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

11) Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Santa Express

Looking for a holiday tradition in Georgia? You might want to check out the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Santa Express.

This one-hour train ride brings you face-to-face with Santa Claus himself. Every child gets a jingle bell and a candy cane right from Santa while on board.

The ride starts at 241 Depot Street in Blue Ridge. As you roll through the Appalachian foothills, you’ll spot festive lights and holiday decorations everywhere you look.

Big windows give you a great view of the landscape. Don’t forget your camera—people love snapping family photos for holiday cards during this ride.

The Santa Express runs from late November through Christmas Eve. You’ll find several departure times every day.

It’s a popular event, so tickets can disappear fast. If you want to go, definitely plan ahead.

Lodging is easy to find nearby—just hop on booking.com. For train times, ticket info, and more, head to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway official site.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Lodging	Website
Nov 24 – Dec 24	241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513	Various times available	Check website for details	Hotels in Blue Ridge	Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

12) Gainesville Christmas on Green Street

Every December, Gainesville hosts Christmas on Green Street, and the whole community comes out for it. You can catch a parade with antique cars, fun floats, and local bands.

After the parade, Green Street shuts down to traffic. You get to stroll by historic homes and listen to live music outside.

This event happens near the Gainesville Civic Center. It feels safe, festive, and honestly, pretty charming.

Admission is free and everyone’s welcome.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay (Nearby)	Website
December 8, 2025	Gainesville Civic Center, Green Street	3:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Free	Hotels in Gainesville	Christmas on Green Street Guide

You’ll find entertainment all evening and plenty of chances to explore the historic district on foot. It’s a simple, fun way to get into local holiday traditions.

13) Marietta Square Christmas Tree Celebration

If you show up in Marietta around the holidays, you’ll definitely notice the buzz at Marietta Square. The Christmas Tree Celebration kicks off at 4 PM with performances from local school and church choirs.

Their singing brings a real sense of community to the square. At about 4:45 PM, Santa rolls in on a bright red Marietta fire truck—kids love that part, and honestly, it’s pretty fun to watch.

You can join or just watch the Ugly Sweater Parade. People of all ages show off their most ridiculous holiday sweaters.

The big moment is the Christmas tree lighting at 6 PM. Once the lights go on, Marietta Square feels totally transformed.

After that, the place buzzes with food vendors and small shops selling hot drinks and holiday crafts.

Need the basics? Here you go:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 30, 2025	50 N Park Square	4 PM – 8 PM	Free	Nearby Hotels	Marietta Square Christmas Tree Lighting

14) Enjoy Festivities at Peachtree City’s Hometown Holiday

Head to Peachtree City’s Hometown Holiday at Drake Field for a night packed with crafts, good food, and a holiday market. There’s a tree lighting and a visit from Santa, which sets the classic holiday mood.

Families come for the crafts. Adults usually hang around for shopping and seasonal snacks.

Lights cover the field, making everything glow as you walk. Live music fills the air with holiday songs.

Kids can meet Santa and snap a photo.

Here’s what you need to plan your visit:

Date	Time	Location	Entry Fee	Nearby Hotels (Booking.com)	Event Website
Dec 14, 2025	5:00 PM – 9:00 PM	Drake Field, 155 Willowbend Rd, Peachtree City, GA 30269	Free Admission	Peachtree City hotels	Peachtree City Hometown Holiday

It’s outdoors, so bring a jacket if it’s chilly. The market’s a fun spot to hunt for gifts and get a feel for the local vibe.

15) Norcross Holiday Home Tour

Wander through Downtown Norcross for the Holiday Home Tour. Streets light up, and you get to step inside six different homes, each decked out for the season.

You’ll see all kinds of architecture and creative decorating ideas. Luminaries line the route, guiding you from house to house.

It’s a great way to soak up the festive atmosphere and maybe even meet a few neighbors along the way.

Each house shows off its own style—maybe you’ll find inspiration for your own place.

If you want to know more, chat with volunteers or check the event website before you go. The evening blends tradition with some modern flair, all in a cozy, small-town setting.

Visitor Details

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Stay Nearby	Website
December 6-7, 2025	11:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Downtown Norcross, GA	Adults: $35, Kids: $5	Hotels in Norcross	Norcross Christmas Village

If you want a seasonal outing with small-town charm, put the Norcross Holiday Home Tour on your list. For details, visit the Historic Norcross Christmas Village page.

16) Decatur Holiday Candlelight House Walk

Take a stroll through some of Decatur’s most interesting old homes during the Decatur Holiday Candlelight House Walk. Each place is dressed in simple, classic holiday style.

Along the walk, you’ll hear stories about the history of each house. You’ll probably notice the care that goes into every little detail.

This event helps raise money for neighborhood charities. When you buy a ticket, you’re actually supporting local groups.

It’s a December tradition that really sticks in Decatur.

Just a short walk from downtown, Clairemont Elementary School hosts the Decatur Holiday Marketplace + Cafe. You can stop in for gifts and food.

Local shops also sell tour tickets, so you can grab one before the event without much hassle.

