Vacation Guide in the Mountains - Holiday 2025 - 18.5
Making memories is what life is all about! North Georgia offers so many things to do regardless of the season! Book your getaway in one of our beautiful cabins, many on streams, rivers, lakes and discover nature at a whole new level. Hike one of our beautiful trails, go horseback riding, take the kids to one of the apple houses and experience picking your own apples or strawberries, visit one of our fabulous wineries, enjoy a delicious meal at one or our local restaurants, check out some of the many stores, antiques and boutiques for a unique shopping experience and don't forget to take the kids to the wellknown "Big Foot Expedition", that all ages enjoy! Take memory photos and share them with us!
Your Local Guide to the North Georgia Mountains. Let the Vacation Guide in the Mountains help you find Events, Festivals, and Recreational Activities. Find the best local places to Eat, Shop, and lodge with handy Maps to make getting around easy.
Just find the # - for the advertiser’s location on the Local City Map or Centerfold Area Map.
Every Issue we will feature a Community Spotlight and point you in the right direction of Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, or Scenic Road Trips in our area.
View our website at www.MountainLakeGuide.com
to find everything Online & Links to find more about our Restaurants, Shopping, Lodging, and Area Recreation.
And remember to like us /MountainVacationGuide /Mtnvacationguide
Tell them you “Found them in the Vacation Guide”
9
Edition, Volume 19, Issue 1 Need Advertising Info? Call Kathleen Painter: 706-896-2412 or office: 888.896.2412
permission of the publisher. MLP, Inc. is not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors.
Morning Mist sunrise over the mountains
by Kathleen Painter
photo
Dahlonega Is a Treasure
From Gold Rush dreams to mountain streams — Dahlonega is pure Georgia treasure. Originally Dahlonega was known for the Cherokee word meaning “yellow money” and was the site of the first major U.S. Gold rush in 1828, which was 21 years before California’s rush and is home today to the artifact-rich Dahlonega Gold Museum. The Historic 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse is the home to the Dahlonega Gold Museum where visitors can see rare gold coins, artifacts, and history of the area.
There is more to this town than it’s “golden history”, as Dahlonega has the greatest concentration of wineries in all of Georgia. Its fertile, mineral-rich soil produces amazingly versatile lines of European, French hybrids, and American wine grapes used in the making of many award-winning wines.
Dahlonega’s restaurants range from cozy bistros to friendly cafés to metropolitan-chic delights. The downtown square also offers plenty of shopping including one of a kind boutiques, art galleries, historic tours & attractions, concerts in the park, and local wine tasting rooms.
Surrounding the area are a host of outdoor activities including Amicalola State Park which is located just outside of Dahlonega on GA Hwy 52. The park was named “Amicalola” which means ‘tumbling waters’ by the Cherokee Indians for its spectacular waterfall, which is the highest waterfall in the Eastern U.S. at an awe-inspiring 729 feet. Dahlonega is home to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,100 plus mile hiking trail that extends up the eastern United States from Georgia to Maine.
Voted Georgia's Best Small Town in 2022 by Southern Living, visitors are welcomed to lodge in a variety of accommodations including Cabins, Resorts, Historic B & B's, hotels or camping in the surrounding area. Just pack your bags, schedule some time and let Dahlonega's hometown hospitality take care of the rest!
Plan your visit today today and discover why “It's Pure Gold”.
Stop in or call the Dahlonega Visitor’s Bureau at 13 Park Street. Call 1-800-231-5543 or go to www.dahlonega.org for more information.
road trip to
Come visit the beautiful Alpine town of Helen in the heart of the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Experience walking through a fairytale of dreams from the villages of Germany with Bavarian style food, and fun for everyone. Many businesses go beyond the German brews, bratwurst, schnitzel and goulash to greet you in lederhosen and dirndl dress to welcome you with hospitality.
