Northeast Georgia has so much to offer all year long, but now you’ll find a whirlwind of holiday events to enjoy with friends and family.
Our friends at the Northeast Georgia Travel Association compiled this A-Z list of towns and the special plans they have to share with you.
Blairsville
Black Friday Wine Release
Paradise Hills, Resort and Spa – Blairsville
Nov. 28 12 noon – 6 pm
Free samples of our newly released wine. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle. Cheese boards available for purchase. Various discounts in our retail are
Christmas Open House
Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center
www.byronherbertreecesociety.
Nov. 29 10 am – 5 pm; Nov. 30 1 pm – 5 pm
Free. Exhibits, door prizes, light refreshments, gift shop bargains, music and crafts.
Waffles & Wine
Paradise Hills, Resort and Spa
Dec. 21 2 pm – 4 pm
No charge for the waffles. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle. Cheese boards available for purchase.
Kris Kringle Mountain Market
Union County Farmer’s Market
Dec. 5 4 pm – 8 pm and Dec. 6 10 am – 3 pm
European Outdoor Holiday Market – Music, Children’s Area, 60+ Vendors with Produce, Crafts, Art, Handmade Gifts & Food. Roast Chestnuts, Sing Carols, Sit on Santa’s Lap, Bonfire. Blairsville-
Downtown Blairsville Christmas Fun
Dec. 6 11 am – 1 pm
Visits with Santa in the courtroom of The Old Courthouse. .
2 pm Christmas Parade with the arrival of Santa Claus.
10 am – 4 pm Open House In the restored Butt-Mock House (1906) at the Mountain Life Museum Center. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce
Tour of Trees
Dec. 1-31 9 am – 5 pm
Union County Community Center
Over 30 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths by local businesses on display.
Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce
Christmas Tree Lighting at Vogel State Park
Dec. 13 4 pm – 7pm
Caroling, hayrides, Santa Claus, 3-bonfires, hot chocolate, cider, and cookies. Bring unwrapped gift for a child 0-12 years of age. (No toy guns or knives.) Bring a blanket/chair for warmth and comfort.
Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce
Braselton
Small Business Saturday
Nov. 29
Sidewalk and tent sales. Food truck court and farmers markets on Harrison Street. The “Stop and Eat on Harrison Street” special event will be from 11am to 3pm and shopping specials throughout the day. www.DowntownBraselton.com
Clarkesville
Holiday Open House at Hickory Flat Pottery
Nov. 28 – Dec. 14
Hot cider, cookies, music and great pottery.
Kiln Opening and Studio Tours
Hickory Flat Pottery
Dec. 5 – 7
Habersham County Christmas Parade
Downtown Clarkesville
Dec. 6 10:30 am – 12 noon The parade will begin at 10 am at the intersection of Washington St. and West Llewellyn St. in Clarkesville. The parade will follow Washington St. and then take a left onto HWY 115. clarkesvillega.com
A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas
Downtown Clarkesville
Dec. 13 6 pm – 8 pm Tree Lighting
Tree-lighting, caroling, hot cocoa and Santa at the gazebo, and the ever-popular Windows at Woods. Christmas light contest, extended shopping hours, and the Elves on our Shelves Hunt. Festivities will continue throughout the holiday season. 706-754-2220
Times Square in Habersham New Year’s Eve Party
The Old Clarkesville Mill
Dec. 31 7:30 pm – 12:30 am
Great Food/Cash Bar/Desserts/Champagne; Number One Live Party Band from Atlanta. Black Tie or Casual – Your Choice; Tickets: $45 – after December 15th $55
www.foothillscounselingcenter.
Clayton and Tiger
4th Annual Green Friday Event
Chattooga Ridge Canopy Tours (Zipline)
Nov. 28
A portion of the proceeds will be given to local tree planting projects.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Dec. 6 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Hot mulled wine around the fire pit and sliders. Holiday music by Jazz Mountain. Admission $15. www.tigerwine.com. Groups of 6+ need reservations.
Dec. 13 1 pm – 3 pm
Annual Christmas Open House at the tasting room. Hors d’oeuvres, local cheeses and artisan breads. Free. Marie Dunkel performing Christmas music on cello and violin. www.tigerwine.com
Beechwood Inn
Traditional Style Thanksgiving Dinner
www.beachwoodinn.ws for full menu
Nov. 27 beginning at 3:30 pm
Cozy fire on the hearth and sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres; family-style gourmet turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Two day minimum stay. One week cancellation policy for dinner. 30 day cancellation policy for lodging on Thanksgiving Day.
