Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with one of these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Travel
  3. Georgia
  4. 9 Small Georgia Towns That Are Magical at Christmas

9 Small Georgia Towns That Are Magical at Christmas

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough Updated June 15, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB
Helen
Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

You need only watch a Hallmark movie to catch on: Christmas and small towns go together like hot cocoa and marshmallows. Venture to a quaint downtown, and you'll see how cobblestone streets turn gift-shopping into an adventure and twinkling lights make finding the perfect dress for the annual Christmas party seem trivial. Because, well, it's Christmas—and the season only lasts a handful of weeks, which small towns take to heart. Dress shopping can wait; creating memories can't.

These Georgia towns grant you permission to take a break from checking off your holiday to-do list and focus instead on making the first few weeks of December the best Christmas kickoff ever. Visit one of these jolly destinations to take a ride on a real-life Christmas train in the mountains, line up to watch a beachy parade comprised of decked-out golf carts, or mail a letter from Santa's Southern headquarters. These Christmas-crazy places know how to deck the halls and celebrate in true, over-the-top Southern fashion—and they don't even need snow to pull it off. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Dahlonega, Georgia

Carriage Ride in Dahlonega, GA
Credit: Robbie Caponetto

In case you missed our ode to Dahlonega's Old-Fashioned Christmas, it's time we introduce you to this small town that takes December 25th very seriously. Catching Dahlonega during Christmastime is like stepping into a snow globe: The North Georgia town is draped in twinkling lights and flush with rambling horse-drawn carriages—and hosts a month-long celebration, featuring everything from a hometown Santa parade to a charming tree lighting.

1 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Thomasville, Georgia

Nan Myers Owner of Firefly
Credit: Robbie Caponetto

We'll forewarn you: You just might bring Thomasville's festive, old-fashioned charm back home for the holidays. Start walking within the quaint eight-block downtown area, and don't stop until you've hit every store and restaurant. They're all worth a visit and absolutely decked out for Christmas. Prime time to tour is during the annual two-night Victorian Christmas celebration, when clusters of carolers dot the streets, real reindeer arrive, and a live nativity brings joy to adults and children alike.

2 of 9

3 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Helen, Georgia

Helen
Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

If you've dreamt of visiting a Bavarian winter wonderland, this North Georgia town will give you a taste. Helen packs a lot of Christmas charm into its tiny two square miles: Think everything from a traditional Christkindlmarkt (a German holiday market) to the annual downtown parade. Because you can't miss Santa on his Bavarian sleigh, now can you?

3 of 9

Advertisement

4 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pine Mountain, Georgia

christmas georgia callaway fantasy in lights
Credit: Jim Dillard

If you've never heard of Christmas at Callaway, let's talk. Located in the little town of Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens hosts what we like to call "the ultimate Christmas extravaganza." Throw snowballs in the Christmas Village, meet holiday characters up close, and ride through the dazzling illuminated forest (with eight million lights!). You'll fit right in with the sweater-swathed crowd craning their necks to catch every music-coordinated display. Make sure to stop by the market for a cup of hot cocoa afterward.

4 of 9

5 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Santa Claus, Georgia

Santa Claus, Georgia
Credit: @kerrybarr1

Oh, yes, you read that right. This town loves Christmas so much that it's named after jolly ol' Saint Nick himself. Even the streets are holiday-themed with names like Candy Cane Lane and Reindeer Street. Santa Claus, Georgia, is teeny-tiny with a population just below 200, but don't you dare underestimate its holiday enthusiasm. You'll find Santa's mailbox outside of the Santa Claus City Hall (located, of course, at 25 December Drive); letters receive a special Santa Claus postmark your kiddos will love.

5 of 9

6 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island, Georgia
Credit: Facebook/Jekyll Island

We'll take any excuse to head to the beach, especially when it means missing the spring and summer crowds. Enjoy the most festive time of year in Jekyll Island's historic district. With twinkling twilight tours, an ice-skating village, and Christmas parade consisting of decked-out golf carts, this coastal town isn't shy about its love for the holiday season. Prepare to marvel at the sprawling live oaks wrapped with white lights.

6 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Blue Ridge, Georgia
Credit: Facebook/Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

This mountain getaway has us asking one thing: This isn't where we get on the Polar Express? Because you could've fooled us. Take a one-hour holiday journey on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Santa Express. Your family will hear a Christmas story, sing carols, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they make their way through the train. Each child takes home a souvenir jingle bell—and memories to last a lifetime.

7 of 9

8 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

St. Simons Island, Georgia

Christ Church, Frederica on St. Simons Island
Credit: Facebook/Sea Island Resorts

Sometimes even Saint Nick needs a beach vacation. This Georgia barrier island will instantly get you in the spirit with its canopied oak trees dripping with Spanish moss and Christmas lights. Make the King and Prince Resort your headquarters (look for the gingerbread houses on display) as you visit historic spots around town: The stunning Christ Church, Frederica, dresses up for the season, while Sea Island, a nearly 100-year-old ritzy resort, hosts a "Reindog" Parade, featuring pups in their Christmas best.

8 of 9

9 of 9

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Moultrie, Georgia

Moultrie, Georgia
Credit: Facebook/City of Moultrie

Off the beaten path, this tiny South Georgia town possesses a quiet charm that's never put on. But don't expect Moultrie to celebrate quietly: Down here, folks are crazy about Christmas and hold back nothing for the holidays. Walking around the old-timey town square, anchored by a courthouse, you'll feel the small-town magic: A canopy of twinkling lights extends from the courthouse in all directions, and the community gathers in the square to watch the annual lighting. Stake out a spot downtown for the Christmas parade, which dazzles with elaborate floats and a dizzying number of lights.

9 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 9 Dahlonega, Georgia
    2 of 9 Thomasville, Georgia
    3 of 9 Helen, Georgia
    4 of 9 Pine Mountain, Georgia
    5 of 9 Santa Claus, Georgia
    6 of 9 Jekyll Island, Georgia
    7 of 9 Blue Ridge, Georgia
    8 of 9 St. Simons Island, Georgia
    9 of 9 Moultrie, Georgia

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    9 Small Georgia Towns That Are Magical at Christmas
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.