Top Things to Do in Thomasville, Georgia, at Christmas

Back in the early 1900s, Thomasville, Georgia, was the last stop on the railroad heading south, and this little town in the Red Hills region of the state was the ultimate destination for multitudes of wealthy Northerners looking to escape the cold winters, restore themselves with breaths of pine-scented air, and indulge in some quality quail hunting. Thomasville is still a hunting mecca (and still surrounded by pine), but over the course of the last decade, it has emerged as a different sort of hot spot—thanks not to its woods but instead to its walkable, quaint, brick-paved downtown. This eight-block area draws both day-trippers and nightlife enthusiasts with its growing list of innovative restaurants and locally owned one-of-a-kind shops. Beyond the bricks, streets lined with majestic live oaks and rows of gorgeously preserved and restored historic houses give this small town a timeless quality that shines especially bright during the Christmas season. We invite you to join us as we tour some of our favorite shops, dining spots, and more. You'll want to steal a few of the locals' tips and bring Thomasville's festive, old-fashioned charm back home for the holidays.

Buy Books in A Storied Shop

The town's independent bookstore, The Bookshelf, is where to pick up your next favorite read, unique greeting cards, and stocking-worthy toys for children.

Owned by Annie Jones, The Bookshelf is a lively, friendly shop that regularly hosts readings, classes, book clubs, and events like "Cider Monday," featuring in-store discounts and free hot cider in lieu of the more conventional Cyber Monday that follows Thanksgiving. "There's something really magical about a small town at the holidays—when the shop is bustling and the streets are full of people. To be able to have a business on the main street contributing to that magic is my dream come true," says Jones. Pop in during the weeks leading up to Christmas to grab a couple of last-minute gifts and to witness the shop transform its regular Saturday children's story time into a festive, holiday-themed affair.

Browse a Knitter's Paradise

Fuzzy Goat is always buzzing, drawing in regulars from as far as 50 miles away who flock here to knit alongside friends in its cozy space.

"'Happy Happens Here' is the motto painted on our sign, and we really believe that's true," says Cadence Kidwell, who opened this knitting and gift store three years ago when, in her mid-50s, she realized she could either remain in the same old job or open a shop devoted to the craft she loves. Fuzzy Goat takes pride in featuring yarn from independent dyers, many of them located in the South, and drawing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the joy of making. At holiday time, the shop hosts trunk shows, installs a mailbox for letters to Santa Claus, and hosts a themed version of "Stitches and Stories" (their collaboration with The Bookshelf), where a group of knitters work away while also listening to an audiobook together.

Wrap Up the Christmas Shopping

Loyal locals and design aficionados alike recognize that a box from Firefly means something special is tucked inside.

Stocked with handmade goods from across the South and around the world, Firefly peddles gifts, tableware, toys, and home decor you truly won't find anywhere else. Some items are exclusive to Firefly, making it the destination for finding rare and one-of-a-kind gifts. "I call presents 'little happies,'" says owner Nan Myers, "because that is their purpose—making someone smile." For a hostess gift, she loves giving Rococo Chocolates' remarkably realistic chocolate-covered hazelnut praline "quail eggs." For entertaining, she turns to Firefly's deep freezer, which is stocked with Callie's Charleston Biscuits, handmade in South Carolina. "I'm not a baker, but I can put those in the oven and throw a little flour on my face and pretend," she says, joking.

Explore a Sportsman's Paradise

A visit to this historic hunting town simply isn't complete without a trip to one of its most popular spots: Harden's Taxidermy. Apart from the Big Oak, the stuffed elk outside Harden's Taxidermy just might be the most photographed object in Thomasville—and for good reason. He can be seen outside the shop year-round, but he's especially irresistible when wearing a Santa hat. Though it's primarily a working shop and only a limited number of the lifelike specimens guarding its walls and countertops are actually available for purchase, the sheer volume, quality, and array of critters—everything from zebras to aardvarks—make this a must-see. If you can't walk out with a stuffed antelope, you can at least make a splash at Christmas this year by picking up a locally sourced rattlesnake belt or headband.

Make a Date with Thomasville

Here's where else to go in Thomasville for filling up, hanging out, and kicking back during the holiday season:

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

• The cheeses at Sweet Grass Dairy are popular, but their restaurant is the sleeper hit, offering charcuterie, an amazing burger, and the best pimento cheese in town.
• Fuel up with house-roasted coffee, smoothies, salads, and delicious pastries at Grassroots Coffee.
• If you're wanting a white-tablecloth dining experience, trust Liam's and Chop House on the Bricks.

Appreciate Handmade Artistry

• SouthLife Supply Co. is a go-to spot for holiday presents. While it's known for its signature shotgun-shell accessories, you can also find goods such as handcrafted leather bags and belts and gorgeous jewelry with equestrian bits and rattlesnake skin.
• Charlie Whitney collects antiques and sells his elegant finds at his downtown shop C.H. Whitney, which doubles as his painting studio. Drop by to see his striking canvases, watch him at work, or even check out his 18th- and 19th-century furniture and accessories, including a beautiful collection of distinctive 18th-century Chinese-export porcelain pieces.