Lighting of the Village kicking the festivities off is in late November. The charming, colorful pitched roofs drip with twinkling Christmas lights, and when lucky enough to get a rare touch of snow, the town looks like a Bavarian winter wonderland. Throughout the first two weekends of December, a traditional German market, Christkindlmarkt, has booths where visitors can shop for gifts, decorations, and sweet treats.
Explore all Helen has to offer including some of these highlighted attractions in town or visit www.HelenChamber.com
FESTHALLE
Year Round Festivals held to celebrate seasonal events. Longest Oktoberfest in the South with authentic German music, dancing, costumes, food, & Beergarten! Trout Tournament in March, Springbierfest in April, Bavarianfest in May and Bingo March - September.
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
Headwaters of this historic 430 mile river that brings water to Georgia, Alabama, & Florida. Tubing, kayaking, and fishing is popular for visitors that come to Helen. Picnic by the
river in City Park, walking trails along the river, or enjoy the views from many restaurants and lodging facilities.
UNICOI STATE PARK & LODGE
Facilities in the park include a Conference Center and Lodge, which can accommodate up to 200 people; cottages & campsites are also available. Enjoy the mountain views, large stone fireplace, and dine at the Unicoi Restaurant for fresh mountain trout. Many activities include concerts, art & craft shows, Festival of Trees, plus other events.
ANNA RUBY FALLS & SMITH LAKE
This short hike leads to water cascading over the drop offs is created by two creeks. The Curtis Creek falls drop 153 feet and the York Creek falls are much shorter but still spectacular 50 feet. Enjoy Hiking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Picnic, & Bird watching. Hikers can also walk the 4.6 mile Smith Creek Trail.
NORA MILL GRANARY & GRIST MILL
Established in 1870, this Historic Mill overlooks the Chattahoochee River and produces corn and wheat based products such as grits, cornmeal, pancake mixes, flours, biscuit & bread mixes.
THE HARDMAN FARM
Built in 1876 this Historic Farm is directly located across from the Nacoochee Indian Mound. House & Farm tours with History about the region and Hardman Heritage Trail walk along the Chattahoochee River to downtown Helen.
18TH ANNUAL
Helen Christmas Market
November 29 & 30 and December 6 & 7
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Dropping of the Edelweiss
8pm - Midnight FASCHING
February 14, 6pm – 11pm German Mardis Gras. Live music, dancing & lots of fun. Costume Contest! Costumes are welcome but not required.
1074 Edelweiss Strasse
Wildewood
THE LODGE
Sheltered, Private Hot Tub & Pool Table
3500 sq. ft / 5 BR / 4 BA
Mountain Views / Electric Fireplace
Grand Porch Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
4 Kings / 1 Queen / 1 Twin / Sleeps 13
GOLD MINERS CABIN
Private Hot Tub Behind the Cabin
Mountain Views / Electric Fireplace
Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
1 King / 1 Queen 5 Twins / Sleeps 9
HIDEAWAY CABIN
Private Hot Tub
3 BR / 2 BA / Mountain Views
Electric Fireplace / Large Deck
Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
3 Kings / Sleeps 6
FISHERMAN’S CABIN
Private Hot Tub Under Cabin
Overlooks River / Small Deck
Lofted A-frame / Flat Top Griddle
1 King / 1 Queen / 2 Twins
Sleeps 6
HILLTOP LOFT
Private Hot Tub on Deck
Mountain Views / Small Lofted A-frame
Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
1 Queen / 3 Twins
Sleeps 5 (2 Adults, 3 Kids)
THE TREEHOUSE
Private Hot Tub Under Cabin
Overlooks Waterfall / Grand Porch
Flat Top Griddle
2 Queens / 1 Twin Sleeps 5
RIVERVIEW CABIN
Private Hot Tub on Deck
Mountain & River Views
Lofted A-frame / Spiral Staircase
Flat Top Griddle / Fire Pit
1 King / 1 Queen / 1 Twin / Sleeps 5
THE LOG CABIN
Built in 1928 / Hand Hewn Beams
No Hot Tub / Overlooks River
Electric Fireplace / Flat Top Griddle
1 King / 1 Queen Sleeps 4
COZY COTTAGE
Private Hot Tub on Porch
Over Natural Spring
Mountain Views / Parking Near Waterfall
Walking Trail to Cabin
1 Queen / Sleeps 2
Take a walk on the
APPALACHIAN
You’ve probably seen them. You have definitely smelled them. You have watched with a mingling of horror and fascination as they consume impossible amounts of food. They are not homeless. They are not vagabonds. They are hikers.
