Hiawassee attracts visitors all year round and while summer and fall are two of the most popular seasons for guests, many people retreat to the mountains with their families during school breaks to experience the magic of the holiday season in the sweet mountain town.
If you’re planning your own holiday getaway and want to plan your itinerary for the whole family to enjoy, you’re in the right place!
Here at The Ridges Resort, we take pride in welcoming visitors all season long and we do our best to make sure that your visit feels as festive as possible. From the Thanksgiving feast at The Oaks, to Christmas trees in the resort lobby and the holiday spirit that swirls around town, you’re sure to feel right at home during your holiday visit.
To make your trip planning easy, here’s what happening in Hiawassee this holiday season:
Paint and Sip at The Ridges: November 13
The fall air is here to stay and there’s no better way to soak it in than a lakeside Paint and Sip event! Join us at the Lakeside Pavilion at The Ridges Resort for a fun Thanksgiving themed painting event.
Reservations are required and will include all supplies needed along with your wine and cheese pairings! 🎨🍷🧀
Mistletoe Market and Craft Show at The Ridges: November 19 & 20
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year or grab something for yourself at the annual Mistletoe Market where you’ll find 30+ local arts and crafts vendors showcasing their handmade, unique items.
This event will be hosted at The Ridges Resort and admission is totally free!
Thanksgiving at The Oaks: November 24
If you’re planning a trip to Hiawassee for Thanksgiving and are worried about how your family will enjoy the traditional holiday meal, we’ve got you covered!
The Oaks, one of two on-site restaurants at The Ridges Resort offering fine dining, will be ready to greet you on Thanksgiving day with a buffet complete with your favorite holiday foods, including a full carving station, delicious sides and of course decadent desserts.
Click here to make your reservation! 🦃
Mountain Country Christmas Lights at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Thanksgiving day kicks off the holiday season in most places and Hiawassee is no different! After your post turkey day nap, load up your family and head to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds to get into the Christmas spirit.
This Hiawassee holiday tradition has been designed as a Christmas light walkthrough that winds through the craft booths at the fairgrounds alongside Lake Chatuge.
During your visit, you can grab festive treats like hot chocolate, roast marshmallows and make s’mores, listen to Christmas music and even visit with Santa! 🎅🏼
This event runs Thursday – Saturday, November 24 – December 17 and then will be open every night December 18-23! Get all the details here.
Dailey and Vincent Christmas Fest: December 2 & 3
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like a Christmas music show. Dailey and Vincent return to the Anderson Music Hall at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this year to bring the holiday vibes straight to Hiawassee! 🎶
Click here for the line up and to grab your tickets.
Annual Christmas Parade in Helen, GA: December 10
Hiawassee’s famous neighbor across Unicoi Mountain, Helen, GA, transforms its Bavarian-style buildings and streets into a magical winter escape during the holiday season.
On December 10th you can line the Helen streets to enjoy the annual Christmas parade that will fill the air with jingle bells and all the Christmas music your heart can handle!
Polar Express Train Ride in Bryson City, NC or Blue Ridge, GA
Two neighboring towns bring the famous Christmas movie to life with The Polar Express train ride. Both, Blue Ridge, GA and Bryson City, NC are only about an hour drive from Hiawassee and provide a Christmas experience like no other!
Each town is centered around their scenic railway and has been designed as a way for family and friends to come together and enjoy each other’s company in a unique way.
The Polar Express experiences in each of these towns are pretty similar and you can expect to enjoy Christmas music and Christmas stories while sipping on hot cocoa during transit. 🚂
Hiawassee Hidden Gems
Like most small towns, you’ll usually find a few hidden gems that are rarely talked about and Hiawassee has two notable favorites, especially during the holidays.
If you’re looking for another Christmas light experience, look no further than Scataway Lights – a real life Deck The Halls house and is a local favorite every single year!
A local family decorates their home and yard with TONS of dazzling lights that you can drive by and enjoy with your kids. It’s truly a marvelous display of Christmas spirit and brings joy to all. The fun kicks off on Thanksgiving night and runs through early January! 🎄
Another local favorite during the holidays is a local shop, Always Christmas. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a year round Christmas store that makes for the perfect place to grab new ornaments, unique gifts or to browse around and feel like you’re in a true winter wonderland. ❄️
Overall, Hiawassee is a fabulous holiday destination and there are plenty of things to do and see during your stay. It’s the perfect time to visit if you’re looking to beat most of the crowds and we’ll warmly welcome you at North Georgia’s Premiere Destination!