Beechwood Inn New Year’s Package Weekend
Dec. 30 – Jan. 1
Two Night Minimum. To celebrate New Year’s 2014 we have planned a full Tuscan event – with Tuscan foods, great Italian wines and live music.
Cleveland
North Georgia Zoo – Live Nativity
Nov. 28 – 30 10 am – 9 pm
Remember the “Reason for the Season”. We will have a Marshmallow Roast, Wool Jump and other Holiday activities that are FREE with admission to the ZOO!
Cornelia
Christmas in Cornelia Holiday Lights Spectacular
Nov. 27 – Jan. 1 Open Nightly Free
Christmas in the Park
Cornelia Community House & Cornelia City Park
Dec. 17 – 21
Ice skating returns to Cornelia City Park – $5
Make & take crafts for the kids in the elf workshop and visits with Santa. Shop with various vendors in the Christmas Market. Also, light display, hayride, Christmas carols, S’mores & hot cocoa. Group rates available 706-778-8585 x 280.
Cumming
9th Annual Christmas Parade
December 6
Christmas Parade and Jingle Jog 5K
www.marketplacechristmas.com
Dahlonega
Thanksgiving on the Mountain Top
Montaluce Winery & Le Vigne Restaurant
Nov. 27 11 am, 2 pm and 5 pm
Enjoy a 5 course family style meal – taking reservations now for 3 seatings.
Dawsonville
Nov. 28 – 30 After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale
Nov 28: Midnight – 10 pm; Nov 29: 8 am – 10 pm; Nov 30: 10 am – 8 pm
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/
Dillard
New Years Eve Party
Dec. 31 8 pm til ?
A party to bring in the new year. This is to thank everyone for supporting us this past year. We will have a live band – The Remnants.
http://www.rvmountainvillage.
Gainesville
Lake Lanier Canopy Tours
Nov. 29
Bring out your family and friends and create an experience and memory you will be thankful for! Call to book for November 29th and we will take 15% off your reservation if you mention this ad. (Not valid for the express tour and can not be combined with any other offer – reservations required)
Dec. 27
We will be zipping for a Christmas celebration. Let us give you a gift this year. When you call and make a reservation for December 27th we will give you 15% off your reservation! (Not valid for the express tour and can not be combined with any other offer – reservations required)
Lake Lanier Canopy Tours will be operating during Snow World. Leap from 60+ feet high to make you feel alive! Come experience The Drop, We will be operating during Snow World hours. $5/drop
The Nutcracker by The Gainesville Ballet
Brenau University, Pearce Auditorium
Dec. 5 7:30 pm; Dec. 6 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Dec. 7 at 2 pm
Mingle with Kringle
Main Street Market, Historic Downtown Gainesville
Dec. 6, 13 and 20 10 am – 3 pm
Hang out with Good Ol’ St. Nick, give him your wish list and take a picture to cherish for years to come. And while downtown, enjoy lunch and shop local!
Christmas on Green Street
Dec. 7 4:45 pm – 8 pm
Christmas parade of antique cars, holiday floats and Santa! Music, magicians, face painters, activities and refreshments. Grand Finale… walking down the lantern lit Green Street to the Rotary Tree for the Lighting of the Tree. 770-503-1319
Helen & Nacoochee Village
Annual Lighting of the Village in Helen
www.helenga.org/events/annual-
Unicoi State Park Festival of Trees
Nov. 26 – Dec. 13 10 am – 10 pm except for Dec. 13 10 am – 2 pm
Admission-free; Parking $5
View the beautifully decorated trees and wreaths throughout Unicoi Lodge. This event is held each year to raise money for United Way of White County
www.helenga.org/events/
Holiday Tours at Hardman Farm State Historic Site
Sautee Nacoochee
Nov. 28 – 30, Dec. 5-7; Dec. 12-14 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm. 5 pm
Tour the “Big House”, gently dressed with simple holiday décor from the natural world. $8/adults; $7/seniors 62 and over; $5/ages 6-17; $3/5 and under (plus tax). Call 706-878-1077 Friday thru Sunday to register for a tour. Temporary entrance on Hwy. 75 just north of the intersection of Hwys. 17 and 75.
www.helenga.org/events/annual-
Little Flying Reindeer Zipline Parties
See your children dressed up as reindeer and watch them “fly” down the Terminator Little zipline at ZipNTime. Each reindeer will go home with a commemorative photo. 706-878-9477
Santa in the Nacoochee Village
Dec 13
Santa is making a special stop in the Nacoochee Village. Check www.nacoocheega.com for Santa’s schedule and details.