Ever year, between March 15 and May 1, two to three thousand hikers begin a 2,184 mile long journey on the Appalachian Trail. They will hike from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Their trek will take five to six months and cross fourteen states. Only about ten percent of all who begin will finish the entire length of the trail. But everyone who attempts this journey will leave the trail a changed person.
They will hike up and down mountains, carrying 30 to 40 pounds of gear, from sunrise to sunset for roughly 180 days. They will sleep on the ground, in a tent, in a hammock or on the hard, wooden floors in one of the hundreds of rough, threesided shelters built by volunteers along the trail. They will go without showers, without adequate food, without enough water. They will hike regardless of injury
or sickness. There will be bears, snakes, mice, insects and other pests. Even in April, hikers starting at Springer Mountain may encounter freezing rain and snow as well as swelteringly hot days.
Appalachian Trail hikers are not called Bob, Bill, Sarah, or Jenny. They bear names like Alaska, Snot Rocket, Toenail, Talks-A-Lot, Hard Core, Tree Hugger, or Peak Bagger. These are “trail names” and are not chosen, but earned along the journey. Each name, therefore, has a story behind it, some funny, some sad, some just plain ridiculous, but all of these stories are worth hearing.
Hikers come from all walks of life: doctors, lawyers, mechanics, waitresses, college students, military personnel, computer programmers or fast food workers. They hail from the city, the country, or foreign nations. They come in every color, size, shape, and age range, some as young as six, some as old as 83. Every hiker has the same odds of failure or success, regardless of age or physical fitness levels. Couch potatoes have just as much chance of success as professional athletes. The
TRAIL
Appalachian Trail does not care about one’s physical qualities, it is truly a test of mental fortitude. Can you push yourself beyond the limits of your exhaustion? Can you make yourself hike in the rain, sleet, snow, heat, and humidity? Can you starve yourself? Can you climb mountains with a broken foot or walk twenty miles in heavy hiking boots with huge blisters on your feet? Can you put that heavy pack on your back and walk every day for months on end?
If you can, you will be rewarded with spectacular vistas, amazing wildlife encounters, and deep, genuine friendships with people you would never have met in your normal life. You will find waterfalls, caves, and rock formations that most people never get to see. You will get a glimpse of the vastness of creation and the tiny miracles that keep it all running. You will develop the soul of a poet, the eye of an artist, and the determination of… well, of a hiker. You will develop a quiet confidence that comes from knowing that you have already done the most difficult thing you will ever have to do in your life. It's all down hill from there.
Sautee Nacoochee
Warwoman Dell
Warwoman Dell was named to honor a Cherokee Warwoman. Some believe it could have been named for Nancy Hart, the Revolutionary War era woman who may have fought at the Battle of Kettle Creek with her husband and sons. Most likely, though, it was named to honor Nancy Ward, a highly-respected “beloved woman” of the Cherokee Nation who frequented the dell and advised the Cherokee tribal council on war and peace. She was very powerful in the Cherokee clan rule, for she was the last Warwoman in the East. When the Cherokee chiefs voted to go to war, it could only happen if the Warwoman approved.
