Plan Ahead for Georgia’s Best Holiday Events
Secure tickets early for Georgia's top Christmas lights, holiday shows, and popular winter events.
The holiday season in Georgia is filled with magic – think dazzling Christmas lights, festive concerts, holiday festivals, and photos with Santa. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, some of the most popular holiday events in Georgia sell out quickly, especially Christmas light displays, holiday shows, and family-friendly performances. Opening nights, closing weekends, and peak December dates are often the first to go.
If you’re planning to experience the best Christmas events in Georgia, it’s smart to grab tickets early and make your travel plans now. Weekdays or dates earlier in the season often offer better availability and smaller crowds – perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to soak in the festive spirit without the rush. As holiday parties and last-minute gatherings start filling your calendar, you’ll be glad you reserved time for your seasonal must-dos.
Here are some of the top holiday events, Christmas lights, and winter activities in Georgia you’ll want to book tickets for before they sell out.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia
Popular Christmas Light Displays in Georgia
Few things capture the holiday spirit like a sparkling light display, and Georgia is home to some of the South’s most dazzling shows.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain
November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Journey through the seven-mile scenic drive, featuring 17 brilliantly illuminated Christmas scenes, and then explore the Callaway Christmas Village, where a forest of twinkling lights, gigantic snowflakes, and larger-than-life ornaments enchant your whole family. Check the calendar for ticket prices and special events, such as Bicycle Nights (November 14–15, 2025).
Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights in Lookout Mountain
November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
The award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City features more than 30 holiday scenes that transform the gardens' natural daytime splendor into a nocturnal fantasyland. Tickets are sold online only. Purchase timed-entry tickets in advance for best availability.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Champion of "The Great Christmas Light Fight" in 2023 and named one of the top 10 holiday light shows in the country by USA Today, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is one you don't want to miss. Buy tickets well in advance of your intended visit to secure your preferred date, especially if you plan to see the show between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Holiday train rides with Santa on SAM Shortline
Magical Places to See Santa in Georgia
Meeting Santa is a must-do for many families, and Georgia offers plenty of opportunities. Reserve your spot early for these chances to visit with Santa.
Santa at Hay House in Macon
November 22–23, 2025
For two days only, Santa will be at the gorgeous "Palace of the South," Hay House, in Macon, to visit with families and take photos. Book a 15-minute appointment for up to four people. Price includes one 4"x6" professional print and one Christmas bag per child.
Holiday Special Train Rides on Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Select dates November 28 – December 24, 2025
Take a festive 1-hour train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, listen to holiday music and “The Night Before Christmas” story, and get a chance to see Santa. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell and a candy cane. Buy your tickets before they sell out!
Breakfast with Santa at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville
For one day in November and one day in December, join Santa for breakfast at Barnsley Resort. Share your holiday wish list and take photos with Santa. Make a 30-minute reservation to secure your spot.
Breakfast with Santa at Lanier Islands Resort in Buford
Select dates November 30 – December 23, 2025
Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with Santa at Lanier Islands Resort on select mornings, 9–11 a.m. Children can share their wish lists, take photos, and enjoy special time with Santa and his elves. Make reservations to secure your spot.
Holiday Train Rides with SAM Shortline Railroad in Cordele
Celebrate the holidays on Georgia's rolling state park, the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad. Several holiday-themed excursions with Santa are available. Check the calendar and book your seat for these special rides:
- November 29, 2025: Plains Christmas Lighting
- December 5–6, 2025: Candy Cane Express
- December 12–13 & 19–20, 2025: Cordele Holiday Train
Breakfast with the Grinch & Santa at Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley
December 13, 2025, 9–11 a.m.
For one morning only, Santa and the Grinch will visit with families at Lane Southern Orchards. Bring your camera and a new book for the community library, and enjoy breakfast.
Brunch with Santa at Cloudland at McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn
December 13 & 20, 2025, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
For two days only, enjoy a brunch buffet with Santa at Croft at Cloudland at McLemore Resort. Bring your wish list, cameras, and holiday cheer! Make reservations, and enjoy visiting with Santa.
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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta
Can’t-Miss Holiday Shows and Performances in Georgia
If live entertainment is part of your holiday tradition, you won’t want to miss these festive performances.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta
November 12 – December 28, 2025
Share the charm of this classic tale with your family with this faithful adaptation of the 1964 stop-motion animated special. Follow Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, Hermey the Elf™, and more in this heartwarming adventure of acceptance and self-discovery. Check the performance calendar to buy tickets, which include a Create-A-Puppet™ Workshop, entrance to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, and onsite parking.
Georgia Boy Choir Holiday Performances
Delight in the angelic voices of the renowned Georgia Boy Choir performing on various dates at a variety of locations. Check the calendar, and secure tickets for the following shows:
- December 4, 2025: Tree Lighting at Murphy’s in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highlands neighborhood. FREE and open to all.
- December 7, 2025: Tree Lighting at Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta
- December 13, 2025: Concert at Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers
- December 14, 2025: Many Moods of Christmas at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta
- December 19–20, 2025: Christmas with the Georgia Boys Choir at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta
Circque Dreams Holidaze at The Classic Center in Athens
December 4–5, 2025
For two nights only, be amazed at the ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, eye-popping acrobatics, singers, dancers, toy soldiers, and much more at this holiday spectacular. Buy tickets for the amazing show in Athens.
Atlanta Ballet Nutcracker at Cobb Energy Centre
December 6–27, 2025
Experience the beautiful tradition of "The Nutcracker" performed by the Atlanta Ballet to a Tchaikovsky score played live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Buy tickets to enjoy the winter wonderland, where falling snowflakes, twirling flowers, and spinning stars come to life in a reimagined, larger-than-life production.
Victorian Christmas in Thomasville, Georgia
Holiday Events in Georgia Small Towns
Georgia’s small towns embrace the season with unique events you won’t find anywhere else.
Holiday Tour of Homes in Madison
December 5–6, 2025
Celebrating its 75th year, the Christmas Tour of Homes gives visitors access to a charming collection of some of Madison’s most architecturally significant historic homes. Step inside lavishly decorated mansions during daytime or candlelight tours. Buy tickets, and prepare to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the walking tour.
Plum Orchard Christmas on Cumberland Island
December 6, 2025
Advance reservations are highly recommended for special holiday tours of Plum Orchard mansion on Cumberland Island. After arriving on the island, guests take a special ferry ride to the mansion and explore rooms decked in traditional early 1900s decorations. Learn about holiday customs of the time from volunteers and staff dressed in period costume. Enjoy seasonal refreshments, play old-fashioned lawn games, and create a souvenir of your visit. Purchase ferry tickets and reserve the tour at the same time.
Victorian Christmas in Thomasville
December 11–12, 2025
Journey to the past and experience the days of old as you venture throughout the historic streets of downtown Thomasville and encounter the magic of Victorian Christmas. Enjoy visits with St. Nick, holiday entertainment, shopping, a blacksmith demonstration, carriage rides, festive food and drink, and so much more.
Churches and Chocolates: St. Marys Christmas Walking Tour
December 12, 2025
Get in the Christmas spirit by gaining exclusive VIP access inside four of St. Marys’ historic churches normally closed to the public. Learn their history and hear stories of their colorful parishioners over the centuries. Afterward, enjoy festive homemade fudge at one of St. Marys’ premier shops. Book tickets online for the evening walking tour.
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Find many more holiday events in Georgia on the Explore Georgia Calendar of Events.
