As the holiday season approaches, the charming town of Ellijay in North Georgia transforms into a festive wonderland, beckoning travelers and locals alike with its unique blend of natural beauty and holiday cheer. From twinkling lights to creative workshops, here are the top five must-see attractions in Ellijay during the holidays.
1. Visit Downtown Ellijay and Enjoy the Holiday Lights Event Downtown Ellijay, a picturesque hub at the heart of the city, becomes even more magical during the holidays. The annual Holiday Lights of Ellijay event is a spectacle not to be missed. Stroll through the streets adorned with sparkling lights and festive decorations, creating a perfect backdrop for holiday photos. This event is more than just a display of lights; it’s a community gathering that brings together the spirit of Ellijay with music, local food, and a sense of togetherness.
The “Holiday Lights of Ellijay” event offers a festive and vibrant holiday celebration for the community. Here are some key details about the event:
- Location: The event is held at the Lions Club Fairgrounds, located at 1729 S. Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540.
- Dates and Times: The event runs from November 20th to December 23rd, open nightly from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Admission Price: Admission is $10 per adult, while children twelve and under can enter for free. Season passes are available for $25 per person.
- Features: The event boasts over two million dazzling lights, with more than one hundred displays, towering trees, and a maze made of lights. Visitors can enjoy the presence of Santa Claus, music, concessions, and season-inspired vendors.
- Support for Local Charities: Portions of the proceeds from this event will support several local charities.
- Contact Information: For more details, you can contact the organizers at 770-695-7879 or email [email protected].
This event promises a magical holiday experience with its spectacular light displays and festive atmosphere, making it a must-visit for families and individuals looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.
2. Decorate Christmas Ornaments with Joyce Clair Get creative this holiday season by joining the Decorate Ornaments Using Alcohol Inks workshop hosted by Joyce Clair. This unique event allows you to handcraft your own Christmas ornaments using vibrant alcohol inks, adding a personal touch to your holiday decor. It’s a fun, hands-on experience perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to express their creativity.
The “Decorate Ornaments w/Alcohol Inks with Joyce Clair” event offers a unique and creative experience for attendees. Here are the key details:
- Date and Time: The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Location: The event will be held at Gilmer Arts, located at 207 Dalton Street, Ellijay, GA 30540.
- Event Description: Participants will have the opportunity to decorate glass or plastic ball ornaments using colorful alcohol inks, metallic inks, and glitter. The workshop is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners, and is a great way to create personalized holiday decorations or gifts.
- Instructor: Joyce Clair will be leading the workshop, demonstrating various methods to apply the inks both inside and outside the ornament.
- Cost: The class fee is $45, with an additional supply fee of $20. This includes all materials needed for the workshop.
- Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase and can be obtained through the Gilmer Arts website. The total cost for admission and supplies is $65.00.
- Contact Information: For any questions, Gilmer Arts can be contacted at (706) 635-5605.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to engage in a hands-on, creative activity and take home a unique piece of holiday art.
3. Light Up Blue Ridge A short drive from Ellijay, the neighboring town of Blue Ridge hosts the enchanting Light Up Blue Ridge event. This festive celebration is renowned for its spectacular display of holiday lights and decorations. Wander through the illuminated streets, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in some holiday shopping at local stores. It’s a delightful experience that captures the essence of the holiday spirit.
“Light Up Blue Ridge” is a festive event that takes place annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this year falling on November 25th. The event is hosted in Downtown Blue Ridge, located at 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, Georgia. The festivities begin at 12:00 am EST and include a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Key features of the event include:
- Blue Friday: Occurring the day after Thanksgiving, Blue Friday features store discounts from downtown merchants, holiday cheer, food vendors, and strolling entertainment.
- Santa Claus Visits: Children can visit Santa Claus in the gazebo located in the park from noon until 4:15 pm. Santa will be available for pictures and will continue meeting children in line until 4:30 pm.
- Gingerbread Village: Open to the public from November 25th to December 11th at the Arts Center, starting at noon.
- Christmas Parade: The highlight of Light Up Blue Ridge is the Christmas Parade, which starts at 5:30 pm. The parade route begins at E. Main from Church Street, goes down Mountain, and then back up W. Main to Depot.
For more information, visitors can contact the event organizers at 678-793-6645 or visit the event website.
4. Enjoy Amicalola Falls for Christmas For a blend of natural beauty and festive joy, visit Amicalola Falls during the Christmas season. The lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park transforms into a cozy holiday retreat, complete with festive decorations and special holiday menus. The stunning waterfall, combined with the holiday ambiance, makes for a memorable visit, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure.
5. Go Ice Skating at Blue Ridge on Ice Embrace the winter season by going ice skating at Blue Ridge on Ice. This seasonal ice rink offers a unique experience with its stunning backdrop of the North Georgia mountains. Suitable for all skill levels, it’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and engage in a quintessential winter activity.
Blue Ridge on Ice – Ice Skating at Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market
Location: 787 East Summit Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513, next to the Swan Drive-In.
Event Duration: November 18, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
Contact: For questions or group arrangements, call 706-455-3858.
Admission: $10.00 per person.
Concessions: Available for purchase are chicken tenders, burgers, fries, hot dogs, deep-fried Oreos, snacks, and hot and cold beverages. Special catering for parties or group outings is also available.
Operating Hours:
- November:
- Nov. 18: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Nov. 19: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Nov. 20, 21, 22: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thanksgiving: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Nov. 24, 25: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Nov. 26: 12:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Nov. 27, 28, 29, 30: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- December:
- Weekdays: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sundays: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Christmas Eve: 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Christmas Day: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Dec. 26-30: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- New Year’s Eve: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- January:
- New Year’s Day: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Jan. 2-4: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Jan. 5: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Jan. 6: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Jan. 7: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Enjoy a winter wonderland experience with ice skating in the beautiful setting of Blue Ridge. This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a festive activity in the scenic mountains of Georgia.
Ellijay and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of holiday experiences that cater to all tastes. From the festive lights in Downtown Ellijay to the creative ornament-making workshop, the spectacular displays in Blue Ridge, and the natural beauty of Amicalola Falls, there’s something for everyone. Make your holiday season memorable by exploring these top five attractions in Ellijay and experiencing the best that North Georgia has to offer.
