This article is all about the best ways to experience a Dahlonega GA Christmas.
I’m sharing the best ways to enjoy a day or weekend in Georgia’s coziest mountain town during the Christmas season.
How to Spend a Weekend in Dahlonega During Christmas
This charming North Georgia town will steal your heart.
There’s good reason Dahlonega is showcased in Hallmark movies.
Every holiday season, the town transforms its historic town square into a festive Christmas village waiting to be explored.
Keep reading for 11 fun, festive, cozy ways to spend your day or weekend in Dahlonega GA.
Shop and Dine in The Dahlonega Historic District
One of the funnest things to do is stroll through Dahlonega’s historic buildings in the town square.
This is the heart of the town where rows of small businesses, local artists, antique galleries, unique gift shops, and restaurants converge around the Dahlonega Gold Museum.
At Christmas time, local musicians play live music and Christmas classics on shop porches, creating a lovely atmosphere.
Make sure you stop to read about the town’s history on the historic plaques attached to each of the buildings.
See Festive Decorations Across Town
During Dahlonega’s Christmas season local businesses go all out with their holiday decor.
The town even holds an annual Christmas decorating contest. But, it’s a hard to tell who the winner is with so many beautiful displays.
Make sure you go around the square to see the decorations. Or, take one of the horse-drawn carriage rides for a unique Dahlonega Christmas experience.
Wine Tastings in The Town Square
Get in the holiday spirit by booking a local wine tasting in historic downtown (for the 21+ crowd).
You can choose from several local tasting rooms, each offering unique wines and small bites.
When I visited Dahlonega, I learned a bit about the town’s fascinating wine history.
After WW2, soldiers returned to Georgia with European grape varieties. These varieties still grow in the local vineyards showcased at the tasting rooms in town.
Try Local Cuisine at Dahlonega Restaurants
While in tow be sure to make time for Dahlonega’s highly rated restaurants.
Try Spirits Tavern for creative burgers, Shenanigans for Irish Pub vibes, or Zen Ramen & Bento for Japanese bites.
Sip Locally Brewed Coffee and Tea
Book a tea tasting at Waffle’s English Tea House or grab a beverage at one of Dahlonega’s cozy coffee shops in the square.
Visit the Festival of Trees
A weekend in Dahlonega isn’t complete without visiting the Festival of Trees at Hancock Park.
Each Christmas tree is uniquely decorated by a local organization. See if you can spot your favorite, and stop off for photos by the red sleigh.
This festival is part of Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas, a month-long celebration from November 29 to December 31, 2024.
Stop for Christmas Carolers and Pictures with Santa Claus at Dahlonega Visitors Center
Pay a visit to the Dahlonega Visitor Center to watch classic Christmas carols by the Grand Christmas Tree.
Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting to say hi by the red sleigh, and if you’re lucky he might even come over for a photo by the tree.
If you go inside the visitor’s center, the friendly staff are very happy to help answer questions about how to spend your time in town.
Have a Hallmark Moment in The Historic Town Square at Night
After dark, grab a hot cocoa and walk through the square for the full Hallmark Christmas experience.
The twinkling town square, storefront Christmas decorations, and giant Christmas tree are truly magical.
Visit the Highest Point in Georgia
While in Dahlonega, you can visit the highest point in Georgia.
Brasstown Bald is less than an hour north of Dahlonega, and accessible by car. There’s even a general store at the top!
At 4,784 feet, the peak is the best place for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state.
Join a Wine Tasting Tour
Dahlonega is nestled beside some of the best wineries in North Georgia.
There are many different tour companies, and you can book a van tour that will take you right from town.
That way, you can sit back and enjoy your scenic ride through North Georgia wine country.
Watch a Live Performance of A Christmas Carol at Holly Theater
December is primetime for performances of A Christmas Carol at Historic Holly Theater.
Watch A Christmas Carol with a twist (featuring Evelyn Scrooge) during live performances on select dates in December.
About Dahlonega Georgia
Dahlonega is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia.
Its location close to wineries and the Appalachian Trail make it a perfect one hour trip from Atlanta.
In 1828 gold was discovered in the area, kicking off the first big gold rush in the United States.
And fun fact – Dahlonega was at one time home to the largest gold mine east of the Mississippi.
Where to Stay in Dahlonega GA
Christmas time is high season in town. So if you can, book your stay well in advance if you can.
If you want to stay in historic downtown Dahlonega you have several options.
You can choose from boutique hotels like Dahlonega Inn on Main or Old Storehouse Inn, vacation rentals, or classic hotels like the Holiday Inn.
Craving a stay in the mountains? Look into The Mountain Top Lodge or The Limelight Inn.
Travel Tip: Spending Christmas in an Airbnb? Here are 12 cozy ways to celebrate Christmas in an Airbnb.
Why is Dahlonega, Georgia the perfect Christmas Town?
Dahlonega is known as Georgia’s perfect Christmas town since it goes all out for the holiday season.
The town’s charming aesthetic, historic square, and Old Fashioned Christmas events draw visitors from across the state and country.
As soon as you step into town, you’ll feel the holiday magic.
Travel Tip: Want to experience other Christmas towns in Georgia? Here are the 12 best things to do in Helen GA for Christmas.
Dahlonega GA Christmas Events
Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas experience kicks off on November 29 and continues through December 31, 2024.
Christmas events include:
- Lighting of the Square and Lighting of the Tree
- Festival of Trees at Hancock Park
- Santa Claus encounters
- Annual Dahlonega Christmas Parade
- And lots more!
How Long is Dahlonega Decorated for Christmas?
You can visit Dahlonega from November 29, 2024 to December 31st to see the town decorated for Christmas.
However, if you visit on certain days you’ll get to enjoy some of the festive winter activities the town hosts through the holiday season.
Wrapping up
This article was all about the best ways to experience a Dahlonega GA Christmas.
I hope your trip is filled with holiday cheer. Merry Christmas!
