7 Best Georgia Towns For A Winter Getaway

When winter arrives, Georgia’s landscape transforms into a beautiful mix of frosty mountain peaks and valleys, and festive small towns that exude Southern warmth. Known as the ‘Peach State,’ Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River and is home to 159 unique counties, each with its own distinct charm and landscape. The state’s diverse geography creates countless opportunities for adventure all year round. Each of these small Georgia towns discussed below proves that you do not need snow or even cold weather to have a wonderful winter getaway.

Santa Claus

The list of best towns for a winter getaway would not be complete without Santa Claus, Georgia. This small Christmas-themed town attracts holiday lovers from all across the state and beyond. Walk the streets and explore Candy Cane Lane and Reindeer Street, then head over to Santa Claus City Hall, located at 25 December Drive. At City Hall, you can send a letter to Santa and get it mailed back with an official Santa Claus Stamp of approval! While there, do not forget to visit the tiny garden and chapel, which was created by community volunteers and sits in a one-acre park. While the streets of Santa Claus are decked year-round, on Christmas Eve, residents line the streets with handmade lanterns and luminaries, which fill the town with warmth and make for a truly magical sight.

Jekyll Island

Located in Glynn County is one of the Golden Isles, known as Jekyll Island. This seaside town offers a variety of winter activities that are sure to make your getaway memorable. A particularly popular event is Holly Jolly Jekyll, which includes a drive-through Christmas light show aboard a trolley around the island, where you can see over a million lights. At Jekyll Island Miniature Golf Course, you will feel like you are in a life-size Candyland, with gingerbread men, peppermint sticks, and other sweet treats marking the holes during the holiday season.

Jekyll Island is also home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, an educational center that is dedicated to the rehabilitation and care of sea turtles and the environment in which they live. During the winter, as a result of the drop in temperature, there is an increase in the number of turtles that need help, and it is the center that answers this call.

Madison

East of Atlanta is the beautiful, small town of Madison, Georgia, where there is plenty to see and do during the winter months. In December, downtown Madison hosts its Annual Holiday Parade, featuring vintage cars, dancers, floats, horses, dogs, and even a marching band. Throughout the winter, the Georgia Safari Conservation Park is open for a safari adventure that is unlike any other. Take a guided tour of the grounds and get special animal encounters in safari vehicles, where afterwards you can stay overnight in one of their luxury suites.

Back in town, you can also take a one-of-a-kind trolley tour with Madison Trolley Co., providing an educational and entertaining experience of this historic town that comes to life during the winter. For some outdoor recreation, head over to Hard Labor Creek State Park, where you can stay warm next to campfires, cuddle up in cabins, and explore the scenic hiking trails.

Blue Ridge

In northern Georgia sits the mountain town of Blue Ridge, which hosts winter activities that will make you feel like a kid again. Start your adventure with a walk down Main Street and enjoy the award-winning decorated storefront windows that are sure to take your breath away. The downtown area also hosts the Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off and Craft Beer Festival in February, where you can explore a variety of creative ice sculptures and warm up with a delicious bowl of chili. The festival also has a number of different beers and wines to choose from, as well as live entertainment and face painting for the kids. Beyond the festival, you can grab a hot cup of cocoa from Mountain Mama's Coffee Lounge all winter long, strap on some ice skates, and head over to Blue Ridge on Ice, where you can spend the day ice skating on this seasonal pop-up rink.

Thomasville

The historic town of Thomasville provides a wealth of activities that are sure to make it a memorable winter getaway. The Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site takes visitors on a guided tour of an 1884-85 Victorian Mansion that was used as a merchant’s winter cottage. Explore the historic Downtown Thomasville, with over 100 cafes, antique stores, and boutiques that are ideal for shopping and sipping when temperatures dip. A particularly popular place is Grassroots Coffee, offering seasonal flavors of hot drinks as well as mouthwatering pastries. To get the full experience of the various foods offered in town, book a spot with the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour, where you can sample dishes from the most popular restaurants in the area, including a special Victorian Sweets Tour through the month of December.

Dahlonega

Dahlonega, Georgia, is a town that has earned many acknowledgements, particularly as a place where numerous Hallmark Christmas movies have been filmed. A magical experience is what you can expect in Dahlonega throughout the winter months. Visit one of the numerous wineries that can be found along the Dahlonega Wine Trail, featuring beautiful views, decadent tastings, and delicious food. Warm up with some hand-crafted hot drinks at Tea Rabbit’s, where you can choose from over 100 different blends and brews, each with their own unique flavors, such as Story Time, a decaf tea with hints of raspberry and strawberry. Then, excitement awaits with Dahlonega Carriage and Horse Rides, offering tours and trail rides, and even a winter tour through the beautifully decorated historic district.

Helen

The Bavarian-style village of Helen, Georgia, offers seasonal events in an iconic, cozy location. Visitors can experience the wonder of Helen at the Annual Lighting of the Village, featuring musical performances and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at Riverside Park. The town also hosts the Winterfest Arts Tour, a weekend event that is held across four locations in February, with crafts, fine art, and local history. If you're fortunate enough to be there during an occasional fall of snow, look for animal tracks at Smithgall Woods State Park, where unique winter wildlife can be observed. However, nothing makes it feel like winter quite like cuddling up in a cabin, and at Cabin Rentals of Helen, a variety of options are available, from spacious lodges to cozy cabins downtown.

The small towns discussed demonstrate that winter is just another chance to experience the beauty of Georgia in a new way. While each is different, with its own charm, landscapes, and seasonal spirit, they all offer the same inviting sense of community, Southern warmth, and winter magic that make Georgia a great place to visit. Whether you want to explore festive downtowns decorated with lights, shop local markets for unique holiday gifts, or attend local events filled with excitement, these festive locations make it easy to embrace the beauty of the winter season. With scenic views, warm hospitality, and holiday spirit, these seven towns in Georgia will make you wish it could be winter all year round.