Nancy Ward was born circa 1738 and was called Nanyehi in her native Cherokee language. She was no stranger to war. At the Battle of Taliwa in Ball Ground, Georgia, she helped her husband, Kingfisher, in battle by laying behind a log and chewing his bullets so that the resulting jagged edges might create more damage. When her husband was killed, Nancy picked up his rifle and continued the fight leading her people to victory. She was only 17. At the age of 18, she was awarded with the Cherokee title of “Ghigau”, a prestigious title meaning “beloved woman” or “war woman”, making her a member of the tribal council of chiefs. She was also named the leader of the Women’s Council of Clan Representatives and took over the role of ambassador and negotiator for her people. Through the difficult, war raved years of the Revolutionary War era, Nancy Ward continued promoting alliance and mutual friendship between the Cherokees and the colonists. She led the Cherokee in the implementation of farming, dairy production, and new loom weaving techniques that forever changed traditional roles in Cherokee society. She died in 1822, or possibly 1824, before the Cherokee were removed from their remaining lands during the Trail of Tears.
In the 1930’s, after decades of logging had nearly destroyed the area, the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived to reforest and restore the natural beauty of the dell. There is small Forest Service park located at the site of the CCC camp of the 1930’s. No remains of the camp buildings exist. A series of stone structures, identified as trout hatcheries by a sign in the park, are the only remnants of the CCC at Warwoman Dell. Thanks to the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the area’s natural beauty can be appreciated today.
Two moderately easy, family-friendly trails lead through this beautiful pocket of wilderness showcasing tall trees, dense vegetation, mosses, wildflowers, and three waterfalls. The hike visits the popular Becky Branch Falls, historic areas of Warwoman Dell and several smaller waterfalls on a 1.4 mile loop. While it’s not a long hike, it’s an exceptionally beautiful one. This is a fairly moderate, short trail, with parking and a roadside picnic spot.
Directions: Traveling north US Hwy 441 in downtown Clayton, one block after US 76 comes in from the left, go east on Warwoman Dell Road for 2.8 miles. When the road makes a sharp curve to the left, watch for Warwoman Dell Recreation Area entrance on the right. Follow the gravel road to the first parking lot.
1,743 Acres
44 Campsites
12 Walk-in Campsites
4 Backcountry Campsites
10 Cottages
2 Picnic Shelters
17-Acre Lake
Summit Visitor Center & Gift Shop
5 Hiking Trails covering 11 miles
Turtle Rock Fishing Pier (wheelchair-accessible)
Marie Mellinger Center
Children’s playground
Season: March 16–November 30
Park Hours: 7 am–10 pm
Office Hours: 8 am–5 pm
$5 parking
Black Rock Mountain State Park
P.O Drawer A, Mountain City, GA 30562
(706)746-2141
visible and easily identifiable from long distances, makes it a notable feature of the park. It straddles the Eastern Continental Divide at an elevation of 3,640 feet and includes four other peaks over 3,000 feet in elevation, making it the highest state park in Georgia.
Within Black Rock Mountain State Park, there are four scenic overlooks. The Cowee Overlook sits almost directly above the Ada-Hi Falls, park here and a short 0.2 mile walk will take you to
the 35’ high falls. The Nantahala Overlook is in the Tent and RV parking circle. The Blue Ridge Overlook is on the road to the Visitor Center and the Black Rock Overlook is adjacent to the Visitors Center. These overlooks offer 80 mile vistas of the southern Appalachian Mountains as well as Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Plentiful flora and fauna and impressive views make it one of the best state parks for the outdoors enthusiast in the state.
Four hiking trails lead visitors past wildflowers, streams, small waterfalls and lush forests. The shortest hike is Ada-Hi Falls Nature Trail at only
2/10 of a mile. It takes visitors to the beautiful Ada-Hi Falls. The Black Rock Lake trail is an easy half mile loop around the lake and is mostly used by fishermen to access the water. The Tennessee Rock Trail is a bit longer than the previous trails, but it is still only 2.2 miles. This trail explores the northwest slope of Black Rock Mountain. A moderate climb ascends to the ridge, crosses the mountain’s highpoint on the Eastern Continental Divide and reaches Tennessee Rock with excellent valley views. The longest trail in Black Rock Mountain State park is the 6.7 mile James E. Edmonds Backcountry Loop Trail that winds over Scruggs Knob and Lookoff Mountain.
