How to read this list
- Only events whose organizer has published a 2026 date are listed.
- Each card links the page we checked and the date we checked it.
- Parades and lightings can move for weather; check the organizer the day before.
Christmas parades
Downtown Dawsonville Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & Jingle Market
Organizer date for 2026Dawsonville's Christmas evening combines a parade that brings Santa to City Hall, a tree lighting led by the mayor and the Jingle Market of local handmade crafts. Food trucks, 'You Snap' Santa photos, ornament decorating for kids and music bingo are also listed. The listing notes an updated parade start at the Dawson County Courthouse/Government Center.
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Free Source: Destination Dawsonville (Dawson County Chamber of Commerce & Office of Tourism Development), checked 2026-10-19
Light Up Blue Ridge: Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Great Tree
Organizer date for 2026The Saturday after Thanksgiving brings a downtown Christmas parade and the lighting of the Great Tree. Organisers say there will be free activities, live entertainment and photos with Santa. The event goes ahead rain, snow or shine.
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Source: Light Up Blue Ridge (organiser site), checked 2026-10-19
12th Annual March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots
Organizer date for 2026Ball Ground's Christmas parade benefits Toys for Tots, and spectators are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. Collection boxes are placed at City Park and along the Main Street route. Organizers describe it as one of the largest Christmas parades in North Georgia, with floats, bands, antique cars and costumed characters.
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Source: March of the Toys Parade (organizer), checked 2026-10-19
Downtown Clarkesville Christmas and Habersham County Christmas Parade
Organizer date for 2026The City of Clarkesville hosts the 2026 Habersham County Christmas Parade together with its Downtown Clarkesville Christmas celebration. The city's homepage notice links the parade application; questions go to Yvonne Marinelli at 762-384-8739.
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Source: City of Clarkesville, checked 2026-10-19
Buford Holiday Festival & Parade
Organizer date for 2026Downtown Buford's holiday parade, which steps off at 9 a.m. from Tannery Row, is followed by a festival with vendors, food tents and trucks, stage performers and a dog costume contest. The Buford Business Alliance runs it, and it has been held for more than 10 years.
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Source: Buford Business Alliance, checked 2026-10-19
Clayton Annual Christmas Parade
Organizer date for 2026Clayton's annual Christmas parade downtown. This year's theme honors the Founding Fathers and early American Christmases for the nation's 250th anniversary. Entry applications are available online or at City Hall, with a November 30 deadline.
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Source: City of Clayton – "Save the date for the Annual Christmas Parade" (posted October 13, 2026), checked 2026-10-19
Christmas on Green Street
Organizer date for 2026The City of Gainesville's annual celebration closes Green Street for porch performances, historic homes, Santa, miniature train rides and food trucks. A parade of antique cars, floats and marching bands then runs from the Civic Center down Green Street, and the evening ends with the Rotary Tree lighting. A one-mile Green Street Santa Sprint starts before the parade.
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Source: Explore Gainesville (City of Gainesville CVB / Main Street Gainesville), checked 2026-10-19
Dahlonega Christmas Parade
Organizer date for 2026The annual Old Fashioned Christmas parade through Dahlonega's historic district, with floats decorated by community groups. The organizer's schedule page links the parade application, rules and route map.
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Source: Christmas in Dahlonega – Schedule/Parking, checked 2026-10-19
Helen's Annual Christmas Parade
Organizer date for 2026Helen's small-town Christmas parade with fire trucks, horses, dune buggies, floats, candy and Santa, held rain or shine. The listing recommends watching from across the street from the Downtown Gazebo. One other Welcome Center page lists Dec. 11, so confirm the date with the Welcome Center at (706) 878-2181.
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Source: Helen, Georgia Welcome Center (helenga.org), checked 2026-10-19
Tree lightings
Holiday Tree Lighting and Drone Show
Organizer date for 2026The City of Canton lights its holiday tree in downtown Canton, with a drone show as part of the evening.
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Source: City of Canton – Events Calendar, checked 2026-10-19
Tree Lighting & Lantern Parade
Organizer date for 2026The evening begins with the annual lantern parade down Main Street, followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree.
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Source: City of Flowery Branch – Events Calendar, checked 2026-10-19
City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Organizer date for 2026Following the Winter/Holiday Market, the City of Cumming holds its annual holiday-themed concert and lights the giant Christmas tree at City Center.
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Source: City of Cumming – Events for November 2026, checked 2026-10-19
Lighting of the Square
Organizer date for 2026Opening night of Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas season, with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on the Public Square. The organizers list carolers, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa Claus.
