HGTV says this Georgia town is like a Hallmark Christmas movie setting

Back before Thanksgiving, HGTV released a list of the 50 best small towns in the nation to visit for Christmas. Only one in Georgia made the list, and while it may be quite a drive for some, it will be worth it.

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:

• Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega on Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 in downtown Dahlonega.

• Dahlonega Arts Alliance Holiday Special 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Old Storehouse Art.

• 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.

• Dinner with the Grinch 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Captain D’s.

• 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:

1. Shenanigans Restaurant & Irish Pub

5. Montaluce Winery & Restaurant

What are the top Christmas destinations in the South?

• 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 Augusta Chronicle: Top 50 Christmas destinations by HGTV highlights one Georgia town