Vogel State Park
Established in 1931, Vogel, is the second oldest state park in Georgia and rises 2,500 feet above sea level.
The entire area around Vogel was once linked to the Native Americans and the State Park sits at the base of Blood Mountain, the highest summit on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Driving from the south, visitors pass through Neel Gap, a beautiful mountain pass near Brasstown Bald, which is the highest point in Georgia.
The history of the “Vogel” name starts in the 20th century when Augustus Vogel and Fred Vogel Jr. began a lumber mill in Union County. The mill employed many of the men in the county to cut and process lumber from the 65,000 acres of land owned by the Pfister Vogel Leather Company. They were the second generation of Vogels to run a leather company in Milwaukee with Charles Frederick Pfister, and the lumber in the North Georgia mountains was an excellent source for tannin (or tannic acid), an important raw material in the tanning process.
Oak trees are a major source tannic acid, although most trees have at least some tannin in them. Since this required harvesting a large number of oak, the Vogels also set up a lumber mill on the site of present-day Vogel State Park. Unfortunately, the state of Georgia entered an economic downturn in the mid-1920’s and the lumber mill was no longer economically feasible. In 1929 the Vogels donated nearly 259 acres to the state, much of it still encompassed within the 233-acres within Vogel State Park.
This park shares a timeless connection with its Civilian Conservation Corps builders that dammed Wolf Creek to form Lake Trahlyta and built housing around the lake for the CCC boys. The 22-acre Lake Trahlyta is named for the Cherokee maiden whose grave sits at the center of Stonepile Gap. Georgia’s poet laureate, Bryon Herbert Reece, was born in a cabin on the land where Lake Trahlyta now sits.
The rest of the land donated by the Vogels is under the Chattahoochee National Forest and includes the stone building now known as Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi and Nottla or Nottely Falls, east of the Byron Herbert Reese Trail
Directly by Vogel is the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center that celebrates the life of this famous poet who received numerous awards for his writing. The center has wonderful displays, restoration of the Reece writing studio, authentic farm buildings and equipment, plus selfguided tours.
Vogel State Park offers a variety of hiking, swimming, fishing and enjoying family time in a diverse mountain landscape.
An easy 1.0 mile hiking trail circles the lake, allowing access to fishing docks and the boathouse. A 0.1 miles side trail takes hikers down to Trahlyta Falls, also know as Spillway Falls. A spur trail off the Trahlyta Lake Loop will take you down to an observation deck at the bottom of the roaring falls! More experienced hikers may enjoy the popular 4-mile Bear Hair Gap and the challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail.
Helton Creek Falls can be found just minutes away from Vogel. There are two waterfalls to see — the lower and upper falls — and the hike is a short, family-friendly 0.6 miles. If you’re looking for another nearby waterfall hike for the whole family, look no further than DeSoto Falls! The DeSoto Falls hike also takes you to two waterfalls, and has a beautiful picnic area.
Cottages, campsites and primitive backpacking sites provide a range of overnight accommodations to visitors to Vogel State Park and is particularly popular during the summer and fall when the Blue Ridge Mountains transform from lush green to a rolling blanket of trees in red, yellow and gold leaves. Reservations are always recommended as events are held year-round. Events at Vogel State Park include: Music in the Park, National Trails Day, Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo, Jr. Ranger Camp, 4th of July Celebration, Mountain Music Festival, Fall Festival and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
For more Information see gastateparks.org/Vogel or call Park 706-745-2628 Reservations 800-864-7275. Park is open 7 am – 10 pm Office open 8 am – 5 pm.
