Winter is here, time to head inside and sit in front of the TV. Right? Wrong! In North Georgia, there are year-round events and activities that make playing outside or getting together with friends and family at indoor events even more exciting during the winter. Instead of getting cabin fever, head out and take part in any one of these fun things to do in North Georgia during winter.
Bed and Breakfast Getaway in the Mountains
Cozy up with loved ones in a new place with a view! Add a fireplace and hot tub, and you’re all set for a relaxing getaway weekend in the North Georgia mountains. One beautiful thing about North Georgia is that even local bed and breakfasts transport you to an enchanting, new adventure and a short drive will take you to the Treetop Hideaways of Flintstone, snow-dusted Blue Ridge Mountains or the twinkle-lit streets of the Alps of the Appalachia in Helen. See some of our favorite North Georgia getaways below.
- Lake Allatoona Inn Bed and Breakfast, Cartersville
Brewery Tours
If you want to avoid any outdoor activities this winter, keep warm inside at one of the many brewery tours in North Georgia. Visit the Classic City and tour the Creature Comforts Brewery, try the craft beer selection from Red Hare Brewing Company in Marietta or visit Northwest Georgia for a tour of the renowned Rome City Brewing Company. Visitors will enjoy the fine beer tasting selections and be amazed by the intricate behind the scenes work that goes into brewing a perfect beer. Enjoy all the unique and well-cultivated beer options brewed in our very own state this winter!
Candlelight Tours
A candlelight tour of the enchanting Chief Vann House in Chatsworth will fill you with giddy, childlike wonder and cheer. The Chief Vann House State Historic Site once belonged to James Vann, a Cherokee Indian leader and wealthy businessman during the 1790s. He built the 2 1/2 story brick home on his 1,000-acre plantation in 1804. During the winter, there are self-guided tours of the beautiful mansion with live music and over 200 candles to light your path. You won’t want to miss a visit to North Georgia’s most well-preserved historic Cherokee Indian home.
Winterwonderland Train Ride
Imagine chugging along the tracks on a winter wonderland train ride through nearly a mile of holiday lights and decor. Be greeted by Victorian carolers, singing all the favorite classic Christmas songs, as you board at Pine Mountain Gold Museum. Meet with Santa and his reindeer and elves. Enjoy warm drinks and other goodies as you take in the holiday decor. This event is perfect for the entire family! Follow Pine Mountain Gold Museum on Facebook or visit the museum website to keep up to date with events like this.
Holiday Festivals and Parades
North Georgia is never lacking in holiday festivals and parades to attend all winter long! Snuggle up with loved ones and ride on a horse drawn carriage, walk the twinkle-lit streets of our beautiful downtown centers, get some local shopping accomplished, sit back and watch decorated floats during annual parades or enjoy live music and refreshments at any one of the North Georgia holidays and festivals. Click through some of our favorites below.
Enchanted Garden of Lights
Walk through Rock City Garden’s Enchanted Garden of Lights in Lookout Mountain, Georgia to experience true magic during the winter. The garden features four realms of wonder: The Magic Forest, Arctic Kingdom, North Pole Village and Yule Town, all decorated according to their theme. Visitors begin their adventure along the North Pole Highway. People of all ages will love this unique and memorable trip full of Christmas magic and cheer. Visit nightly November through early January.
Ice Skating
While it may not always get cold enough for everything to freeze over in North Georgia, there are still plenty of opportunities to go ice skating in our beautiful southern state. There are indoor and outdoor rink options so patrons can ice skate regardless of the elements. Don’t let the early sunset steer you away from fun either because these rinks are well-lit for all-day fun! See some great places to ice skate below.
Winter 5ks
Get those feet moving and keep off the holiday weight with one of the many North Georgia winter 5Ks. If you find yourself with the winter blues, a brisk jog or walk will help cure your ailments. Most of the 5Ks in North Georgia support important causes, so you will be helping others while you complete your 5K. Visit www.rungeorgia.com to see a list of all the winter 5Ks in North Georgia.
Local Shopping
Dahlonega, Blue Ridge, Clarkesville, Hartwell, Rome, Toccoa, Woodstock and Athens are all known for their specialty shops, art galleries and local shopping atmospheres. Find unique, one-of-a-kind offerings in these charming downtown shopping areas while you support local businesses. Run into friendly shop owners and enjoy the delectable food choices from neighborhood restaurants.
Outlet Shopping
Go on a shopping extravaganza at one of the many outlet centers in North Georgia, or plan a visit to all of them! Holiday shopping is a pinch when all of your favorite name brands are in the same outdoor shopping mall. Visit the Calhoun Outlet Marketplace in Calhoun, Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville, North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville or the Tanger Outlets in Commerce for discounted prices on designer brands. You’ll stay cozy and warm when the shops are all in a line and you just hop from door to door, plus there are excellent dining options surrounding all the outlet centers for an evening meal after a long day of shopping.
