Experience the magic of North Georgia at Christmas! ❄️ Imagine twinkling lights dancing in historic town squares, classic parades full of festive cheer, cozy markets brimming with unique gifts, and enchanting walk-through light displays perfect for creating warm memories.

Whether you’re dreaming of family fun, romantic evenings, or timeless traditions, these mountain towns deliver genuine charm and holiday sparkle everywhere you turn.

Get ready to plan your perfect mountain Christmas adventure and let the seasonal magic begin! 🎄✨

 

North GA’s Top Christmas Events & Light Shows 2025: Complete Town-by-Town Guide

From festive tree lightings to dazzling parades, cozy markets, and enchanting light shows, each mountain town brings its own special sparkle. ✨

Ready to explore? Below you’ll find the biggest, brightest, and most heartwarming seasonal events happening across North Georgia’s towns in 2025.

 

Blairsville: Small-Town Community Gatherings

Blairsville is all about community connection and down-home fun at Christmastime. Here’s where you’ll spot festive cheer, local artisans, and Santa himself. 🎅

• Mistletoe Market (Nov 21 – 22) indoor arts and crafts show
  • Support local vendors and enjoy a visit from Santa!
• Kris Kringle Market (Dec 6) at Union County Farmer’s Market
  • Features 100+ vendors from 10 am – 2 pm selling gifts, products, and plants
  • Entertainment and kids’ activities, including a Santa Train
• Downtown Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting at 6 pm on Dec 6 in Downtown Blairsville
• Community Christmas Cantata on Dec 9
  • Enjoy “Ballad of Bethlehem” performed by the Handbell Choir, Children’s Choir, and Adult Choir (6 – 8 pm)
  • Bring a non-perishable item for the Food Pantry for admission
• Christmas Cookie Crawl on Dec 13 in downtown Blairsville
  • Returning in 2025 for its second year from 11 am – 5 pm
  • A ticket gets you a passport for 12 gourmet cookies and an exclusive canvas tote bag
  • Only 225 tickets are available (they are expected to sell out)

Whether you want to shop, sing, or soak up the Christmas energy, Blairsville’s calendar is packed with joy and community spirit.

 

Blue Ridge: Parades, Tree Lighting, & Small-Town Sparkle

Blue Ridge hosts the beloved ✨ Light Up Blue Ridge celebration on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, kicking off the holiday season with excitement and magic. The festivities include a full day of entertainment on the main stage, meet-and-greets with Santa, and a Gingerbread Village with over 60 houses this year!

The highlight arrives at 5:30 PM with the Christmas Parade, featuring illuminated floats, bands filling the air with holiday music, and the grand finale with Santa himself. As darkness falls after the parade, the magical Lighting of the Great Tree takes place right on Main Street, bathing downtown Blue Ridge in a shimmering holiday glow.

• Annual Christmas Tour of Trees 🌲 on Nov 16 and Nov 23 benefits Fannin County Shop with a Cop
• Blue Friday in Downtown Blue Ridge (11/28/2025 from 12 – 5): enjoy small town sparkle with local merchants, music, and food vendors lining the streets
• Light Up Blue Ridge on Friday, Nov 29
  • Enjoy entertainment all day on Main Street and get pictures with Santa in the gazebo 🎅
  • Christmas Parade starts at 5:30 pm and rolls along Main and Mountain Streets with lit floats and bands
  • Lighting of the Great Tree happens right after the parade (around 7 pm)
• Annual Christmas Bazaar (Dec 6) at St Luke’s
  • Homemade goodies, including casseroles, whimsical Christmas gifts, and handcrafted attire

In addition to the special holiday events above, you’ll have more time to enjoy these quintessential Blue Ridge Christmas traditions.

• Find unique gifts and local art at the Annual Holiday Market at The Art Center in Blue Ridge (Nov 21 – Dec 23)
• Grab your mittens and head to the ⛸️ Blue Ridge on Ice seasonal Ice Skating Rink
  • Covered Ice Skating rink stays open rain or shine from Nov 26 to Jan 6 ⛸️
  • Located at the Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market and open daily (even on Christmas and New Year’s Day!)
• Take the 1-Hour Holiday Express Tour (Nov 28 – Dec 24) on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
  • Listen to holiday music and “The Night Before Christmas” story
  • Children get to see Santa Claus and receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell & a candy cane

In addition to these seasonal events, you’ll also find local art galleries, boutiques, and great restaurants! Blue Ridge during the holidays becomes an easy “park once and enjoy all day and evening” destination. ✨

If you want big Christmas energy with loads of charming traditions, Blue Ridge strikes a fun balance of festive cheer and small-town sparkle.

