Best Christmas Towns & Light Displays in Georgia (2025 Guide to Holiday Magic)
From big city likes to small towns fresh out of a Hallmark Holiday movie, Georgia has many places that allow you to experience the magic of Christmas with family and friends with all the Southern charm you need to make the season merry and bright!
Picture yourself wandering down streets shaded by towering oak trees draped in twinkling lights, the sound of carolers filling the crisp evening air, and dazzling Christmas trees lighting up every corner. This holiday season, if you’re craving that classic small-town charm without venturing too far from home, discover these eight enchanting Christmas towns to visit in Georgia.
Where is the best place to go for Christmas in Georgia?
Savannah , Georgia by far is the overall best place to visit in Georgia for Christmas. Savannah’s cobblestone streets, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and historic squares come alive with twinkling lights and wreaths during December. The entire city feels magical — like stepping into a classic Christmas film.
Charming Christmas Town: Dahlonega, GA
Known for it’s charming small-town-feel, Dahlonega, Georgia in Christmas-time is the place you want to be. The town has some of the best events that give you that holiday spirit from Christmas parades and plenty of photo-ops.
Stop by Picnic Café to warm up with a cozy cup of hot chocolate, then explore the charming local boutiques for one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones. Just steps from Dahlonega’s historic square, the Christmas Market on Candy Cane Lane—hosted by the Dahlonega Woman’s Club—takes place at the Community House and Hancock Park. This beloved annual fundraiser happens the first two weekends in December (Fridays and Saturdays) and features handcrafted gifts, themed gift baskets, and delicious homemade treats made by local artists and makers.
Cozy Holiday Town: Helen, GA
Helen transforms into a storybook-style winter wonderland during the holidays and is perfect for family Christmas trips in Georgia, bringing an Alpine Christmas to the heart of Georgia. With its Bavarian architecture, twinkling lights, and festive storefronts, it feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Stroll through the Christkindlmarkt to find handmade gifts, hot cocoa, and sweet holiday treats, then line up for the annual Christmas parade, where Santa makes his grand entrance on a Bavarian sleigh. Bursting with charm and holiday spirit, this tiny mountain town delivers big Christmas magic, making it one of Georgia’s most unforgettable holiday getaways.
Glow Light Show & Festival in Lawrenceville
This must-see Holiday light show runs from November 15 past Christmas to January 5. This is an immersive dazzling display of lights synchronized to music from the comfort of your own car!
Mountain Christmas Spectacular: Blue Ride, GA
Tucked away in the North Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge turns into a Christmas postcard once the holiday season rolls around. This holiday getaway in Georgia is filled with twinkling lights, festive storefronts, and that peaceful, small-town cheer that makes you want to linger a little longer.
For an extra touch of Christmas magic, hop aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s “Holiday Express.” This festive train ride takes you through the mountains while you sip hot cocoa, listen to Christmas carols, and meet Santa and his elves. It’s pure joy for both kids and adults — a must for anyone who loves a cozy holiday adventure.
Christmas Movie Vibes: Cornelia, GA
If you’re searching for that classic hometown holiday vibe, Cornelia, Georgia delivers it in the sweetest way. This charming North Georgia town embraces the season with cheerful lights, festive window displays, and friendly faces that make you feel right at home. The highlight of the holidays is the Cornelia Christmas Parade, where local floats, marching bands, and of course Santa himself, fill Main Street with joy and music. Don’t miss the annual Christmas in the Park celebration, featuring twinkling lights, carolers, and warm cocoa under the stars.
Victorian Christmas Vibes: Thomasville, GA
Here you can step back in time and experience the charm of a bygone era in Thomasville, Georgia, where Christmas feels straight out of a Dickens novel. Each December, the historic downtown transforms into a Victorian holiday wonderland during the city’s beloved Victorian Christmas Festival. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop down brick streets lined with twinkling lights, carolers in vintage attire fill the air with classic tunes, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled cider drifts through the crowd.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
This is a very popular 7-mile drive through millions of lights, animated displays, Christmas scenes, plus a walk-through village, Santa’s setup, hot cocoa, etc. It’s one of the biggest light shows in Georgia and a must-see event!
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