Nothing feels like Christmas more than spending the holidays in one of the quaint little towns tucked away in the North Georgia mountains. Whether you dream of an old-fashioned tree trimming, Christmas parade or caroling with hot chocolate, these towns keep traditions going throughout the holiday season.
This year, plan on stopping by one of these North Georgia towns for Christmas or New Year's Eve. It's sure to be one to remember.
Ellijay. Downtown Ellijay. 197 N. Main St., Ellijay. 706-635-4711. www.ellijay-ga.org.
Although you might think of going up to Ellijay to pick apples, find a pumpkin or pick up some local grass-fed beef, Ellijay also puts together one of the best small town holiday celebrations in the South. Its annual Light Up Ellijay celebration, put together by the Ellijay Downtown Development Authority, includes a holiday parade, live entertainment, tree lighting ceremony and Santaland, where kids can visit with Santa and take part in fun activities. Ellijay offers so many stunning photo opportunities perfect for holiday pictures, you won't want to forget your camera, and make sure your little ones bring along their lists for Santa Claus.
Dahlonega. Dahlonega Visitors Center. 13 S. Park St., Dahlonega. 800-231-5543. www.dahlonega.org.
Right in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the little town of Dahlonega will surround you with small town charm throughout its town square. Every year throughout the winter season, Dahlonega puts together an Old Fashioned Christmas, which features a holiday parade, the Lighting of the Square and a visit from the big guy himself. If you hang around until New Year's Eve, you'll get a chance to witness the annual "Nugget Drop" at the First Night Celebration, an evening filled with wholesome family fun, caroling and live entertainment.
Helen. Downtown Helen. 8600 N. Main St., Helen. 706-878-1908. www.cityofhelen.org.
Picture yourself walking through a Bavarian village decorated for the holidays inside a storybook. This fantasy comes to life each year up in Helen, a little town in the northeastern part of the state. Most of the buildings around the town of Helen were designed to resemble a real Bavarian village, which makes Helen truly a magical place to spend the Christmas holiday. Every year, Helen hosts the annual Christkindlsmarkt, which includes a holiday market to stock up on gifts, stunning tree lighting at the Festival of Trees, a visit from Santa, a holiday parade and the Lighting of the Village.
Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge City Park. 350 Gray St., Blue Ridge. 706-632-2815. www.blueridgemountains.com.
The beautiful mountain town of Blue Ridge truly knows how to put on a holiday celebration you'll never forget. At its yearly Light up Blue Ridge event, visitors can see the 27-foot-tall Great Tree, the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a festive Christmas parade, photo opportunities, a gingerbread house contest and window decorating contest. Fun for the whole family, the Light up Blue Ridge has a little something for everyone.
Looking for a holiday destination to take someone special? When you're looking for the perfect romantic trip to take with your partner this Christmas, don't wait until the last minute to start planning. Try these 8 most romantic overnight getaways near Atlanta.
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