 

Cleveland: Christmas in the Mountains

🎁 Cleveland’s homespun charm shines when the holidays arrive, with family-focused activities and small-town generosity.

• White County’s 2025 Christmas In The Mountains on Dec 6
  • Holiday Market on the Cleveland Courthouse Square features gifts, crafts, and food vendors (12 – 7 pm)
  • FREE photos with Santa at the Chamber office (1:30 – 5:30 pm) 🎅
  • Lighted Christmas PARADE through downtown Cleveland begins at 6 pm
• Christmas Tea at Amanda’s Farm Tea Room on Dec 9 at 11:30 am
  • Enjoy a cozy Christmas Tea with festive treats, warm beverages, and plenty of holiday cheer!
• The 2025 White County Library Holiday Tour (Dec 13)
  • This cozy day-date features local churches and an extraordinary holiday-themed home
  • Fundraiser benefits furthering the mission of building a new library in Cleveland

Cleveland is a perfect stop if you are spending time in Helen or Sautee Nacoochee and want a less touristy feel with plenty of holiday warmth.

 

Dahlonega: Georgia’s Golden Christmas Gem

Dahlonega doesn’t just look like a Christmas movie town; it IS one. From the day after Thanksgiving through the new year, the town square glows with soft white lights wrapped around historic buildings, extended shopping hours, and nostalgic carriage rides. As one of Georgia’s most beloved “Hallmark towns,” Dahlonega shines bright in December when the historic mountain town dazzles in real life and on screen in Lifetime Christmas movies (“Christmas in the Smokies“, “Christmas in Homestead“, and “A Taste of Christmas“).

🕯️ The 2025 Christmas season in Dahlonega kicks off with the magical Lighting of the Square, turning downtown into a festive winter wonderland. The town’s centerpiece is the magnificent 30-foot Christmas tree that stands proud in the square, creating picture-perfect moments for family photos and holiday memories.

Mark your calendar for these special events:

• Lighting of the Square & Tree on Festive Friday (Nov 28 at approximately 6:30 pm) kicks off Old Fashioned Christmas with live holiday music and the official lighting of the tree and historic square
• Dahlonega Festival of Trees in Hancock Park (Nov 28 – Dec 31) features decorated trees that create a walk-through forest of lights
• Christmas Art Market (Nov 29) 🎁 exclusively features local artists and their works
• Dahlonega Christmas Parade (Dec 13 at 12:00 noon) weaves through the streets of the historic district 🎊
• Visit a Live Nativity on Dec 13 and listen to a reading of the nativity story
• Visit the Christmas Open House at Dahlonega Gold Museum on Dec 14 and get FREE admission and light refreshments
• Take the kids to Candy Cane Kid’s Day on Dec 20 from 2-4 pm to enjoy old-fashioned holiday activities and crafts for children

In addition, you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy these local traditions all season long:

• Take a nostalgic horse-drawn carriage ride through Dahlonega’s historic streets (Wednesdays – Sundays)
• Step back in time with a Dickens-inspired Christmas Tea in the Historic Head House at Waffle’s English Tea Room
• Visit with Santa 🎅 from late November through December (Fri – Sun) near the Christmas tree by the Visitor Center
• Christmas Market on Candy Cane Lane (Dec 6, 7, 13, 14) is a juried event with handcrafted original works by local artisans, themed gifts, and home-baked goods in Ms Claus’ Kitchen​
• The Dahlonega Christmas Historic Home Tour (multiple dates) features a guided look at this 1881 home and its rich history, architecture, and the stories of the families who have lived here over the years
• See live performances of A 1940’s Christmas Carol Radio Hour at the historic Holly Theater
• Take a 1.5-hour Dahlonega Christmas Walking Tour and hear Dahlonega Christmas stories, visit movie filming locations, and enjoy small-town Christmas charm

Dahlonega is Georgia’s undisputed Hallmark hero. Lights, carriage rides, and movie-worthy charm make this an epicenter for Christmas spirit.

