Top Holiday Events Beyond Atlanta 2026

Celebrate the holidays with a family-friendly getaway to one of these top destinations. For more holiday events and activities, read our list of 200+ Atlanta’s Top Holiday Events.

A Charming Getaway

Make fall break memorable in LaGrange, Georgia! Gather the family for a getaway filled with local shopping, delicious dining and seasonal fun. Stroll downtown’s charming streets, browse unique boutiques and enjoy a relaxing wine tasting at a local vineyard. Get outside and explore the area’s scenic trails, then refuel at a cozy coffee shop or local restaurant. Whether you’re planning a family adventure or a weekend with friends, LaGrange offers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

A Mountain Escape

If you’re looking for quality family time away from the crowds this fall and holiday season, come to the mountains! Atlanta’s most charming mountain getaway, Rabun County is just a short trip away. Enjoy the delights of fall and winter in the mountains along with quaint and traditional holiday experiences, all with fresh mountain air and scenic views that are even more amazing during the cooler months. From thrilling outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and camping, to the relaxing pleasures of cultural exploration, spas, golfing, shopping, wining and dining, there’s something for everyone in Rabun County!

Alpine Winter Lights

Helen, Georgia, also known as Alpine Helen, is a small Bavarian Village nestled in the Northeast Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain range and only 90 minutes north of Atlanta. Alpine Helen has quickly become known as one of the top Christmas towns to visit in the United States and voted one of the most charming towns in the world. During the Christmas Holiday Season, the town turns its amazing village into a Christmas wonderland. The first event to kick off the holidays is the Annual Lighting of the Village on November 2, from 5-7 p.m. at Riverside Park.

Discover a Winter Wonderland

Now in its 32nd year, the Enchanted Garden of Lights draws families from across the Southeast to Lookout Mountain. More than a million lights illuminate five Enchanted Trails at Rock City, where seasonal scenes, mountaintop memories and visits with Santa have become part of a holiday tradition shared across generations.