Trip Ideas

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Celebrate the Holidays in Georgia’s Lake Country

As jingle bells approach, there’s no such thing as being too early to get into the holiday spirit. Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair provide an ideal setting for a holiday getaway. These lakes exude tranquility, and the surrounding communities are beautifully adorned for the season. From the renowned Holiday Tour of Homes in Madison to the charming Mistletoe Market in Eatonton, Georgia’s Lake Country ensures that the holiday season is nothing short of extraordinary.

Near Lake Oconee

Heritage Hall during Madison’s Holiday Tour of Homes

Madison

Holiday Tour of Homes

Experience the mansions, museums and churches in Madison’s renowned Historic District in the most festive way with the Holiday Tour of Homes. Take a stroll through Madison’s best-decorated homes on a self-guided tour offered either during the day or at night with candlelight. Attendees can expect to see several of the town’s most cherished private residences and historic landmarks, each dressed with holiday cheer. Purchase tickets online through the tour host, Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. 

Tours will be held Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with Candlelight Tours from 5-9 p.m. This year’s Holiday Tour of Homes is presented as a fundraiser by the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.

Holiday Parade & Caroling by Candlelight

Join small-town Madison for its annual Holiday Parade through its downtown, the theme for the parade this year is “A Colonial Christmas,” so expect to close out America’s 250th anniversary with holiday style and celebrate with traditions of old. The parade will include floats, walking groups, vintage cars, horses, dogs, dancers, and the award-winning Morgan County High School Marching Band. After the parade, Madison Main Street will host more holiday festivities with caroling led by performers in the Town Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance to hear some last-minute Christmas wishes.

The parade will be Saturday, December 12th at 4 p.m. with caroling at Madison Town Park from 5-7 p.m.

More Events in Madison

Ice Skating at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Greensboro

Lighting of the Tree in Downtown Greensboro

Gather with friends, family, and neighbors as Downtown Greensboro celebrates the season at their annual Lighting of the Tree! Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, featuring live entertainment on the community stage, visits with Santa and his elves, arts and crafts activities, and delicious food vendors. Watch as the Christmas tree comes to life with thousands of twinkling lights and help kick off the holiday season in our community. This festive tradition is fun for all ages and the perfect way to welcome the magic of the holidays!

The tree lighting will be Friday, December 4th from 6 – 8 p.m.

Ice Skating at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Step into The Winter Forest at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, where adventures and memories await. Guests can glide across the 5,000 square-foot ice rink, holding hands and laughing as they take in views of Lake Oconee. Find respite in the Ice Lounge with plush sofas, creative drinks and twinkle lights. Find respite in the Ice Lounge with plush sofas, creative drinks, and twinkle lights, which will be serving up warm classics such as hot cocoa, apple cider and hot toddies while creative cocktails make an appearance. Don’t forget to snap and share those magical #RCMemories. The Winter Forest will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4 – 8 p.m. 

Ice Skating is complimentary for all registered resort guests within the Resort Fee. Ice Skating will be open November 25th – January 3rd.

More events in Greensboro

Eatonton’s Mistletoe Market

Eatonton

Eatonton Mistletoe Market

Join crafters, makers, bakers, and more at Eatonton’s very own Mistletoe Market on Saturday, November 8th. Downtown Eatonton will be the place to get all your unique gifts ahead of time. In addition to over 120 arts & crafts vendors, there will be food trucks and live art demonstrations from local artist Brian Danson.

Visit the market on Saturday, November 8th.  

Eatonton Christmas Parade

Get ready to ring in the season with the annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Eatonton on December 13th! This beloved community tradition brings holiday lights, joyful music, and plenty of festive fun to Georgia’s Lake Country. The parade will step off at 6:00 p.m., filling the streets with floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa himself! Before and after the parade, enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks and browse vendors set up on the Putnam County Courthouse lawn. Afterward, stop by for a free photo with Santa from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Whether you come for the twinkling lights, the cheerful crowd, or just a dose of holiday spirit, Eatonton’s Christmas Parade is a can’t-miss celebration that sparkles, rain or shine!

Join the fun of Eatonton’s Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 13th.

Near Lake Sinclair

Milledgeville

Lockerly in Lights

Get ready to embark on a festive journey that’s bound to ignite your holiday spirit! Lockerly in Lights is back, and it’s brighter and more breathtaking than ever before. On Fridays and Saturdays from November 20th to January 2nd, you can dive headfirst into a world of enchanting holiday lights that will fill your heart with seasonal joy and leave your kiddos in pure wonder.

The 2026 edition of Lockerly in Lights features thousands of sparkling lights, dazzling displays, expanded property access, and ample parking. Guests can enjoy the season’s beauty along the main trail loop, which is fully paved for easy navigation on foot or wheelchair. In addition to the enchanting light display, guests will enjoy a whimsical walk through the magical winter tunnel or the chance to hug a tree and see it light up with joy. Guests may enter the light display through the parking lot entrance and be immersed in a holiday wonderland.

Lockerly in Lights will feature walk-through nights every Friday and Saturday from November 20th through January 2nd.

Christmas at the Mansion

Step into a holiday tradition that’s as rich in history as it is in festive cheer! Christmas at Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion transforms this iconic home into a dazzling display of historically inspired decorations and timeless holiday magic. From November 14th to 24th, November 28th to December 23rd, and December 28th to 31st, visitors can explore rooms adorned with lush greenery, fresh fruits, and period-accurate decor, highlighted by a breathtaking 30-foot Christmas tree.

Guests can stroll through the Mansion during regular daytime tours or experience the glow of candlelight tours on December 5th, 12th, and 19th, where angelic voices fill the rotunda and the golden-domed ceiling creates an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.

The Mansion is open for public tours Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with tours starting at the top of each hour. Candlelight tours are offered at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Advance registration is required.

Make Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion part of your holiday season and immerse yourself in tradition and holiday wonder.

More Events in Milledgeville

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