 

Ellijay: Over 2 Million Holiday Lights & Small-Town Festivities

Ellijay brings big sparkle to its cozy mountain vibe with a huge walk-through light show 💡 and classic downtown celebrations.

• Merry Mountain Town 2025 on Nov 28th 🎶
  • Merry Mountain Town Festival transforms Broad Street into a festive wonderland with cheerful arts, vendors, and seasonal treats (12-7 pm)
  • Sessions with Santa with a $10 donation benefiting the Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter (includes a free plush toy)
  • Merry Mountain Town Parade begins at 6 pm and includes the official lighting of the town Christmas Tree 
  • Merry Mountain Town Decorating Competition begins and runs through Dec 21 – get in on the fun and vote for your favorite holiday displays
• Holiday Lights of Ellijay (Nov 24 – Dec 31)
  • Stroll through over two million lights, 100+ displays, towering lit trees, a light maze, and plenty of Instagram-ready spots that turn into instant holiday postcards
  • Santa Claus, music, concessions, and season-inspired vendors will add to the excitement
  • Attraction is closed on Dec 24 and Dec 25
• Breakfast Buffet with Santa at Cress Creeks on Dec 13 (9 – 11 am) includes a hearty buffet and a chance for little ones to meet Santa 🎅

For big lights in a laid-back mountain setting, Ellijay is a top-tier stop (and easy to pair with Blue Ridge or Jasper on a single trip!).

 

Helen: Alpine Christmas Village in the Mountains

Helen recreates a Bavarian Alpine village, then layers Christmas on top of it in the best way. ⛷️ This charming alpine town, with its distinctive Bavarian architecture and cobblestone alleyways, offers a setting so picturesque that Lifetime Christmas movies like “Christmas Love Letter” have been filmed here. Picture timbered facades wrapped in lights, horse-drawn carriages, German treats, and crisp mountain air.​

The festivities start on the day after Thanksgiving with the lighting of the village. Browse the displays at Helen’s Christmas Markets for unique gifts and imported German Christmas specialties you won’t find anywhere else. For a quintessential holiday experience, explore downtown shops adorned with garland and lights for warm pretzels, hot chocolate, and capture Instagram-worthy moments at every turn. 📸

Helen’s best holiday events include:

• Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Nov 28 to kick off the holidays with the annual village lighting ceremony
  • Local musical groups perform leading up to Santa’s arrival at Riverside Park
  • Children can meet Santa from 5 – 7 pm 🎅
• The Helen Christmas Market at the Downtown Marktplatz and 🎄 Unicoi Hill Park (Nov 29 – 30 and Dec 6 – 7) features imported specialties, handmade gifts, and sweets
• The Mistletoe Market at Helen Arts & Heritage Center (Nov 29 – 30) features works by some of the region’s finest artists
• Experience the First Annual Alpine Helen Weihnachten 5K on Dec 6th
  • Enjoy a charming nighttime Christmas Lights Walk through the festive town of Helen
  • Participants will follow the 5K route by sparkling Christmas lights, scenic parks, and Bavarian-style buildings
  • Features a Christmas Village styled like a traditional German market with unique regional holiday goods
• Annual Helen Christmas Parade rolls through town on Dec 13th at 6 pm, with fire trucks, horses, off-road buggies, and lots of candy

Plus, there are more great reasons to visit Helen for the holidays:

• Enjoy mulled wine, pretzels, strudels, and hearty German meals – no passport required
• Kids of all ages will enjoy touring the town on the Alpine Express Train (stationed at Two Wheel Tavern)
• Witness a recreation of the first Christmas at A Walk Thru Bethlehem featuring live actors and animals (Dec 12 – Dec 14 at Helen Riverside Park)
• Take a nostalgic horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming village
• End the year at the New Year’s Eve “Dropping of the Edelweiss” which blends Alpine style with Southern mountain celebration

Helen is the perfect choice if you want your holiday photos to look like you flew to Europe without leaving Georgia. 🎄

 

Hiawassee and Young Harris: Lakefront Lights at the Fairgrounds

 

At the scenic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Mountain Country Christmas in Lights transforms the venue into a spectacular walk-through light display. The event features Christmas music, arts and craft vendors, train rides, holiday food, hot chocolate, and visits with the Grinch, Mrs. Claus, and Santa. 🎅 If you love the idea of lights reflecting on the water, Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee is a must.

