Christmas Lights You Have to See in North Georgia

For many families, it’s an annual holiday tradition to drive around to see the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. And north Georgia and southern North Carolina have a variety of options to choose from. So we’ve put together a list of our favorite stops—plus a handful of new ones—and invite you to see them all with us this year. Let’s get started!

 

ATHENS, GA

Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a walk-through Christmas experience sure to delight the entire family. This free adventure offers a half-mile-long trail featuring Candy Cane Lane, the Garden of Delights, and Cone Tree Plaza. Hot chocolate, cookies, and gift shopping in the holiday market add to the fun. Most can walk the trail in 45 to 60 minutes and the path is ADA accessible. Timed tickets are required in advance.

 

BLAIRSVILLE, GA

Gwynn’s Christmas Light Show at 121 Birch Cane Drive, Blairsville, GA 30512. They offer several shows nightly at 6 pm, 6:50 pm, 7:40 pm, and 8:30 pm. Tune into 91.9FM while you’re there for a complete Christmas experience!

Tour of Trees at Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce located at 129 Union County Recreation Rd., Blairsville, GA 30512. Enjoy a variety of member-decorated trees as you stroll the Chamber halls. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week.

 

MINERAL BLUFF, GA

GA Spur 60, 3.5 miles from the 4-way stop in Mineral Bluff. This drive-through winter wonderland is lit up nightly from dusk to 9 pm. Load up the kids—you just might see Santa there! The light show is open to the public and offered free of charge.

 

DAHLONEGA, GA

While any other time of the year, Dahlonega is something out of a Hallmark movie, you’ll want to see it in its Christmas finest this time of year! Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas features breathtaking views of a nostalgic mountain town as it comes alive for the holidays. Drive through the downtown area or stroll the sidewalks; either way, you’re sure to feel the spirit of Christmas here! This is a free, open-to-the-public event.

 

GAINESVILLE, GA

Gainesville Parks and Recreation has launched its first annual Wilshire Wonderland of Lights along a quarter-mile trail lined with 22,000 lights and displays. Wilshire Trails is part of the Rock Creek Greenway and lights can be seen from Wilshire Road should you not wish to leave your car. The light show is open 3 – 11 pm each night and is free to the public.

 

HIAWASSEE, GA

Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is a sure bet for the whole family! Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, this annual festival-like event offers a holiday light show complete with music, arts & crafts vendors, holiday food, and pictures with Santa, all along the beautiful Lake Chatuge. Admission is $6 although children 12 and under are admitted for FREE!

 

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA

Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City Gardens is celebrating its 27^th year of lighting up the nighttime with Christmas magic! Advanced tickets are required for this venue which offers a stroll through the lighted Grand Corridor in Yule Town, the Magic Forest, and the Arctic Kingdom. The Garden will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Buy your tickets soon before they’re sold out!

 

BOTTOM LINE

There is plenty to see all over north Georgia and a lot of it is free. However, pay special attention to the ones that require advance purchased tickets. Those may sell out quickly!