christmas markets georgia uSA 2025 top festive events and where to find them

Georgia’s Christmas markets bring a special kind of magic to the winter holidays. You’ll find handmade crafts, seasonal treats, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread cookies made by local artisans. Some markets even serve classic mulled wine and gluhwein.

Live music drifts through the air, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the festive cheer. People gather, laugh, and soak in the lights and sounds that make these markets feel so alive.

When you visit places like the Elegant Elf Marketplace, Indie Craft Experience, or Mistletoe Market, you get more than a shopping trip. These events invite you to join holiday traditions and create holiday memories. You’ll catch the region’s holiday spirit, almost by accident.

If you want to plan ahead, keep an eye on newsletters from different markets. They’ll tip you off about special happenings, like the Buckhead Village District tree lighting or the Back to Nature Holiday Market. Each market gives you a real way to enjoy the season while discovering what Georgia’s all about during the holidays.

If you stay near the Christmas markets, you’ll have quick access to unique gifts, handmade ornaments, and holiday boutiques. A lot of the local hotels, guesthouses, and apartments get great reviews from travelers.

For gifts, just wander over to the market stalls or nearby boutiques. You’ll find plenty of locally made treasures.

1) Visiting Savannah’s 2025 Holiday Market at Plant Riverside

Every year, the Plant Riverside District in Savannah hosts a Christmas Market right on the riverfront. From November 20, 2025, through December 31, 2025, you can jump into a lively festive scene in downtown Savannah.

You’ll hear live holiday music, see street performers, and find activities for families and groups. Seasonal vendors set up shop with handmade gifts and local crafts.

Food stalls serve up warm holiday drinks and treats. It’s easy to pick out unique presents while you snack on Savannah’s winter goodies. Street performers keep the energy high, and the whole place just feels alive.

The Plant Riverside District blends Savannah’s historic charm with newer attractions. The market stretches along the river, so you can easily fit it into your city visit.

Since entry is free, you can stroll around, check out what you like, and skip what you don’t. No pressure.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 20, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	Plant Riverside District, Savannah, GA	Varies (see event schedule)	Free entry, vendor prices vary	Hyatt Regency Savannah	Savannah Christmas Market

2) Atlanta Christkindl Market

If you’re heading to Atlanta this winter, don’t miss the German-style holiday tradition at the Atlanta Christkindl Market. Buckhead Village lights up with festive booths and decorations.

Stalls line the walkways, selling handmade ornaments, crafts, and authentic German snacks. You might grab a pretzel, bratwurst, or some mulled wine—made just like in Germany.

The market opens in mid-November and runs right up to Christmas Eve. On weekdays, it’s open from 3pm to 8pm. Weekends, you can visit from 11am to 9pm.

Entry won’t cost you anything, but food and gifts are up to you. Throughout December, live events pop up at the market. Local bands, musicians, and even Santa himself show up.

Ice skating isn’t a main attraction here, but you can find rinks nearby if you want to add that to your day.

Here’s a quick look at the basics:

Dates	Address	Hours	Entry & Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 15-17, Nov 22-Dec 24, 2025	290 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta	Mon-Thurs: 3pm-8pm, Fri-Sun: 11am-9pm	Free entry, vendor prices vary	Hotels near Buckhead Village	Atlanta Christkindl Market

3) Christmas Festival at Columbus Convention Center

At Columbus Christmas Made in the South, you’ll find a huge variety of handmade holiday items. Artists and craftspeople fill the Columbus Convention & Trade Center with booths.

You can wander through and pick up gifts—jewelry, paintings, home décor, and crafts you’d never find in a big-box store. Many folks end up chatting with the makers, learning about their skills and stories.

You get a chance to meet these artisans and enjoy the holiday setup with friends or family. Kids and adults both tend to find something special to take home.

The event runs for three days, and your ticket covers the whole weekend. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are hotels nearby via Booking.com. You can check the official event page for more details or to buy tickets.

Dates	Times	Address	Price	Where to Stay	Website
October 31–November 2, 2025	Fri. 10 AM–7 PM Sat. 10 AM–6 PM Sun. 10 AM–5 PM	Columbus Convention & Trade Center 801 Front Avenue Columbus, GA 31901	$9 per adult Kids 12 & under are free	Hotels in Columbus	Christmas Made in the South

4) Explore Dahlonega’s Old-Time Christmas Celebration

Every winter, Dahlonega, Georgia, transforms into a holiday wonderland. The main square glows with lights and a huge Christmas tree, and you’ll hear music drifting through the town.

Festivities start in late November and last until the end of December. If you love browsing local markets, check out the Christmas Market on Candy Cane Lane.

Artists and makers sell handmade gifts and decorations—great for keepsakes or supporting small businesses. Santa Claus appears on the square every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

He even rides in the town parade in December. Kids often come to meet Santa, snap photos, and just enjoy the whole vibe.

Downtown stores run holiday promotions on certain days. Many shops go all out with cozy displays and friendly service.

You can grab souvenirs at these locations, too.

Here are the main details for planning:

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 24–Dec 31	Fri: 5-7 pm, Sat: 12-6 pm, Sun: 1-5pm	Downtown Dahlonega, GA	Free	Dahlonega hotels on booking.com	https://www.dahlonegachristmas.com/events/christmas-market/
Nov 29	Evening	111 North Park St & Hancock Park	Varies	Dahlonega hotels on booking.com	https://www.dahlonegachristmas.com/events/christmas-market/

If you want more info on schedules or local events, just check the Christmas Market in Dahlonega page.