• Visit the Always Christmas store, a year-round local Christmas tradition since 1993!
  • Ranked #1 for Shopping in Hiawassee 🥇
• Mountain Country Christmas in Lights (Nov 27 – Dec 23)
  • Walk-through Christmas light display along Lake Chatuge, with pathways lined in lights and seasonal scenes
  • There is also a special Christmas Eve drive-through night on Dec 24 for those who want a relaxed, from-the-car experience
• Towns County Sheriff’s Christmas Parade on Nov 29
  • Begins at 5:30 pm at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds parking lot and travels into downtown Hiawasee
• Season of Light (Dec 5) at the Rollins Planetarium at YHC
  • This 8 pm show is about the coldest and darkest of seasons, featuring some of the year’s warmest and brightest celebrations
  • Explore traditions surrounding the most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter

Between twinkling lakeside displays and charming local shops, Hiawassee is a North Georgia holiday original.

 

Jasper: Lit-Up Nights of Christmas Cheer

For the 2025 holiday season, Jasper is adding even more fun to its usual list of holiday events!

The annual Night of Lights celebration in Jasper on Dec 7th features festive music, vendors, and family entertainment in front of the Pickens County Courthouse. Children can visit Santa before the Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 pm, which immediately precedes the parade down Main Street! With this year’s theme “Your Favorite Christmas Movie,” expect creative floats, nostalgic moments, and lots of photo ops.

• New for 2025! “A Robbins Family Christmas” Light Display and Maze (Nov 14 – Jan 3)
  • Leashed pets are welcome!
  • Outdoor walk-through (and under!) Christmas light display and maze
  • This remote location (on the Jeepfest grounds) is far from city lights for a stunning light display!
  • Santa, Mrs. Claus, and The Grinch will be on site on Nov 21 – 22
  • Toy Drive with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec 5 – 6 
• Holiday Market in Jasper (Nov 21 – 22)
  • 14th annual event features over 90 vendors
  • Friday Night Extravaganza is a ticketed event
  • Saturday Shopping from 9 am – 4 pm
• Jasper’s Annual Night of Lights Celebration on Sunday, Dec 7
  • 3:00 pm: The 19th annual Night of Lights festivities begin
  • 4:00 – 5:45 pm: Kids can visit with Santa Claus
  • 6:00 pm: Christmas Tree Lighting followed by a lighted parade down Main Street!
  • Toys for Tots will be accepting new, unwrapped toy donations to bring holiday cheer to those in need 🎀
• Inaugural Candlelight Christmas Shopping Night on Dec 12 in downtown Jasper

Jasper is that classic town where everyone turns out for the parade, then lingers in the glow to visit with neighbors and friends.

 

McCaysville GA & Copperhill TN: Twin-City Sparkle on the State Line

These two side-by-side towns, one in Georgia and one in Tennessee, share a river, a bridge, and a lot of Christmas spirit! 🌉 Seasonal highlights include:

• Light Up the Twin Cities on Nov 28 is a state-line lighting event that fills both downtowns with a festive glow
• Shop the unique Twin Cities Market (Nov 29 and Dec 6) where vendors set up on the downtown McCaysville – Copperhill Steel Bridge!
• Copperhill Christmas Parade on Dec 6 at 2 pm with the theme “The Copperhill Express!” (rain date Dec 13)
• A Copper Country Christmas on Dec 13 features arts and crafts throughout town and pictures with Santa 🎅
• Celebrate the longest night of the year on Dec 21 at Solstice at the Orchard, a unique Winter Solstice workshop and celebration hosted by The Folk

These twin riverfront towns are a fun spot if you love the idea of “two states, one Christmas outing” and want something a little different from the bigger-name towns.