Give the Gift of Adventure
Nacoochee Village
Purchase a Gift Certificate from ZipNTime for $25 and receive a Moonshine Canopy Tour or Guided ATV Tour valued at $49. Call 706-878-9477 Offer valid thru Dec. 20, 2014. Gift Certificates good through Dec. 31, 2015.
Fancy Doodle Holiday Painting Party
Nacoochee Village
Impress your co-workers, family, and friends and book a canvas session or paint your own pottery holiday party. Visit fancydoodle.net
Hiawassee and Young Harris
Crane Creek Vineyard’s continues the tradition of celebrating the “shortest day”. Chili bar, lighting of the bonfire, libations and holiday treats. Bundle up and join us as we say goodbye to the shortest day and chase away the darkness with holiday spirit.
The Royal Pirate’s Ball at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 8:30 pm
Open Bar (featuring Rum drinks), Gourmet Dinner Buffet, Music & Dancing, Balloon Drop at Midnight. Party + overnight stay + breakfast $599/couple. Party only $280/couple
Christmas at Young Harris College
Dec. 2 7 pm
YHC’s choral and instrumental ensembles annual concert – featuring the “Hallelujah Chorus”, and uplifting rendition of “O Holy Night” and more.
The Sounds of Christmas at Young Harris College
Dec. 5 at 7 pm & Dec. 7 at 3 pm
Two great ensembles, YHC’s Community Band and the Mountain Community Chorus join forces in a special Christmas program.
Christmas Open House at Hightower Creek Vineyards
Dec. 13 12 noon – 6 pm
Come join us for complimentary soup and mulled wine. Lots of new gift items in the tasting room! www.hightowercreekvineyards.
The Ridges Resort and Marina: Happy Holly-Days
Local events and shopping each day in December thru Christmas and overnight stay for only $109/night. Receive exclusive Happy Holly-Days Guide full of exclusive local discounts and promotions.
The Ridges Resort and Marina: New Year’s Eve Gala
Dec. 31
Live music by the Soco Creek Band! Three packages to choose from. BOOK NOW using promo code NYE.
Jefferson
Downtown in December
Downtown Jefferson
Dec. 5 5:30 pm
Step back in time at the museum for visits and photos with Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a horse drawn carriage at 5:30 pm. Free carriage rides throughout the evening. Crawford Long Museum
Poetry and Pajamas
Crawford Long Museum, Jefferson
Dec. 6 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Wear your pajamas and enjoy donuts and hot chocolate and listen to a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” performed by Andy Garrison. Children will make a Christmas craft to take home. $5/child. Crawford Long Museum
Lavonia
Christmas Tree Lighting
Downtown Square and Gazebo Area
Dec. 1 6pm
Enjoy entertainment, fellowship, hot chocolate & cookies and the beauty of the downtown lights.706-356-1926, 706-356-1932
Christmas Parade
Dec. 7 3pm
Parade begins at Lavonia City Hall and ends in Silo Center.706-356-1926, 706-356-1932
Christmas Festival
Downtown Square and Gazebo Area
Dec. 12 5 pm
Enjoy entertainment, arts & crafts, food, visits with Santa, Papa’s Little Choo-Choo Train and Horse & Carriage Rides 706-356-1926, 706-356-1932
Christmas Market
Saturday Mornings
November and December in the Gazebo Area 706-356-1926, 706-356-1932
Toccoa
Fourth annual Christmas at the Museum with a visit from St. Nicholas and photos with families and children. A CD with your 5 best poses will be available for $20.
Dec. 5 5 pm – 8 pm Free
Stroll or take a carriage ride through the historic district along main street and shop for unique gifts. Santa, Santa’s Express train, live nativity and live entertainment.
Festival of Trees – Downtown Toccoa
Stephens County Historical Courthouse
Dec. 5 & 6 Fri. 5 pm – 8 pm Sat. 1 pm – 4 pm
Each year businesses and nonprofits decorate a tree for their favorite charity. The trees are displayed in the Historic Courthouse Friday night and Saturday afternoon,
Toccoa Symphony Orchestra/Currahee Artist Guild- “Christmas on Ice” Concert & Art Sale
Georgia Baptist Conference Center
Dec. 7 Art Sale 2 – 4 pm Concert 4 pm
Tickets: In advance Adult $7/Children$3; Day of event: Adults $10/Children $
Victorian Christmas @ Traveler’s Rest
Travelers Rest Historic Site, Toccoa
Dec. 13 10 am – 2 pm Cost: $3 – $5
Georgia’s last standing Stagecoach Inn will have its Halls decked with decorations reflecting the Victorian Era. Historical interpreters, Free hot cider and teacakes.
Click Here for Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Association Holiday Events
