7 Places to Celebrate the Holidays on the Highway

01 Dec 7 Places to Celebrate the Holidays on the Highway

The rumors are true! The holiday season is officially here, and the seven cities positioned along Hospitality Highway are packed with numerous holiday events. Celebrate the holidays with family and friends on the highway with holiday events that are perfect for the season. Bring a blanket, hot cocoa, your favorite pair of mittens and pack the car for a holiday adventure worthwhile.

Reindeer Day, Credit: Roswell Patch

Roswell

Experience the magic and wonder of the holiday season in Roswell. The Southern Trilogy House Museums – Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation – are dressed in seasonal splendor and open for tours; Bake cookies with Mrs. Claus or witness the melting of Scrooge’s heart in ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Enjoy high tea in a historic mansion and be a guest at the re-enactments of Mittie Bulloch’s Christmastime 1853 wedding to Theodore Roosevelt. Enjoy a delightful ‘conversation’ with the last living bridesmaid of that memorable union, a one-woman portrayal that will enchant and entertain. Stroll Georgia’s officially recognized “Great Places In Georgia – Great Street,” Canton Street, with art galleries. fabulous shops, and an array of restaurants and outdoor cafes. Leave plenty of time for a popular Roswell holiday event, Reindeer Day, at Chattahoochee Nature Center where you will see live reindeer. While there look for the fairy houses or gnome homes along the woodland trail. These and other Roswell happenings will help you and yours make those special holiday memories.

Where to stay: Extend your stay with a reservation at the Holiday Inn or the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson. Both hotels are conveniently located in close proximity to all the festivities and offer free WiFi among other amenities.

Heritage Winter Classics – Photo Credit: Visit Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs

Celebrate the season at Sparkle Sandy Springs, a magical, walkable mini-house and light display. The month-long community lighting event, set on the Heritage Entertainment Lawn, is free and open to the public December 3-31. Local schools, artists and businesses each received a 7-foot tall wooden house to paint in festive, whimsical themes. The houses, as well as the surrounding lawn area, will be adorned with thousands of twinkling lights to create a magical, holiday wonderland. The enchanted evening will feature musical performances, food truck vendors, sweet treats, hot chocolate, a fire pit and much more.

Enjoy an evening of live music as Heritage Winter Classics returns for its 6th season. For one night only, Heritage Sandy Springs presents “A Bugler’s Holiday” featuring renowned trumpeters Cecil Welch and Joe Gransden, with special guest vocalist Robin Latimore. Take a break from the craziness of the holidays and enjoy an intimate show with two of Atlanta’s most talented trumpeters. Don’t forget to enjoy the Sparkle Sandy Springs light display on the lawn before the concert and during intermission!

Where to Stay: Rest your head for the night at the Homewood Suites Atlanta/Perimeter or the Wyndham Atlanta Galleria, and enjoy some well-deserved comfort and relaxation.

Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier – Photo Credit: Atlanta Patch

Cumming/Forsyth

Looking for a prime destination to catch an awesome holiday themed light show? Cumming/Forsyth has got you covered. The annual and very popular light show, Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier is back and bigger than ever for the productions celebratory 25th year! This year the production is bringing back the 13-display attraction, ‘12 Days of Christmas’ after a long two-year hiatus. Other highlights include, a long list of much loved displays such as: Santa’s Elves at Work, The North Pole Express, Jack & the Bean Stalk, the Poinsettia Candelabra, the Carousel and many more! Soak up all the cheer with a visit to the Holiday Village while you’re there. Grab something special at Bucky’s Gift Shop or Santa’s Workshop, roast marshmallows over the fire pit or hop on the carnival rides.

The fair is fun, but Christmas at the fair is even better. Enjoy the sights of the lights that line the streets and the festivities that fill the Cumming Fairgrounds during Christmas in Cumming. Free photos with Santa and an arts and crafts festival will be offered for an amazing night of holiday fun.

Where to stay: For a place to call base, reserve a stay at the Fairfield Inn or the Hampton Inn and enjoy complimentary breakfast amongst various other amenities.