Picture yourself on a wooded riverbank with sweeping mountain vistas on the horizon and wildlife frolicking just out of reach. Picture yourself at Coosawattee River Resort: a private, gated community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
C 12 Miles of River Frontage
C Meeting Facilities for up to 200
C Vacation Rentals (1, 2, & 3 Bedroom)
C Year Round Indoor Heated Pool
C Two Outdoor Pools & Tennis Courts
C Fitness Center & Game Room
C Pickleball Court
C Catch & Release Fish Pond
C Riverfront Parks & Playgrounds
C Vineyards, Hiking & Waterfalls Nearby
C Summer/Fall Concert Series
Wake Up in the Mountains
Terri’s Treasure Trove Morganton’s
Cutest Gift Shop
Shop for soaps, local honey, jewelry, vintage items, antiques, home decor, and many gift items. Our creative gift items include socks, candles, Myra bags, locally made jams, sauces, salad dressings, plus so much more!
Google 5-Star Review from Amy R: “This was the cutest little shop in Blue Ridge. The ladies were very sweet and helpful! There is something here for everyone!”
27 Forge Mill Road - just minutes from downtown Blue Ridge Open 7 Days a
Biking in the North Georgia Mountains
Mountain cycling in North Georgia offers the best views overlooking lakes, lush forests, streams, and rivers, in pristine State Parks/ Wildlife Management areas.
Starting from rolling hills to steep mountain grades many trail rides offer a variety of degrees from the novice to experienced to go through the backcountry of these beautiful mountains.
It is highly recommended that all levels of skill be prepared for your trail ride. Complete information about the trail, which includes distance, terrain, weather conditions, plus good
equipment and supplies for your excursion, will help to make the trip enjoyable.
Organizations such as IMBA, SORBA, SABA, NGCA, and NGBDA can tell you specifics about trails, races, and other group ride events. Visit a local bicycle shop, listed in our area directory for further information. Websites we like include www.trails.com and www.dirtworld.com
Listed are just a few of the numerous biking trails over a broad range of North Georgia’s eight counties to explore. Happy Trails…
Holiday calendar of Events
Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling
Blairsville
November 13 – 15
Christmas Open House
Downtown Blairsville
November 15
Harvest Moon Festival
Union County Farmers Market
November 21 & 22
Mistletoe Market Show
First United Methodist Church of Union County
November 27
Gobble Wobble
5K Fundraiser Run
Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa
November 28
Black Friday “Sip & Shop” Event
Paradise Hills Resort and Winery
November 29
Shop Small Saturday
Downtown Blairsville
Nutcrackers on the Square
Downtown Blairsville
December 1 – 31
Tour of Trees
Union County Community Center
December 1
Live Music With Cody King
Lucky’s Taqueria & Cantina
December 6
Kris Kringle Mountain Market
Union County Farmers Market
Downtown Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Downtown Blairsville Square
Holly Jolly & Breakfast with Santa
Union County Community Center
December 13
Christmas Open House
Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa
Downtown Blairsville
Cookie Crawl
Downtown Blairsville
Annual Vogel State Park
Tree Lighting
Vogel State Park
January 24
Polar Bear Plunge!