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Source: Christmas in Dahlonega – Schedule/Parking, checked 2026-10-19
Annual Lighting of the Village
Organizer date for 2026Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Riverside Park as Helen's village lights are switched on to start the holiday season. Local groups perform beforehand, and children can meet Santa from 5 to 7 p.m.
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Source: Helen, Georgia Welcome Center (helenga.org), checked 2026-10-19
Hometown Tree Lighting at the Garden
Organizer date for 2026Ball Ground's hometown Christmas tree lighting takes place on Thanksgiving weekend, according to the city's 2026 events calendar. The city calls the schedule tentative.
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Source: City of Ball Ground – City Events 2026, checked 2026-10-19
Roswell's Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Organizer date for 2026The city's annual tree lighting at Heart of Roswell Park includes choral performances, hot chocolate, fire pits with s'mores and a visit from Santa. Mayor Mary Robichaux reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and the evening ends with the lighting of a 40-foot tree. It is free and open to the public.
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Free Source: Roswell365 (City of Roswell), checked 2026-10-19
Jolly Holly Day
Organizer date for 2026Suwanee's annual holiday celebration on the evening of Friday, December 4, as listed on the City of Suwanee community events calendar. The calendar gives the date and hours only, so check the city for the program and location.
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Source: City of Suwanee – Community Events calendar, checked 2026-10-19
Christmas Tree Lighting at Vogel State Park
Organizer date for 2026An evening tree lighting at Vogel State Park with hayrides, hot chocolate, cider, cookies, children's crafts and bonfires. Visitors are asked to bring an unwrapped gift for a child 12 or under for the Union County Sheriff's Department toy drive. No parking fees are charged for the event.
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Source: Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19
Light shows
Gainesville Glows: Lanterns and Lights
Organizer date for 2026The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Gainesville site returns with its holiday light display for a second year, open on select nights. Displays include luminarias, lighted woodland animals, a light tunnel, a model train, interactive candy canes and s'mores pits.
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Source: Explore Gainesville (City of Gainesville CVB), checked 2026-10-19
Magical Nights of Lights
Organizer date for 2026Drive-through holiday light show at Lanier Islands Resort, with miles of animated light displays viewed from your vehicle. Tickets are priced per vehicle and can be bought in advance or at the gate. Coca-Cola and Georgia Power are the sponsors.
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Source: Lanier Islands Resort, checked 2026-10-19
Light up the Night
Organizer date for 2026Light up the Night is an evening event on the City of Ball Ground's 2026 calendar, ahead of the town's tree lighting. The city calls the schedule tentative.
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Source: City of Ball Ground – City Events 2026, checked 2026-10-19
Jingle Mingle and the Lighting of the Chicken
Organizer date for 2026Main Street Gainesville's Jingle Mingle takes place on the downtown square and includes the Lighting of the Chicken in Roosevelt Square. It opens the downtown holiday season.
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Source: Explore Gainesville (City of Gainesville CVB / Main Street Gainesville), checked 2026-10-19
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Organizer date for 2026A walk-through holiday light show at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds with Christmas music, crafts, food, train rides and visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. Christmas Eve and December 26-31 are drive-through only, at $25 per car. Walk-through admission is $12 per person, and children 12 and under get in free.
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$12 per person; children 12 and under free; drive-thru nights $25 per car Source: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, checked 2026-10-19
Tour of Trees and Gingerbread Village
Organizer date for 2026More than 50 Christmas trees and wreaths, each decorated by a local business or organization, are on display through December alongside a gingerbread village. Visitors can vote for their favourites from December 1 to December 11. It is free to attend.
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Free Source: Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19
Candlelight Christmas Walk
Organizer date for 2026A candlelight Christmas walk listed on Clarkesville Main Street's 2026 calendar of events. The calendar gives no time or location; contact the Main Street Director at 762-230-1962.
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Source: City of Clarkesville – 2026 Calendar of Events, checked 2026-10-19
Holiday markets
Hiawassee Night Market (First Friday, holiday theme)
Organizer date for 2026The First Friday artist and artisan night market on the town square, with live music, food and art. This edition has a holiday theme, with music by Steve Vaclavik. Presented by the Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority; admission is free.
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Free Source: Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19
Handmade for the Holidays
Organizer date for 2026A holiday market of local and regional artisans selling handcrafted goods. Listed items include soaps, woodwork, jewelry, pottery, toys, fiber art and glass art. Admission is free.
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Free Source: Blue Ridge / Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (blueridgemountains.com), checked 2026-10-19
2026 Holiday Bazaar
Organizer date for 2026The Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce's holiday bazaar with regional vendors selling crafts, art, photography, pottery, decorations and holiday foods. No pets are allowed. Daily admission is $5, and children get in free.
