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through Dec 31 Parade of Trees at Riverwalk Shops kick off the Christmas Season with the annual lighting of our 30-foot tall Christmas Tree, right on the river. https://www.riverwalkshops.com/light_up_mccaysville_2022

through January 9 Blue Ridge on Ice Enjoy ice skating at the Blue Ridge Farmers’ Market, located next door to The Swan Drive-In. Opens daily 10 a.m. through January 9th, with special Christmas hours. Cost is $10.00 and includes skate rental. Concession stand on site.

Through December 17 Holiday Show & Sale at the Blue Ridge Art Center. Come shop for that perfect holiday gift during this unique retail exhibit. We will have a multitude of artistic and handcrafted items for sale, all made from our member artists–jewelry, pottery, paintings, or anything in between. Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. https://www.blueridgearts.net/holiday-show.html

Through January 26 Thursday Fun Runs at The Riverwalk Walk, jog, or run with us every Thursday at 5:30 pm, then stick around to unwind with a craft beer or fine wine. Meet by the steel bridge, just outside Burra Burra’s river deck gate.

Through December 23 Mountain Country Christmas in Lights A holiday treat for the entire family along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge, where the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds will transform into a spectacular, magical holiday light show immersed in Christmas music, arts and crafts, food, fun, entertainment, photo opportunities, and a visit with Santa Claus. Come early on Saturdays for the Craft Show and stay for the lights 4pm-9pm. Event runs Thursday, Friday, & Saturday through December 17th. Open EVERY night from December 18th-23rd $6.00 Pets Are Not Allowed https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/christmas

Through January 24 Guided Hikes with the Benton McKaye Trail Association On four or five hikes per month, expect some “leisure” hikes that are shorter and easier and some 5 to 8 miles and of moderate difficulty. In addition, we have occasional backpacking hikes and more difficult ones that might be called “hardy hikes.” Occasionally we co-sponsor hikes with other organizations. Some, but not all, of our hikes are “dog friendly.” Although more hikes are in Georgia than the other states, you will find hikes in all three BMT states: Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. https://bmta.org/events/bmt-to-walallah-mountain

Through December 23 Holiday Express 2022 Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a festive 1-hour train ride on the Holiday Express in which you can listen to holiday music, hear the story “The Night Before Christmas,” enjoy delicious hot chocolate or other snacks. https://brscenic.com/tickets

Through December 11 Elf: The Musical at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). https://blueridgecommunitytheater.com/elf

Nov 25 & 26 Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade Blue Friday will include downtown merchants store discounts, Christmas holiday cheer, food vendors and strolling entertainment. Light Up Blue Ridge day will be full of Christmas cheer, strolling Christmas entertainment, food vendors, and children will be able to visit Santa Clause in the gazebo located in the park. Gingerbread Village will be open to December 11th at the Arts Center. The Christmas Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa in the gazebo from noon to 4:30 pm. https://lightupblueridge.info

December 1 – 31 Tour of Trees Union County Community Center in Blairsville, GA. Free admission to over 75 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. Each tree is decorated by a local business or organization, creating a festive show of trees and decorations, with a grand gingerbread house display featuring miniature masterpieces of sugar and spice.

December 2 HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS & BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Enjoy a free breakfast with Santa, exciting reindeer games, festive crafts, train rides, writing letters to Santa, and caroling with the school choir. 9 – 11 a.m. at the Union County Community Center in Blairsville, GA.

December 3 Christmas on the Square 3 to 5 pm in downtown Blairsville, where there will be photos with Santa at the Historic Courthouse, activities for kids like ornament painting and games, caroling and the tree-lighting, and a night-time parade at 6 pm.

December 2 Northeast Georgia Arts Tour Meet and view Artists with Live Demonstrations at work at all Arts Tour Locations. For Art plus Dining & Lodging. Follow the Art Tour Signs in Towns, Union, Clay, Rabun, White, & Habersham Counties. http://www.artstrour.org

December 3 Kris Kringle Mountain Market Enjoy a visit to the European Outdoor Holiday Market right here in the North Georgia Mountains! Music, children’s area. More than 75 vendors with produce, arts/crafts, and delicious food creations. 10 a.m. to 3 at the Union County Farmer’s Market in Blairsville, GA http://www.ucfarmersmarket.com

December 3 & 4 Christmas Concert at Young Harris College Saturday, December 3 at 7; Sunday, December 4 at 3 p.m. for our annual “Christmas at YHC” concert. Tickets at the door, $10

December 3 Winterfest at the Blue Ridge Farmers’ Market Noon to 4. Free Kids Crafts Free Pictures with Buddy and Santa from the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Enjoy Ice skating, and visit our Produce Vendors

December 3 Copper Basin Christmas Parade Copperhill Kiwanis Club 2-4 p.m.

December 3 Christmas in Ducktown, the 4th annual community event with a parade, tree lighting, corn hole tournament, cookie decorating, music and a visit from Santa. Corn Hole Tournament Begins at 4pm. Free treats and other activities at 5; Tree Lighting at 6; Parade, 6:30 pm

December 4 Christmas Tour of Homes Ticket holders will meet at the Fannin County Family Connection Community Room for holiday refreshments between 11 am and 2 pm. to receive maps and directions, along with credentials for entry into each of the homes, which are open from 1 to 6. Tickets available at Fannin County Family Connection, United Community Bank and online at www.fannin.gafcp.org. All proceeds are used to fund Drug & Alcohol outreach programs and the food pantry at Family Connection. $30 per individual ticket or $50 per couple.

December 10 Christmas Tree Lighting at Vogel State Park Festivities will start at 4pm. Hayrides will begin carrying participants from the Visitor’s Center to the ball field. Santa Claus will arrive at 5 pm. Caroling will start at 5:30 around the tree. Hot cider and free hot chocolate will be available. Bring a blanket and chair for seating. The highlight of the evening will be at 6pm with the lighting of a 35-foot Blue Spruce. Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child up to the age of 12 (no toy guns, knives, or dangerous items). All the toys will be given out by the Union County Sheriff’s Department as part of the GIVE-A-GIFT toy drive.

December 10 Classes and Workshops – Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Art Center classes and workshops to improve artistic skill. Classes range in skill set, price, length, and medium. https://www.blueridgearts.net/adult-classes.html

December 10 Merry Grinchmas Fannin County Public Library 11 to noon. a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, a visit by the Grinch (in person), games, and crafts.Our Fannin Friends of the Library will provide cookies and drinks for attendees. The event is free and for all ages. Attendees are invited to dress in Whoville costumes. https://www.mountainlibrary.com/locations/fcpl

December 17 Saturday Morning Bird Walk at Lake Blue Ridge December, Saturday morning bird walk. Meet in the parking lot of the Lake Blue Ridge Marina at 8 a.m. Come rain or shine and bring your binoculars for birding all the hotspots of Lake Blue Ridge. This event is free

December 31 New Year Fireworks at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 8:30 to midnight. Come out to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Blairsville Crusiers will be on the Fairgrounds from 5pm-7pm for a car show. No charge. All welcome to attend! Hot Chocolate, BBQ, Firepits, and Hotdogs will be available for sale beginning at 5:30 pm https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/id/140