 

Rabun County Holidays: Clayton, Dillard, and More

Tucked into the breathtaking mountains on Georgia’s northeastern edge, Rabun County offers a magical mix of old traditions and brand-new holiday fun. If you love twinkle lights, artisan gifts, and authentic Appalachian music (plus cookies, parades, and even a polar plunge!), Clayton, Dillard, and their neighbors are ready for you. Every corner of this mountain pocket comes alive with spirit and creativity as November turns to December.

In addition to the old traditions you know and love, new holiday traditions are starting as well.

• Christmas in Clayton on Nov 28
  • Merchants stay open late, live bagpiper, Santa Claus, and luminaries
• Holiday Art Market (Nov 28) at Bleu Canoe in Clarkesville
  • All vendors are local and items are handmade
  • Bar opens at 10 am / Food is served at 11 am
• Rabun Festival of Trees and Holiday Extravaganza (Nov 28-29)
  • Local artisans, unique gifts, and keepsakes at the Rabun County Civic Center and Historic Rock House of Clayton
  • Bid on trees in a silent auction (proceeds benefit the Northeast Georgia Food Bank Teaching Kitchen)
• Attend a theater performance of a Christmas classic in Dillard
  • A Christmas Carol runs from Dec 5 – 14 at the Dillard Playhouse
• Enjoy an Old-Time Christmas in Appalachia at A Foxfire Christmas on Dec 6
  • Santa visits and photos with Christmas caroling and live mountain music 🎶
  • Make-your-own ornaments 🎨, children’s crafts, Christmas cookies 🍪 , and a hot chocolate station
• Christmas Parade on Main Street in Clayton on Dec 6 at 5:30 pm
• Holiday Events at Tallulah Gorge State Park
  • Christmas at the Gorge (Dec 5 – 6) celebrate the season with crafts, Christmas music, visits from Santa, and hayrides at the park
  • Sunset Candy Cane Hunts (Dec 12 – 13) begin at sunset and are followed by a holiday movie, s’mores, and hot chocolate
  • Polar Bear Plunge at the beach on January 1st
• Downtown Clayton Cookie Crawl (Dec 13) at Veterans Park in Clayton
• Dickens in Dillard (Dec 13) Charles Dickens Christmas Festival in the Mountains
  • Vendor market, live entertainment, holiday activities, and festive ambiance
  • VIP tickets are available that include a stylish buffet and an indoor lounge space
  • Complimentary shuttle service from Clayton

Every corner of Rabun County, from Clayton, Dillard, Mountain City, and Tallulah Falls, shines with hometown warmth and creative spirit. Come for a festival, stay for a show, grab a handmade ornament, brave a polar plunge, or just stroll under the glow of mountain Christmas lights.

 

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Holiday Adventure

A little planning goes a long way in North Georgia at Christmastime! Here’s how to soak up all the magic:

• For overnight trips, book lodging as early as you can, as cabins, inns, and B&Bs will book up for parade and festival weekends 🌄
• Arrive at parades and tree lighting ceremonies at least an hour early to secure a good spot and soak in the authentic small-town atmosphere 🚗
• Bring cash for artisan markets and pop-up vendors (sometimes credit isn’t available)
• Take a midweek visit to experience smaller crowds (weekday events include Ice Skating in Blue Ridge, Holiday Lights of Ellijay, and Mountain Country Christmas in Lights)
• Pack layers and cozy accessories as mountain temperatures can fall quickly as the sun sets before light displays are turned on 🧣
• Set aside time to wander the decorated main streets, enjoy live music, and take in the unique local ambiance

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The North Georgia mountains are packed with creativity, tradition, and warm welcomes – from the day after Thanksgiving until the final light fades in January. Whether you’re planning a big family Christmas, a romantic weekend, or a new holiday tradition, we hope this guide inspires you to explore, get festive, and support these one-of-a-kind mountain towns.

Want more local North Georgia fun? Check these articles for more great ideas:

• Winter Magic in the Georgia Mountains ❄️
• North Georgia Events Calendar 📅
• Romantic Getaways in the GA Mountains 💘
• Shopping in North Georgia 🛍️

Ready for your adventure? Tag #GaMountainsGuide in your holiday photos and let us know which events or lights put a sparkle in your season! Happy holidays from the mountains! 🎉