Lake Nottely TVA Boat Ramp Beach
Blue Ridge
November 16 – December 20
Holiday Market - Blue Ridge BRMAA
November 16 & 23
Annual Christmas Tour of Trees
Serenity in the Mountains
November 27
Blue Ridge Turkey Trot5K Marathon
Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
November 28 & 29
Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade
Downtown Blue Ridge
November 28 – 30
Miss Bennet:
Christmas at Pemberley
Blue Ridge Community Theater
November 28 – December 21
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Christmas Express
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Depot
December 4 – 7, 11 – 14, & 18 – 21
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
Blue Ridge Community Theater
December 6
Mercier Orchard
Winter Wine Run 5K
Mercier Orchards
December 13
The Nutcracker Ballet
Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center
February 14
15th Annual Blue Ridge Fire and Ice Chili Cook-Off
Blue Ridge City Park
February 26 – March 22
Smoke on the Mountain
Blue Ridge Community Theater
Brasstown
November 7 & 8
Forge After Dark: Blacksmithing Evening Event
John C. Campbell Folk School
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
December 13
Fireside Sale
John C. Campbell Folk School
Clarkesville
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
November 13 – 16 & 20 – 23
The Gift of the Magi
Habersham Community Theater
November 28
Bleu Canoe Holiday Art Market
Bleu Canoe
December 5
Downtown Clarkesville
Christmas
Downtown Clarkesville
December 22
Candlelight Christmas Walk
Downtown Clarkesville
February 11 – 15 & 18 – 22
Something Rotten
Habersham Community Theater
Clayton
November 1
Of These Mountains
Fall Market Place
Rabun County Civic Center
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
November 28 & 29
Christmas in Clayton
Downtown Clayton
December 6
Clayton Christmas Parade & Candle Lighting
Main Street Clayton
December 13
Downtown Cookie Crawl
Main Street Clayton
Cleveland
December 6
2025 Christmas in the Mountains Courthouse Square
Cornelia
November 7 – 9
November 28 – December 21
November 20 – December 10
Christmas at the Museum: Jan Walker and the Kingdom of Neep
Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art
December 5 & 6
37th Annual Lessons and Carols Chapel
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
December 6
Christmas in Cornelia
Downtown Cornelia
Dahlonega
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
November 28
Lighting of the Square
Dahlonega Square
Visit Santa Dahlonega Square
November 28 – January 6
Christmas Lights
Historic District
November 28
Concert in the Park
Hancock Park
November 29
Christmas Art Market
Hancock Park
Dahlonega Christmas Historic Home Tour
Jeremiah’s Place
December 5 – 7, 1 – 14, & 18 – 21
A Christmas CarolA 1940’s Radio Hour
Holly Theater
February 13 – 15
The Miracle Worker
Holly Theater
Demorest
November 6 – 9
Godspell
Swanson Center for Performing Arts & Communications
November 13
Piedmont University Singers
Chapel
November 18
Piedmont University String Orchestra Chapel
November 20
Piedmont University Wind Ensemble Chapel
January 22 – March 19
Handwork 2026: Jennifer Graff & Thaddeus Erdhaul
Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art
February 19 – 22
The Revolutionists
Swanson Center for Performing Arts & Communications
February 28
Pro Musica Singers directed by Wallace Hinson Chapel
Dillard
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Dahlonega Square
December 3
River Vista Half Marathon
River Vista Mountain RV Village
December 5
A Christmas Carol North GA Playhouse
Ellijay
November 16
Community Chorus Fall
Ellijay Elementary School
November 21
Acoustic Blends
Gilmer Arts Playhouse
November 29
Surrender Hill and Friends
Gilmer Arts Playhouse
Holiday calendar of Events
Please verify Event Dates in case of Rescheduling
December 7
Christmas with Joe Gransden’s Little Big Band
Victory Christian Center
Hayesville
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Dahlonega Square
November 8
Interstellar EchoesA Tribute to Pink Floy
Peacock Performing Arts Center
January 17
47th Annual Hogpen Hillclimb
River Pavilion Downtown Helen
Hiawassee
November 7 & 8
Rats, Rust, & Horse Power
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
McCaysville
November 8
Bigfoot Boogie 5K
Downtown McCaysville
November 28
Light Up McCaysville: Tree Lighting!