5) Macon Christmas Lights Extravaganza

Head downtown in Macon during the holidays and you’ll see the streets glowing with over a million Christmas lights. The lights pulse and dance with music, so the whole scene feels lively and a little magical.

The show runs every evening from late November to early January. You can catch the displays starting at 6 PM, with light shows happening on the hour until 10 PM.

If you show up after 10, there’s a final hour where the lights just shine without the music. It’s all free, which is honestly pretty great for families or anyone on a budget.

Macon Pops kicks off the season with a live performance. While you wander, you can tune your car radio to 89.3 FM to sync up with the light show music.

You’ll find everything right in historic downtown, so it’s easy to duck into local shops and restaurants before or after the show. If you want to stay overnight, plenty of hotels are nearby—Booking.com has you covered.

For more details, check out the official Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza site.

Date Range	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 29, 2025 – January 5, 2026	Downtown Macon, GA	6 PM – 11 PM	Free	Hotels near downtown Macon	Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza

6) Helen’s Alpine Holiday Experience

Helen, Georgia puts on a real alpine holiday scene every December. The Helen Christkindlmarkt brings the vibe of a German Christmas market to this little mountain town.

You’ll see wooden stalls lining the Marktplatz, all decked out with lights and garlands. As you wander from booth to booth, you can shop for handmade ornaments, candles, and gifts from local makers.

You’ll smell German-style treats like pretzels, bratwurst, candied nuts, and cakes. Grab a cup of mulled wine or spiced cider to keep your hands warm while you explore.

The town itself glows with festive lights, so it’s pretty much impossible not to take a few photos. The market pops up on two weekends: November 29–30 and December 6–7, 2025.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay	Website
November 29–30, 2025	All day	1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA	Free	Hotels in Helen, GA	Helen Christkindlmarkt info
December 6–7, 2025	All day	1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA	Free	Hotels in Helen, GA	Helen Christkindlmarkt info

You can come just for the festive atmosphere or do a little holiday shopping. Helen’s Christkindlmarkt offers a no-nonsense taste of traditional European markets right here in the U.S.

7) Rome Christmas on Broad

Late November in Rome, Georgia means it’s time for Christmas on Broad. The big draw is the Rome Christmas Parade on November 28.

Broad Street comes alive with marching bands, bright floats, and local performers. The vibe is both lively and super welcoming, so families and visitors of all ages can just jump right in.

As you walk down Broad Street, you’ll spot holiday lights and decorations everywhere. Local vendors set up along the street with gifts, crafts, and treats.

Want a good view of the parade? Arrive early and grab your spot.

Here’s what you need to know:

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 28, 2025	Broad Street	6:30 pm	Free	Hotels near Broad Street	Rome holiday events

You won’t have to pay anything to join in, and it all happens right in the city center. It’s easy to mix in some shopping or grab dinner downtown while you’re there.

8) Augusta Christmas Market

If you swing by the Augusta Christmas Market, you’ll see handmade gifts and crafts from local vendors. This market gives you a chance to pick up holiday decorations, winter clothes, and other unique finds.

You’ll wander through stalls packed with creative pieces that make thoughtful gifts for family and friends. While you shop, food stands serve up seasonal snacks and drinks.

Live music and entertainment fill the air, so the whole place feels lively and relaxed. The market runs all through December, so it’s easy to fit into your holiday plans.

Here’s a snapshot of the essentials:

Date Range	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1 – 24, 2025	Downtown Augusta, GA	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Free Entry	Holiday Inn Express Augusta Downtown	Holiday Markets in Augusta, GA

You’ll find the Augusta Christmas Market right in the city center. Come for the festive energy and stay to explore what Augusta has to offer.

9) Toccoa Holiday Lights Gathering

If you want a cozy holiday event in Georgia, try the Toccoa Holiday Lights Gathering. The festival lights up the Historic Downtown on Friday, December 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Everyone comes together for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, which happens at 6:00 p.m. on Sage Street. The community gathers for music, lights, and a night of holiday cheer.

No one charges admission, so it’s easy for families and visitors to join in. Here’s a quick look at the basics:

Date	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
Dec 6, 2025	Historic Downtown, Toccoa, GA	5:00 – 9:00 p.m.	Free	Hotels in Toccoa	More on ChristmasFest

While you’re there, you can check out the decorated downtown, do a little shopping, and try some local food. This event really kicks off the holiday season in Toccoa.

10) Thomasville Victorian Holiday Celebration

Step into a different era at the Thomasville Victorian Christmas. The event transforms downtown into a scene straight out of the 1890s.

Horse-drawn carriages and carolers in old-fashioned costumes fill the streets. It’s a little slice of history for families and visitors of all ages.

You’ll spot live reindeer, snack on classic holiday treats, and hear local musicians playing seasonal tunes. Shops and food stalls stay open, so you can pick up handcrafted gifts or grab something festive to eat.

Most of the attractions and entertainment won’t cost you anything, which makes it easy to just show up and enjoy. Kids and adults both find something fun, and you don’t need to reserve ahead.

If you’re in Georgia in December, this celebration is a solid pick for old-school holiday fun.

Event Details

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 11 and 12, 2025	144 E. Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA 31792	6:00–9:00 p.m.	Free for most activities	Hotels in Thomasville	Learn more about Victorian Christmas