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Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas in Georgia Is Straight out of a Hallmark Christmas Movie

Don't miss out on Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas in Georgia this year. This holiday celebration is pure magic.

Updated Oct 23, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

When the holidays come around, I am always searching for activities to get me in the holiday spirit. Luckily, I found the ultimate Christmas experience in The Peach State that is straight out of a Hallmark movie. Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas is one of the most festive holiday events in the state. This month-long event highlights the beauty and charm of this small town, with an emphasis on spending an exciting Christmas in Georgia! With different activities throughout December and January, come see why this annual Christmas celebration is unlike any other in Georgia. Once you experience a true Dahlonega Georgia Christmas, you might not want to spend the holidays elsewhere.

Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas is an annual event in Georgia that is practically straight out of a Hallmark Movie.

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Mike Finn/Flickr

This charming town turns into a holiday wonderland every year with decorations, twinkling lights, and pure Christmas joy. All of the businesses in the area get in on the magic, with so much holiday spirit.

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Stephen Rahn/Flickr

This month-long festival features a bevy of local events and activities, from themed nights to all-ages festivities, and beyond. What kicks off with the lighting of the square in November continues with food trucks, art markets, carriage rides, and so much more. Stroll the sidewalks and see the Festival of Trees which features colorfully decorated trees sponsored and decorated by local community members.

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Don Graham/Flickr

Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy the fun, as adults can enjoy touring the tasting rooms while the kids can sign up to visit with Santa Claus! With holiday lights twinkling until 11 p.m. through the first week of January, come enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure at Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas.

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T Dale Bagwell/Flickr

Have you ever participated in Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas in Georgia? If you have not, you'll want to add it to your list this year. Take it from me, there is something at this Christmas celebration for the entire family to enjoy. If you're looking for more information about this holiday experience, including a current calendar of events, check out the Dahlonega Christmas website or the Dahlonega Old-fashioned Christmas Facebook Page.

And don't forget to bundle up in your coziest winter layers! It's going to be a cold and wet one folks.

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Experiences|Events

The Most Enchanting Christmastime Main Street in the Country Is Thomasville in Georgia

Mark your calendars for the annual Thomasville, Georgia Victorian Festival. It's sure to become a favorite Christmas tradition for the whole family.

Updated Oct 22, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

If you ask me, there are quite a few Christmas towns in Georgia worth exploring during the holiday season. For example, adventuring through Dahlonega during December will easily be one of the highlights of your whole season. But there is a town that does the holidays just right - at least we think so. That town is Thomasville. The best time to visit Thomasville is during Christmas, especially along Main Street. Mark your calendars for this one, because the Thomasville, Georgia Victorian Festival is the most enchanting Main Street at Christmas that you don't want to miss.

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There is a town in Georgia that all should consider visiting during the holidays in order to enjoy a truly festive experience. Downtown Thomasville, Georgia transforms into a magical holiday wonderland every year, and everyone in town gets into the festive spirit. Not only will you be able to walk through the streets of Thomasville and see businesses and local shops getting in on the fun…

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Thomas Harrison-Lord/Flickr

…but there also is a Victorian Christmas Festival that takes over as one of the Top Twenty Events in the Southeast. Thomasville knows how to do Christmas right, as the entire town makes an effort to become one of the most festive places around.

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Mark/Flickr

Shop, dine, and indulge in a winter wonderland, featuring entertainment, live music, and decorations. But folks, there’s more! Take a carriage ride, roast marshmallows, visit Santa, watch the parade, drive through the dazzling light displays, or catch a ballet performance of The Nutcracker. There are so many family-friendly activities here that we think that you’ll want to spend a few days at the Thomasville, Georgia Victorian Festival.

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Thomas Harrison-Lord/Flickr

Come together in the spirit of the holidays and enjoy a community-inspired experience that the whole family will love. See for yourself why Thomasville, Georgia is the perfect place to get into a holiday mindset.

Have you ever visited Thomasville, Georgia for the holidays before? Do you agree with us that it's the most enchanting Main Street in Georgia at Christmas? If you're looking for more information about this enchanting Main Street Christmas festival, visit the Thomasville website or the Thomasville Facebook page.

Are you all full of holiday cheer but still struggling with a few last-minute gifts for the explorers in your life? Our new gift guide for travelers is the solution to your problem!

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Experiences|Events

SAM Shortline Has A Wine-Themed Train In Georgia That Will Give You The Ride Of A Lifetime

Published Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

We're big fans of rail excursions here at Only In Georgia, and, luckily, there's plenty of train rides in Georgia to enjoy! Whether you're looking for a fall foliage ride or want to check out some of the state's most charming small towns, there's a rail adventure for everyone in the Peach State. The ride we're featuring today is certain to draw quite a bit of interest: it's the SAM Shortline's Wine and Cheese Train. This fantastic train ride near Americus, GA is perfect for those seeking a fun and unique activity to enjoy in South Georgia. SAM Shortline schedules these rides throughout the year, with the next one scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

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Americus is a charming town with quite a bit of history. It got its start as a small town, but rapidly grew when the railroad came here.

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Doug Dumas/Google Reviews

Today, it's a sizable city with a population of around 16,000, but its historic district and abundance of local businesses makes it feel smaller than it is.

This wine train in Georgia starts at the Americus train station.

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Google Maps

While many of the train rides here are suitable for kids, note that this excursion is for those 21 and older.

In total, you'll ride in the air-conditioned, historic train for about an hour and a half.

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Sam Shortline Excursion Train/Facebook

Four different wines from Wolf Creek Plantation will be served on board, and you'll also enjoy a charcuterie board filled with cheese and crackers.

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LiteMeterPix/Flickr

Make sure to enjoy the views along the route - this is such an underrated area of the state!

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At trip's end, you'll be dropped off back at the Americus train station, with a complimentary wine glass to take home as a souvenir.

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For more information about the SAM Shortline Wine and Cheese Train near Americus, GA, check out the SAM Shortline Railroad website or SAM Shortline Facebook page. Tickets should go on sale soon, so mark your calendars!

Looking for more fun tours in Georgia to experience? Viator has plenty of fun offerings!

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