Downtown McCaysville
December 6
McCaysville & Copper Basin
Christmas Parade
November 22
The Marshall Tucker Band
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
November 27 – December 23
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
November 29
Christmas with the King 2025
Peacock Performing Arts Center
December 11
Wine Pairing Dinner 2025
The Copper Door
Helen
February 14
Fasching (Mardi Gras)
Helen Festhalle
November 14
State Park After Dark
Unicoi State Park & Lodge
November 28
Annual Lighting of the Village
Helen Chamber of Commerce
November 29 – 30
Helen’s Christmas Market
Helen Chamber of Commerce
December 6 & 7
Helen’s Christmas Market
Helen Chamber of Commerce
December 12
State Park After Dark
Unicoi State Park & Lodge
December 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Helen Festhalle
Town County Sheriff’s
Christmas Parade
Downtown Hiawassee
December 5
The Oak Ridge Boys
Christmas Celebration Tour
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
December 24
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights *Special Drive Thru*
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
December 31
New Year Fireworks
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
January 31
Chris Janson
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Lakemont
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Downtown McCaysville
Mineral Bluff
November 28 & 29
Tri-State Model Railroaders –Ride the Rails
Historic L&N Depot
December 27
Tri-State Model Railroaders –Open House
Historic L&N Depot
January 24
Tri-State Model Railroaders –Open House
Historic L&N Depot
February 28
Tri-State Model Railroaders –Open House
Historic L&N Depot
Morganton
November 28
Kerith House Christmas Market
Kerith House Winery
Mountain City
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
Murphy
November 1 – 30
Big Art Show and Sale
The MAC - Murphy Art Center
November 7
First Friday Art Walk Craft Extravaganza
The MAC - Murphy Art Center
Murphy Art Walk
Murphy Art Center
November 8
Second Saturday: Shop & Sip
Downtown Murphy
December 5
Murphy Art Walk
Murphy Art Center
2025 Town of Murphy
Christmas Tree Lighting
Downtown Murphy
First Friday Art Walk Craft Extravaganza
The MAC - Murphy Art Center
December 5 – April 30
The MAX Project: Murphy Art Xplosion!
The MAC - Murphy Art Center
December 6
2025 Murphy Christmas Parade
Downtown Murphy
December 13
Second Saturday: Shop & Sip
Downtown Murphy
January 10
Second Saturday: Shop & Sip
Downtown Murphy
February 14
Second Saturday: Shop & Sip
Downtown Murphy
Rabun Gap
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
February 12 – 14
Suesical The Musical
Rearden Theater
Sautee Nacoochee
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
November 7 – March 18
Rising in Fire Exhibit
The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia
November 8
The Camille Collective
The Historic Gym
November 22
Sautee Community
Contra Dance
Sautee Nacoochee Historic Gym
December 5 – 6, 12 – 13, &
Tiger
November 7 – 9
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
Various Locations
November 14 – 16
Southeast Mounted Drill Team
Rabun Arena
Young Harris
November 7 – 11
John Cleaveland Art Exhibition
Campus Gate Art Gallery
November 7
Zula Patrol: Under the Weather!
Rollins Planetarium and YHC Observatory
Skies Over Georgia
Rollins Planetarium and YHC Observatory
Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm
Hardman Farm State Historic Site
February 28
Sautee Community Contra Dance
Sautee Nacoochee Historic Gym
Tallulah Falls
December 4
Full Moon Hike
Tallulah Gorge State Park
December 6
Christmas at the Gorge
Tallulah Gorge State Park
December 13
Sunset Candy Cane Hunt
Tallulah Gorge State Park
February 1
Full Moon Hike
Tallulah Gorge State Park
November 13 – 15
Jerry’s Girls
Dobbs Theatre
November 20 – December 11
Taylor Rushing Art Exhibition “Rainbow Stew”
Campus Gate Art Gallery
December 4
Moving Mountains Dance Performance
Dobbs Theatre
December 5
Let It Snow
Rollins Planetarium and YHC Observatory
Season of Light
Rollins Planetarium and YHC Observatory
December 6 & 7
Christmas at YHC
Glenn-McGinnis Hall
January 22 – February 20
Anna Jensen and Kevn Kinney: Concert & Art Exhibition
