9 Small Georgia Towns That Are Magical at Christmas

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.