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

Madison

Holiday Tour of Homes

Experience Madison’s historic homes 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 historic homes like The Joshua Hill House, Poullain Heights, and The Garden on Vine. Purchase tickets online. 

Tours will be held Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with Candlelight Tours from 5-9 p.m.

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 “The Twelve Days of Christmas” so expect to see ladies dancing, maids-a-milking, and all your holiday favorites come to life. The parade will include floats, walking groups, vintage cars, horses, dogs, dancers, and the award-winning MCHS 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 14th at 4 p.m., and caroling from 5-7 p.m.

More Events in Madison

• MAGallery Holiday Market: Now- December 31st
• Shop, Sip & Stroll in Downtown Madison: November 16th & 23rd
• Santa at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center: November 7th – 9th, 15th and 16th
• Choose & Cut Trees at Jack’s Creek: November 23rd- December 20th
• Christmas Tour of Homes: December 6th and 7th
• A Burchfield Family Christmas: December 13th
• Holiday Parade and Caroling by Candlelight: December 14th
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert: December 19th

Greensboro

Lighting of the Tree in Downtown Greensboro

Join downtown Greensboro in lighting the community Christmas tree. The tree is locally sourced from a different citizen each year and placed on the courthouse lawn to be decorated for the season. 

The tree lighting will be Friday, December 6th 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. The “Ice” Bar, a retro trailer outfitted with holiday cheer, will be serving up warm classics such as hot cocoa, apple cider and hot toddies while creative cocktails make an appearance. Stop by the Snow Globe Photo Booth 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.

Dates: November 27th – January 5th

Eatonton

Eatonton Mistletoe Market

Join crafters, makers, bakers, and more at Eatonton’s very own Mistletoe Market on Saturday, November 9th. Downtown Eatonton will be the place to get all your unique gifts ahead of time. In addition to over 100 vendors, there will be a live chainsaw sculpting exhibit throughout the day. 

Visit the market on Saturday, November 9th.  

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 14th to December 21st, 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 2024 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 by car, foot, or wheelchair. In addition to the enchanting light display, visitors can explore the Forest Forms exhibit, showcasing stunning sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. Guests may enter the light display through the parking lot entrance and be immersed in a holiday wonderland.