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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get ready for a festive journey that will light up your holidays! Lockerly in Lights is back, bigger and brighter than ever, from November 17th to December 23rd. Experience enchanting holiday moments that will fill your heart with joy and wonder. On Friday nights, enjoy a drive-through adventure from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for $15 per car in cash, with no advance tickets required. Saturdays offer a walk-through wonderland, priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12, with advance tickets necessary for 6:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. entrance times. No exceptions for Saturday nights. Walk-through nights have additional displays, live music, and more. Reserve your Saturday tickets here and create unforgettable holiday memories while supporting your local community in the heartwarming glow of holiday lights.
Lockerly in Lights will be open Fridays and Saturdays, November 17th- December 23rd.
Just a short drive from the lake, historic downtown Milledgeville is the small-town Christmas you have been dreaming of. Milledgeville, once the capital of Georgia, is home to Georgia’s Old Governors Mansion. While expertly curated all year round, the Mansion gets a time-period accurate trimming during the holiday season. Candlelight tours complete with a choir singing in the rotunda give a special ambiance to the property, an experience you may never forget. Normal admission rates apply and reservations are required for the candlelight tours.
Candlelight tours will be held at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. on December 2nd and 16th.
