Georgia boasts a unique range of Christmas towns that offer seasonal festivities, from the state’s beautiful mountains to the coast. Whether it’s a romantic night at the theater or a family weekend in the snow, there’s something for everyone. It can be difficult to choose which ones to squeeze into the busiest season of the year, so here are the top picks.
Holiday in the Park At Six Flags - Austell
Six Flags Over Georgia has extended its season through Christmas the past few years, and it is an exciting way to go “light-seeing.” Roller coasters and countless twinkling lights just go together; try taking in the view from the peak of the massive thriller Goliath.
The park’s locomotive carts take passengers around the park to see different displays, and Santa is waiting at the end. This is a great activity to get the best bang for your buck. Tons of lights, s’more roasting, the big guy, and rides make for an eventful night that will mesmerize the kids.
Some exciting rides include Twisted Cyclone, which sends riders head-over-heels at 50 miles per hour through the magical lights in S’mores Village. You can also catch the slapstick comedy show “Bad Bob Humbug,” which is packed with holiday laughs the whole family will enjoy.
Dates: Select Days November 18th, 2023 – January 3rd, 2024
Official Website
Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights - Pine Mountain
Drive-thru light shows are so cozy; load the car with blankets and snacks while lights glisten all around you. Fantasy in Lights winds through the beautiful grounds of Callaway Gardens and is a good 45-minute drive, at least. Snow machines can be found through certain displays; kids in Georgia don’t see a lot of snow, and it’s really exciting!
There’s plenty to do before or after your drive. The Christmas shop is a must, and there are several snack vendors along the waterside. You’ll find kettle corn, pretzels, eggnog, cider; all the deliciously festive stuff. Callaway Gardens’ other attractions, like the butterfly conservatory, can be incorporated for a full day of fun.
Dates: November 17th, 2023 – January 1st, 2024
Official Website
Tybee Island Lighted Boat Parade - Tybee Island
The Crab Shack on Tybee Island began hosting this water display to raise money for the Second Harvest Food Bank, and it has drawn crowds from far and wide. Local boats from around the area join in by accenting their vessels with colorful lights and other Christmas flares. When the high tide rolls in, the parade begins. Awards are given to the favorites, but it’s certainly hard to pick.
It’s a really unique way to see lights, and the intertwined beach and Christmas spirit are completely fun.
Dates: December 1, 2023
Official Website
Garden Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens - Atlanta
Combining art and tradition, Garden Lights is a walkthrough experience that places observers within an unbelievable amount of luminescent bulbs. Actually, getting out of the car and mingling through the decor is a nice change-up and makes the experience up close and personal. You really feel in the experience.
Tunnels, fountains, and music-synchronized light shows mesmerized. As if the gardens weren’t gorgeous enough already, add the Glittering Galaxy and Radiant Rainforest lights; pure magic.
Stop by the Garden’s restaurant, Longleaf, for dinner after the show. The chef serves up artisan cheese plates, exotic salads, grass-fed burgers, salmon, and other flawlessly prepared dishes to seamlessly round off a memorable night.
Dates: November 18th, 2023 – January 14th, 2024
Official Website
Stone Mountain Christmas - Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain’s village comes to life with over 2 million lights, live performances and plenty of treats and trinkets. A 4-D, shortened version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is complete with real effects like snowfall from the ceiling, chilly winter breezes and images that look as if you can reach out and touch them. A parade dances through the streets and Santa debuts with Mrs. Claus.
You can ride the lift to the top of Stone Mountain; it’s included in admission. Be sure to go early, as it shuts down before other attractions. The Atlanta skyline, as well as glittering lights below, can be seen from the top.
Snow Mountain is a wildly popular extension of the Christmas festivities; you can tube down a snowy hill right here in Georgia!
Dates: Select Days November 11th, 2023 – January 2nd, 2024
Official Website
Christmas at the Mansion - Milledgeville
Tour through the historic Milledgeville building with incorporated education with holiday splendor. Every year, the mansion is decked out in trimmings you would’ve seen in the 1800s, and each beautifully unusual practice is explained. Why was citrus fruit used as decoration? This distinguished the owners as a high class since wealthy families were the ones lucky enough to have access to fruits for decking the halls.
So much history is already within the building, and when you add not only beautiful decor but historical decor at that, it becomes an enriching experience for the whole family.
Dates: November 11th, 2023 – December 22nd, 2023
Official Website
The Nutcracker at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre - Atlanta
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre opened in 2007 and is home to a 2,750-seat theater, hosting Broadway shows, ballets, concerts, and more. It’s only appropriate that this premier, world-class venue hosts one of the most spectacular holiday ballets around.
For most of December, the performing arts center features The Nutcracker, presented by Atlanta Ballet. Theater-goers can expect incredible sets and costumes in addition to high-tech features like video projections, adding a modern twist on a Christmas classic.
Dates: December 8th – 26th, 2023
Official Website
Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas - Dahlonega
Dahlonega is one of those places that is effortlessly adorable. Maybe it’s because it’s in the mountains, or maybe they just do a great job holding onto their old-fashioned roots. Their Christmas event is complete with an official lighting of the square in late November and a huge parade on December 2nd. Santa makes his official appearance in the long line of parade excitement.
All month long, various concerts, performances, and markets take place along the glistening square. It’s just one huge celebration that everyone participates in. Be sure to try the fudge shop on the corner. They always have the cutest, tastiest seasonal treats!
Dates: November 24th – December 31st, 2023
Official Website
