You don't have to get too far out of town to visit some of the state's best attractions. Add these day trips to your calendar this holiday season.
Follow the journey of Joseph and Mary. Throughout December, the Biblical History Center (130 Gordon Commercial Drive, LaGrange, Ga. 30240) hosts daytime and nighttime Follow the Shepards walks where guests can follow the historical journey of Jesus' parents from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Reservations recommended.
Ice skate at Lake Oconee. The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Lake Oconee (1 Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, Ga. 30642) invites guests and non-resort guests to skate at their 6,000-square-foot Ice Rink at the Pavilion daily through Jan. 3, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Non-resort guests are charged $20 for children 12 and younger and $30 for adults to skate.
Get tacky and set a record at Six Flags Over Georgia. On Dec. 16, Six Flags (275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, Ga. 30168) will host a Tacky Sweater Party and an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most couples together to kiss underneath the mistletoe on Dec. 10. The first 125 couples who register to help break the record get free admission to the park.
Feast your eyes on illuminated ruins. Each year Barnsley Resort (597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville, Ga. 30103) illuminates over 1 million bulbs bringing the ruins of the original Barnsley estate and surrounding gardens and grounds to life in the spirit of the holiday season. The grounds are open to visitors and resort guests most days in December. An admission fee is charged to non-guests.
Play in the snow at Stone Mountain Park. At the base of Stone Mountain, through Feb. 26, you'll find Snow Mountain. The man made mound of snow is piled high covering an area the size of five football fields. Take unlimited tubing rides as an individual or with a group during your pass time, build a snowman or make a s'more. Ticket required for entry to Snow Mountain.
Go south and enjoy a fantasy land. Throughout December, Callaway Gardens (17800 U.S. Highway 27, Pine Mountain, Ga. 31822) is illuminated with 8 million bulbs, creating its annual Fantasy in Lights displays. In addition to seeing the lights, guests are invited to listen to a story told by Santa, take a train ride, be a part of a worship service at the chapel, shop at Christmas Village and see a show of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
