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville GA
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Adairsville, GA, Barnsley Gardens is famous for its historic Manor House ruins, which date back to the pre-Civil War era.
Now a posh luxury resort, Barnsley annually decks its gorgeous English-style garden and ruins with a dazzling array of colorful holiday lights.
Decorating Christmas cookies, making gingerbread houses and wreaths, and telling stories around the campfire are just a few of the holiday-themed events offered at Barnsley Resort throughout the holiday season.
There will also be an exciting breakfast with Santa on Nov 26th and opportunities to take photographs with the jolly big man.
The holiday fun lasts from Nov 23rd to Jan 1st.
Check rates for the Barnsley Resort via Booking.com.
READ MORE: The 12 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in North Carolina
17. MARGARITTAVILLE LAKESIDE LIGHTS
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford GA
Back in December 2008, Mary and I fell in love and kissed for the first time at Lake Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights. We’ve been back almost every year since then to celebrate the holidays at our special place, creating lots of great family memories.
So it was with great sadness when we learned our beloved drive-through Christmas light display had officially been retired after nearly 30 years.
Fortunately, it was replaced with a new light display. Now called the Lakeside Lights Spectacular, the attraction is a walk-through light show set to holiday music, with hot cocoa and cocktails available for purchase along the way.
These Christmas lights and displays range from traditional holiday scenes to Margaritaville-themed arrangements and will run nightly from Nov 19 to Jan 16. There will even be carnival rides, holiday games, and visits with Santa!
Lanier Islands will also offer holiday-themed accommodations at the Legacy Lodge, including a Breakfast & Santa Package, Virtual Elf Tuck-In Package, Elf PJ Story Time Package, and Complete Holiday Adventure Package. Check rates for the Legacy Lodge at Booking.com.
READ MORE: The 20+ Best Western NC Christmas Events in Asheville, Bryson City & Beyond!
18. MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS (Hiawassee)
1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee GA
Located on the shores of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are best known for hosting the Georgia Mountain Fair and Georgia State Fiddlers Convention.
But on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from Nov 25 to Dec 23 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), the venue is also home to the Mountain Country Christmas In Lights.
This Southern-fried annual attraction combines a spectacular holiday light show with Christmas music (often provided by local church groups), country-style food, and of course pics with ol’ St. Nick.
This season they also expanded their arts and crafts booths for even better shopping opportunities.
Returning this year is “Cow Town,” which offers attendees a chance to milk a cow or help make butter, ice cream, and soap the old-fashioned way, using traditional methods and tools.
Best of all, admission is just $6 dollars for adults, while kids ages 12 and under are free!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
19. ROCK CITY CHRISTMAS (Lookout Mountain)
1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain GA
Now in its 28th year, the Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City is an award-winning celebration of the season straddling the Georgia-Tennessee border.
Named one of the Top 20 Events in the region by the Southeast Tourism Society, this annual attraction is arguably one of the best places to spend Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Open from Nov 18th through Jan 1 (closed Dec 24), their Christmas light display features over 30 holiday scenes and nearly a million LED lights, turning the rocky surroundings into a beautiful winter wonderland.
There’s no shortage of dazzling scenery when it comes to walking through the Grand Corridor in Yule Town or exploring the beauty of the Magic Forest.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of seasonally appropriate activities, from decorating gingerbread cookies (to-go kits available) and drinking hot cocoa, to eating Reindeer (Kettle) Corn and seeing Santa in his North Pole Workshop.
Souvenir photos of Santa are available at additional cost.
NOTE: Guests must reserve an entry time in advance online. Tickets cannot be purchased upon arrival at Rock City. Leashed pets are welcome.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Virginia
20. WORLD OF ILLUMINATION (Marietta)
250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta GA
Coming back for another year of extravagant Christmas lights on November 16, World of Illumination is the producer of the largest drive-thru light show in the world.
This year’s theme of Reindeer Road will be filled with hundreds of animated displays and millions of colorful lights.
There will also be a 500-foot-long tunnel that doubles as Santa’s magical portal, set with LED lights!
The entire display takes 25-30 minutes to drive thru and runs from 6pm to 10pm each night. Tickets are $40-$50 per vehicle and a portion of the proceeds go towards Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia.
–by Bret Love; additional reporting by Christina Maggitas & Samantha Dickens.
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