When you live in the city, you might dream about celebrating Christmas and New Years in a small, old-fashioned town with quaint traditions and festivities. Although it could seem like this type of traditional holiday doesn't exist anymore, some of Georgia's best small towns certainly prove otherwise each year around the holidays.
This holiday season, plan on spending a little time surrounded by the charm of these five top locations in Georgia.
Dahlonega. Nov. 25 to Dec. 31. Downtown Dahlonega. 13 South Park St., Dahlonega. 800-231-5543. www.dahlonega.org.
At the base of the Appalachian Mountains in North Georgia, you'll find the beautiful little town of Dahlonega. At first glance, you'll think you stepped right into Mayberry when you walk around the town square at Christmas time. Each year, Dahlonega hosts its Old Fashioned Christmas, complete with the Lighting of the Square, holiday parade and a visit from Santa -- perfect for the entire family. On Dec. 31, visitors can enjoy the First Night Celebration, with family fun, wine tasting, live entertainment, caroling and watching the "Nugget Drop" to ring in the new year.
Helen. Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11. Downtown Helen. 8600 N. Main St., Helen. 706-878-1908. www.helenga.org
If you've always dreamed of spending the holidays in Europe, try visiting Helen for Christmas or New Year's. This little Bavarian-themed village puts on quite the show during the holiday season, featuring the Christkindlsmarkt, or Christmas market, for a little holiday shopping, a visit from Santa, tree lighting at the Festival of Trees, holiday parade and Lighting of the Village. If you plan on spend New Year's Eve in Helen, you'll get the rare opportunity of watching the "Dropping of the Edelweiss."
Callaway Gardens. Nov. 18 to Jan. 7. 17800 U.S. 27, Pine Mountain. 855-421-3254. www.callawaygardens.com.
Callaway Gardens always makes the perfect family getaway, but this beautiful location really outdoes itself during the Christmas holidays. It all starts with Fantasy In Lights, which showcases 15 stunning scenes with over 8 million twinkling lights throughout the gardens. You'll also enjoy the Callaway Gardens Christmas Village where children can visit with Santa, while you can purchase a few gifts for loved ones. Special events take place throughout the holidays, including Story Time with Mrs. Claus, Fantasy in Lights Character Breakfast, a Holiday Dinner Show with the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and Holiday Chapel Services. Make sure to stick around for the New Year's Eve Party at Fantasy In Lights with live music and a countdown to Midnight.
Savannah. Nov. 27 to Dec. 30. Christmas events at various locations around Savannah. The Journey located at 55 Al Henderson Blvd., Savannah. 912‑629‑3359. www.savannah.com.
Savannah really knows how to put on a fantastic Christmas celebration. Each year, the nearby Hutchinson Island looks all aglow at the Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights, where you can see massive holiday displays with millions of intricate lighting that spans almost two miles. Savannah also hosts The Journey, a recreation of Bethlehem, complete with shops, a tannery, a blacksmith, a bakery, stables and an inn without any room.
Madison. Dec. 2 to Dec. 10. Heritage Hall. 277 S. Main St., Madison. 706-342-9627. www.madisonga.com.
The truly Southern town of Madison always makes its mark at Christmas time with its Annual Holiday Tour of Homes. Each year, beautifully decorated antebellum houses, churches and buildings open their doors to the public, allowing a glimpse into the awesome splendor and holiday magic created by these homes. Finish off your experience with Madison's traditional Caroling By Candlelight and Downtown Holiday Parade.
Interested in finding a great place to take someone special? Try the 8 most romantic overnight getaways near Atlanta.
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