Ice Skating at Avalon – Photo Credit: Experience Avalon

Alpharetta

Continue your holiday festivities at Alpharetta’s seasonal ice skating rink. Twist and twirl amongst the jolly ambience with family and friends and experience the holidays on the ice. The rink is open from now until mid-January and features an ice skating rink the size of Rockefeller Center. Surrounded by bright lights, cheerful holiday tunes and festive holiday décor, a spin on the ice at Avalon will create the perfect unforgettable holiday memory and experience for the entire family!

Holiday adventure awaits the entire family with a visit to Santa’s Toy Factory at North Point Mall. Ever wonder what its like to work in Santa’s workshop? At this interactive event,  kids can test new toys and even digitally design there own! Tickets for this holiday attraction can be purchased online at.

Where to stay: Treat yourself to an early gift and reserve a stay at one of 23 modern and affordable hotels in Alpharetta. Most hotels in Alpharetta offer complimentary parking, a selection of suites, complimentary breakfast, free WiFi and local shuttle service – all the essential modern amenities for today’s modern traveler.

Dawsonville Christmas Parade – Photo Credit: Tree Lighting and Jingle Market

Dawsonville

Join in on the festivities at the 5th annual Christmas in Downtown Dawsonville. The City of Dawsonville and the Chamber of Commerce host the Dawsonville Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and Jingle Market at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. The all day and night event is sure to be one for the books as the parade runs through Downtown historic Dawsonville. The annual tree lighting includes fun activities for the family, which begin after the parade at dusk. Other activities to indulge in with friends and family include, music, dancing, free photos with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, hot cocoa and hot cider coffee. The Jingle Market is a craft fair full of delightful finds. Open from 3pm-8pm you’ll have plenty of time to shop before or after the parade and tree lighting. This is a Christmas event the entire family will enjoy.

Where to stay: Stay a little while longer and indulge in the many offerings of Dawsonville. Customize your visit by reserving a stay at one of the cities many hotels, motels, resort, cabins lodges or bed & breakfast. Reservations can be made here: https://hospitalityhighway.com/communities/dawsonville/.

Christmas at Callanwolde – Photo Credit: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Buckhead

Find the holiday spirit you’ve been searching for at the annual Holiday Chastain event hosted by the Chastain Conservancy in Chastain Park. The celebration will include pictures with Santa, holiday gifts and a festive performance from the Georgia Boy Choir. Insider tip – don’t leave without a cup of Shake Shack’s signature hot chocolate!

An Atlanta holiday tradition for 40 years now, Christmas at Callanwolde: Designer Show House & Christmas Village is the perfect event for the entire family. This 27,000 square-foot historic mansion is elaborately decorated by Atlanta’s top interior and floral designers and with professional holiday displays, an expansive artists market, and themed events.

Where to stay: So much to see and so much time to see it! Turn your holiday event visit into a mini vay-cay at one of Buckhead’s overnight accommodations. Choose from hotels such as Springhill Suites Atlanta-Buckhead, the Mandarin Oriental- Atlanta or Staybridge Suites Atlanta-Buckhead.

Dahlonega Public Square – Photo Credit: Dahlonega Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Dahlonega

Keep your eyes peeled for Rudolph at Dahlonega’s Sleigh Bell Tour of Inns! Starting in Dahlonega Square, drive yourself from one lovely bed & breakfast to another, ending in the heart of North Georgia Wine Country on this festive tour. Along the way, each B&B will be decked out for the holiday season and tours of the houses, as well as refreshments will be offered. With a weekend stay, you can even catch Dahlonega’s famed Old-Fashioned Christmas, a celebration that takes place each year, also in Dahlonega’s historic downtown district.

Christmas Market on Candy Lane is another must stop and if you’re lucky, you may even run into a Hallmark movie being filmed. This event is held in conjunction with Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas and is sponsored by the Dahlonega Woman’s Club. Drawing visitors from all over Georgia, this event features an arts and crafts venue with all proceeds benefiting Lumpkin County children in need.

Where to Stay: Don’t go so soon. Reserve a stay in the heart of the holiday action or in the scenic great outdoors that surround Dahlonega. Choose from bed & breakfast, cabins, cottages, hotels, motels and resorts. Reserve your stay today, https://hospitalityhighway.com/communities/dahlonega/.