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$5 daily; children free Source: Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19
Holiday Market at Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Organizer date for 2026A holiday retail exhibit of artwork and handcrafted items made by the arts association's member artists. Jewelry, pottery and paintings are among the items for sale. It runs for about five weeks, Tuesday through Sunday.
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Source: Blue Ridge / Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (blueridgemountains.com), checked 2026-10-19
Cumming City Center Winter/Holiday Market
Organizer date for 2026The fifth annual holiday market brings more than 100 local vendors to Cumming City Center, along with Santa photos, live holiday music and a kids' zone. The day finishes with the City Center Christmas tree lighting and concert.
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Free Source: Cumming City Center, checked 2026-10-19
Holiday Market at Game Changer
Organizer date for 2026Holiday market held at the resort's Holiday Headquarters inside Game Changer, with gifts from local artisans, makers and retailers. It runs on select dates from Thanksgiving weekend through December 23.
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Source: Lanier Islands Resort, checked 2026-10-19
Roswell Holiday Expo
Organizer date for 2026Thanksgiving-weekend holiday shopping expo with local vendors selling gifts, décor, handmade goods and specialty foods. There are also home improvement vendors, food trucks, Santa and a kids' zone. Admission is free.
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Free Source: Roswell365 (City of Roswell), checked 2026-10-19
19th Annual Helen's Christmas Market
Organizer date for 2026The Helen Chamber's Christmas market of handmade gifts, decorations, sweets and treats, held over two weekends. It is in the downtown Marktplatz and Unicoi Hill Park, which has a playground and restrooms.
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FREE admission Source: Helen Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19
Holiday Market
Organizer date for 2026A two-day holiday market is listed on the City of Ball Ground's 2026 events calendar for the weekend after the March of the Toys parade. The city calls the schedule tentative.
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Source: City of Ball Ground – City Events 2026, checked 2026-10-19
St. Luke's Annual Christmas Bazaar and Silent Auction
Organizer date for 2026An indoor Christmas bazaar selling frozen entree casseroles, baked goods and handmade gifts, along with a silent auction. Admission and parking are free, and only cash and checks are accepted. Proceeds go to help local neighbours.
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Free Source: Blue Ridge / Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (blueridgemountains.com), checked 2026-10-19
Christmas Market at Hancock Park
Organizer date for 2026An annual holiday market in Hancock Park that raises money for the Women's Club. The organizers list unique gifts, homemade sweets and holiday decor.
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Source: Christmas in Dahlonega – Schedule/Parking, checked 2026-10-19
Roswell Makers Market
Organizer date for 2026One-day indoor holiday market of handmade goods by local artists and makers, run by the Roswell Visual Arts Center. Vendors cover crafts, wearables, home goods, paper goods and packaged artisanal foods. Hours were not yet posted.
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Source: Roswell365 (City of Roswell), checked 2026-10-19
Makers Market Local Artist Fair at Avalon
Organizer date for 2026Outdoor shopping event with more than 30 local makers and small businesses, held by Avalon with Makers Market. Goods include jewelry, woodwork, home goods, candles, art, crochet and plants.
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Source: Experience Avalon, checked 2026-10-19
Santa, tours of trees and more
Annual Christmas Tour of Trees
Organizer date for 2026A display of decorated Christmas trees at Serenity in the Mountains, open on two Sunday afternoons. Proceeds support Shop With a Cop. Admission is $20 per person.
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$20 Source: Blue Ridge / Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (blueridgemountains.com), checked 2026-10-19
Blue Ridge on Ice
Organizer date for 2026A seasonal pop-up ice rink at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market, next to the Swan Drive-In. It is open to skaters of all levels and has a concession stand. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and up, $12 for ages 12 and under, and $10 for active military.
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$15 (13+); $12 (12 and under); $10 active military Source: Blue Ridge / Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (blueridgemountains.com), checked 2026-10-19
Santa at Avalon
Organizer date for 2026Santa takes photos at a North Pole-themed cottage in Avalon's Palmer Plaza through the holiday season. Appointments are recommended, and walk-ups are taken only if time allows. Pet portraits with Santa are offered on Tuesday evenings.
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Source: Experience Avalon, checked 2026-10-19
Visit Santa on the Square
Organizer date for 2026Santa visits the Public Square through the Old Fashioned Christmas season. The organizers say visitors can take a free photo and share Christmas wishes; they point to their schedule for exact dates and times.
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Source: Christmas in Dahlonega – Schedule/Parking, checked 2026-10-19
Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm
Organizer date for 2026Hardman Farm's mansion is decorated for Christmas 1877, with reenactors in period dress, candlelight, live music and s'mores by the campfire. Pre-registration is required, with tickets sold through Eventbrite.
