If you’re seeking the perfect holiday destination the day after Thanksgiving, look no further than Dahlonega. The charming town will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland starting Friday afternoon, November 29, when the square and the Christmas tree will be lit for visitors.
The Dahlonega Downtown Business Association and the Christmas Committee have worked together to decorate the historic downtown square for a month-long, family-friendly celebration of an old-fashioned Christmas.
The festivities kick off on Friday at 3 p.m. when Santa Claus arrives by horse-drawn carriage at the Christmas tree. He will greet visitors for photos before the highly anticipated tree lighting ceremony.
Throughout the afternoon, the downtown area will fill with the sounds of classic Christmas music, setting the mood for the 6 p.m. square and tree lighting. The honors of lighting the Christmas tree and illuminating the square will be given to Chairman of the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Chris Dockery and Dahlonega Mayor JoAnne Taylor.
Following the tree lighting, visitors can head to Hancock Park to experience the Festival of Trees at approximately 7 p.m. The Festival features 25 beautifully decorated trees, each sponsored by a local community member, and each with a unique theme. Live music will fill the air at the Hancock Park stage prior to the tree lighting, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Traffic and parking information
For those planning to attend, visitors may want to arrive early as streets surrounding the square will begin closing at 3 p.m. Streets will reopen around 7 p.m. Parking will be available in and around the square, with a map available to help guide visitors to nearby parking areas.
Santa’s schedule and Festival of Trees location
Santa will be available at the Christmas tree, located at 130 South Park Street, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 29. He will return each weekend until December 22, with visiting hours on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Festival of Trees is located in Hancock Park, just one block north of the square on North Park Street.
For more information on Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas festivities, including additional event details, visit dahlonegachristmas.com.
Horse-drawn carriage rides
While horse-drawn carriage rides will not be available on Friday, November 29, they will begin on Saturday, November 30, offering visitors a classic Christmas experience.
Dahlonega Carriage and Horse Rides will have three carriages operating throughout the season. Carriage rides are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and under, and free for infants. Rides will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, weather permitting.
Carriage rides will load at the 19 North Seafood Restaurant and Grateful Days on North Chestatee Street on the square.
For more details on the carriage rides and their schedule, visit Dahlonega Carriage and Horse Rides’ Facebook page.
