From Marietta to the Mountains: North Georgia’s Best Holiday Lights, Parades & Christmas Festivals
If you’re chasing that Hallmark-movie holiday feeling right here in North Georgia—the twinkling lights, small-town parades, and hot cocoa by the tree—this guide is for you. We’re starting in Marietta and working our way north through the mountains, highlighting the best holiday light displays, festivals, and parades happening this season.
So grab your peppermint latte, load up the family, and let’s hit the road.
Historic Marietta Square
The season kicks off in Historic Marietta Square, where the city hosts its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4th. Expect Santa on the Square, live performances, and a packed crowd gathered around Glover Park as the tree lights up.
From December 5th through 7th, the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour offers a rare look inside beautifully decorated historic homes—straight out of a storybook.
Just down the road, one of Georgia’s biggest holiday attractions returns: World of Illumination at Six Flags White Water, running November 14th through January 4th. With millions of LEDs, massive light tunnels, and music-synced displays, it’s a must-see for all ages.
Downtown Woodstock
Next stop: Woodstock, one of the most festive small towns in Georgia during the holidays.
Downtown glows with lights along Main Street, live music at the gazebo, and a strong community vibe. The Christmas Jubilee & Parade of Lights rolls through at dusk with marching bands, decorated floats, and Santa himself.
New this year is Woodstock’s first-ever ice rink opening in Adair Park, right next to Collaborate Woodstock. Add in the Winter Wonderland Holiday Market, the Holiday Tour of Homes, and Santa Mail for the kids, and you’ve got a full month of holiday magic.
Downtown Canton
The holidays roll on in Canton, where festivities run all December long.
The Merry Market & Christmas Parade takes over Cannon Park on December 18th, with downtown shops staying open late for strolling, shopping, and dinner under the lights. Each Saturday in December, Mistletoe on Main offers free carriage rides through the decorated streets.
Over at The Mill on Etowah, you’ll find Rink on the River running from November through January, plus Christmas at the Mill kicking off the season the last weekend of November.
Ball Ground
Small-town charm shines bright in Ball Ground.
The Christmas in Ball Ground Market brings local artisans and festive treats downtown on December 7th, while the town’s signature event—the March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots—rolls through on December 5th. It’s a heartfelt celebration that supports local families and brings the entire community together.
Jasper & Pickens County
In Jasper, the Night of Lights Parade & Tree Lighting on December 7th transforms the entire square. Santa arrives, vendors line Main Street with warm cider and holiday crafts, and families gather for that true North Georgia Christmas feeling.
The Candlelight Shopping Night runs December 5th through 7th, and the Snowman Stroll continues all month long at Lee Newton Park.
Ellijay
Up in the mountains, Ellijay delivers one of the most charming holiday nights in the region.
The Light Up Ellijay Parade & Tree Lighting on December 7th features carolers, hot cocoa stations, festive shops, and lights wrapping the square. Families can also enjoy Breakfast with Santa on December 13th, a local tradition that fills up fast every year.
Blue Ridge
We wrap things up in Blue Ridge, one of the most magical Christmas destinations in the South.
The Light Up Blue Ridge Festival takes place November 28th and 29th, featuring a full parade, tree lighting, visits with Santa, live music, and holiday shopping throughout downtown.
Don’t miss the Holiday Express aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, running November 21st through December 23rd. It’s a Christmas-movie experience on rails, complete with cocoa, music, and stunning mountain views. Be sure to check out the Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village while you’re there.
From Marietta to the Mountains
From Marietta to the mountains, the holidays shine brighter in North Georgia than just about anywhere. If you love community, tradition, and that hometown Christmas feeling, this region delivers in a big way.
To watch our entire video on this, check it out on YouTube here. North Georgia’s Most Magical Christmas Towns
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