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$30 adult; $22 youth; $65 family (2 adults and all of their children under 18) Source: Georgia State Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Breakfast with Santa at Avalon
Organizer date for 2026Ticketed breakfast with Santa and his elves at two Avalon restaurants over one December weekend. Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 5 at 10 a.m.
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Source: Experience Avalon, checked 2026-10-19
Holly Jolly Christmas and Breakfast with Santa
Organizer date for 2026A morning holiday event with a free breakfast with Santa and caroling by local school choirs. There are also holiday crafts, a Mayor's Train ride and reindeer games. Free to attend.
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Free Source: Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19
Snow Day at Cumming City Center
Organizer date for 2026A holiday family day at Cumming City Center presented with Jump N Jacks Moonwalk, with bounce houses, a visit from Santa and a DJ. Bounce house wristbands cost $10, or free with a donated new, unopened gift of equal value.
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$10 for unlimited bounce house play per person (or donate a new, unopened gift of equal value) Source: Cumming City Center, checked 2026-10-19
Holiday Open House at Paradise Hills Winery Resort and Spa
Organizer date for 2026A holiday open house at the winery with a cookie contest and an ugly sweater contest. There will be live music by Chris Carpenter and wine bottle painting. No cover charge.
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Free Source: Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce, checked 2026-10-19
Cookie Crawl
Organizer date for 2026Downtown businesses hand out holiday treats while shoppers walk Main Street. The Clayton Merchants & Business Association lists it as the last event on its 2026 calendar.
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Source: Visit Clayton GA (Clayton Merchants & Business Association), checked 2026-10-19
Grinchmas at The Mill
Organizer date for 2026A Grinch-themed holiday evening at The Mill on Etowah, finishing with an outdoor screening of The Grinch on the green at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
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Free Source: Explore Canton, GA, checked 2026-10-19
Holiday Movies: Elf and White Christmas
Organizer date for 2026Two holiday film screenings on the same Saturday: Elf in the afternoon and White Christmas in the evening. The City of Canton calendar lists both under its Theatre category.
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Source: City of Canton – Events Calendar, checked 2026-10-19
Kid's Day
Organizer date for 2026Holiday activities and crafts for children in kindergarten through 5th grade, open to guests of all abilities. A parent or guardian must stay with the child throughout; information is at the main tent arch in Hancock Park.
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Source: Christmas in Dahlonega – Schedule/Parking, checked 2026-10-19
Breakfast in Candyland with Santa
Organizer date for 2026A holiday breakfast with Santa at Unicoi State Park & Lodge. The Helen visitors' calendar gives the date, hours and location; it does not list a price.
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Source: Helen, Georgia Welcome Center (helenga.org), checked 2026-10-19
Enchanted Woodland Trail
Organizer date for 2026Winter trail display of fairy houses and gnome homes built from natural materials and placed along a woodland path. Builders compete for cash prizes, plus a People's Choice award. Entry is included with general admission and free for members.
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Included with general admission ($20 adults) Source: Chattahoochee Nature Center, checked 2026-10-19
Free Holiday Movie at the Holly Theater: The Santa Clause
Organizer date for 2026A free family screening of The Santa Clause (rated PG) at the Holly Theatre as part of the Old Fashioned Christmas schedule.
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Free Source: Christmas in Dahlonega – Schedule/Parking, checked 2026-10-19
Questions about the holidays
Where can I see Christmas lights in North Georgia?
Options include Mountain Country Christmas in Lights, a walk-through display at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee; Gainesville Glows: Lanterns and Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden's Gainesville Garden on select nights from mid-November into early January; and Magical Nights of Lights, a 6-mile drive-through display at Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, running November 15 to January 4 this season.
Source: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Which North Georgia towns light up their squares for Christmas?
Dahlonega's Old-Fashioned Christmas starts the day after Thanksgiving with a Lighting of the Square. Blue Ridge holds Light Up Blue Ridge and its Christmas Parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Gainesville's Christmas on Green Street ends with a parade and the lighting of the Rotary Tree, and Jasper's Christmas Night of Lights pairs a tree lighting with a parade. Ball Ground lists a Hometown Tree Lighting on November 28, 2026.
Source: Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau
Is there a Christmas market in North Georgia?
Yes. Roswell's Christkindl Market is a German-style Christmas market on the grounds of historic Bulloch Hall, running from November into December. Bulloch Hall is one of the city's free historic house museums and is where Mittie Bulloch married into the Roosevelt family in 1853. Roswell is about 35 minutes from downtown Atlanta without traffic.
Source: Visit Roswell
Dates, times and rules can change. Each listing links the organizer or local government page it came from, with the date we checked it; confirm there before you go.
