Where is the most wonderful place for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year? Two weeks ago, HGTV answered that question with a list of their 50 favorite small towns to visit for Christmas.
What is the best Christmas destination in Georgia?
Representing Georgia on the list is Dahlonega. Here’s what the writers said about it:
“If Dahlonega looks straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, that’s because a number have been filmed there. It’s also the perfect setting for the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas fest, starting right after Thanksgiving with a tree and town square lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides around the historic square, Santa Claus visits and extended store hours. The latter three continue throughout December, along with a Christmas market, holiday concerts, tree decorating, live Nativity scene, parade and caroling. And while it’s unlikely to snow, the town does indeed deliver an old-timey Christmas filled with hot cocoa and memory-making.”
Where is Dahlonega, GA?
Dahlonega is in north Georgia, about 28 miles northeast of Cumming and about 25 miles south-west of Helen.
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Christmas events in Dahlonega, GA
Here are some of the festive fun things to do in the Dahlonega area this season:
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Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega on Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 in downtown Dahlonega.
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Christmas Market on Candy Cane Lane and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first and second weekends in December at the Community House and Hancock Park.
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Breakfast with Santa 8 a.m. Dec. 6 at R-Ranch in the Mountains in support of the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.
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Dinner with the Grinch 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Captain D’s.
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Toy Drive Jeep Ride 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at Mountain Adventure Outfitters.
Best restaurants in Dahlonega, GA
Here are the top 5 restaurants in Dahlonega, according to Tripadvisor:
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Shenanigans Restaurant & Irish Pub
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Montaluce Winery & Restaurant
What are the top Christmas destinations in the South?
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North Carolina: Blowing Rock
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia town ranked among HGTV’s top 50 Christmas destinations