Here’s a quick look at the basics:

Dates	Location	Times	Prices	Hotels Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
December 5-6, 2025	Clairemont Elementary School, 155 Erie Ave	Fri: 5:30–9:30 pm, Sat: 10 am–5 pm	See event site for prices	Decatur hotels	Event details

Buy tickets online or at trusted local stores. This event lets you experience holiday traditions up close and gives back to Decatur’s community spirit.

17) Christmas Festivities at Lake Oconee in Greensboro

If you end up at Lake Oconee in Greensboro during the holidays, you’ll notice plenty of festive things happening in one spot. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds really stands out, especially with its holiday displays—think a giant gingerbread house and trees sparkling with thousands of tiny white lights.

This hotel acts as the area’s main hub for seasonal activities. Families and groups gather at the large outdoor ice rink tucked into the woods by the resort.

After you skate, you can thaw out by the fire pits and sip hot cocoa. The Christmas Village downtown is another highlight, especially if you’re hunting for unique gifts and handmade crafts from local artists.

Shops stay open late, and food trucks serve up all sorts of seasonal snacks. Kids line up to see Santa and snap a quick photo at a spot downtown.

Christmas music drifts through the streets, and shop windows glow with holiday scenes. Locals and visitors mix together, so the whole event feels lively but not overwhelming.

Event Details Table

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Official Website
Dec. 3, 2025	104 S. Main St., Greensboro	10 am – 4 pm	Free Admission	The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds	Christmas at Lake Oconee details

This event is a no-cost way to take in a Southern holiday celebration. You can shop, skate, and listen to music all in one place.

Local traditions, tasty food, and festive decorations give it a charm you won’t find just anywhere.

18) Athens Holiday Market

Dates, Location, and Visitor Info

At the Athens Holiday Market, local artists and craftspeople bring their best work to a friendly, upbeat setting. Every piece is handmade—jewelry, knit scarves, ornaments, pottery, and honestly, a lot more.

You won’t find the usual big-box store vibe here. Instead, the market feels relaxed and packed with community spirit.

Live music outside and good food make it easy to hang out, whether you’re shopping for gifts or just wandering around. The event takes place at the Sinkwich Spartan Center.

You can support small businesses in Athens and actually meet the people behind the tables. The crowd is a mix—families, students, longtime locals.

Visitors chat with vendors and take their time. Food stands offer local favorites and easy snacks for everyone.

Here are the basics for planning your trip:

Date	Time	Address	Entry Fee	Nearby Hotel (Booking.com)	Event Website
November 19, 2025 (Opening Night)	4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.	123 Event Street, Athens	Free	Graduate Athens Hotel	Athens Holiday Market Info
November 20, 2025	8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.	123 Event Street, Athens	Free	Graduate Athens Hotel	Athens Holiday Market Info

You don’t have to pay to get in. Opening night has live music and a laid-back crowd.

If you want to stay nearby, the Graduate Athens Hotel is just a short drive away. You can find more info and updates on the Athens Holiday Market website.

19) Alpharetta Christmas Farmers Market

The Alpharetta Christmas Farmers Market lets you find one-of-a-kind holiday goods, local foods, and artisan creations right in downtown Alpharetta. Vendors set up along 178 S Main Street and fill the area with a festive buzz and holiday music.

The Christmas market starts at 9:00 AM and wraps up at 4:00 PM on December 7, 2025. You’ll see stalls strung with lights and packed with handmade crafts, holiday soaps, baked treats, and local produce.

Families come to shop for gifts and taste foods you only find this time of year. Admission is free for everyone, and you don’t need a ticket.

If you like supporting local businesses, this market gives you a direct way to try new foods and crafts. The event is safe for all ages.

You’ll find plenty of parking, and it happens rain or shine. It’s a chill way to soak up the Christmas spirit, whether you’re on the hunt for something special or just hanging out with family.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 7, 2025	178 S Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM	Free Admission	Check hotels on booking.com for options near Alpharetta	For details, see the Alpharetta Christmas Market event page

You’ll find a friendly crowd and lots of ways to experience Alpharetta’s holiday traditions at this community event.

20) Roswell Christmas Home and Heritage Tour

The Roswell Christmas Home Tour invites you to step inside historic homes dressed up for the holidays. You’ll get to see Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall, and the Smith Plantation—each part of Roswell’s Southern Trilogy Historic House Museums.

Bulloch Hall shows off Victorian Christmas traditions with period decorations and collections. Barrington Hall leans into Southern holiday decor, making the place feel cozy and welcoming.

Smith Plantation keeps things simple and accurate to how folks celebrated in the 1800s. You’ll get a look at what Christmas was really like back then.

Take your time—the tour is self-paced, so you can wander at your own speed. Ticket sales help keep these historic buildings in shape, so your visit actually supports preservation.

Many people like to pair a stop at these historic homes with a visit to the Roswell Christkindlmarket at Bulloch Hall.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Nearby Stay (Booking.com)	Website
Dec 1 – 23, 2025	Various Historic Homes, Roswell	10 AM – 4 PM	$15 – $25	Best Western Plus Roswell	https://christmasmarketusa.com/christmas-markets-georgia-usa-2024-2/

Your ticket covers entry to each house on the tour. After you check out the historic homes, the Roswell Christkindlmarket is just steps away for some European-style festivities.