Top 10 Places To Enjoy Winter In Georgia (2024)
Georgia, the southern part of the USA, is often overlooked for winters. However, depending upon which region you are in, the Georgian winters offer quite a good variety of experiences. The mountainous regions of Georgia start receiving snow in early September. However, the full-fledged winters and snow kick in from December and January in various parts of the state. The temperatures during winter fluctuate from 36 degrees Fahrenheit to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Georgia gets bitterly cold during winters; however still less than other brutally cold American States.
Winters in Georgia mean events, festivals, and unlimited outdoor adventure. From playing in the powdery snow to observing the mesmerizing lights and soaking in the warmth of annual festivities, Georgia has so much to do. Hence, just in case you are planning to visit Georgia this winter, here are some of the fun places and activities you can consider.
Top 10 Places to Enjoy Winter in Georgia
The article contains the ten most popular winter landmarks and experiences in Georgia. Have a look:
1. Stephen C. Foster State Park for Bright Winter Night Sky
Spending a chilly winter night outside is a bit challenging, but if the views are rewarding, then why not? Stephen C. Foster State Park is known as one of the best star-gazing locations in the world. This remote location in Georgia is a gold tier level and is also known as “International Dark Sky Park.” According to the International Dark-Sky Association, the Foster State Park is one of the heralded places for precise sky views. The minimal air and light pollution here make the sky appear darker with every single feature highlighted. Along with that, the isolation of the park brings out clearer views. However, reach on days with no clouds and dim moonlight, considering both these factors make the stars appear clear and bright.
2. Dahlonega for a Romantic winter getaway
Though Dahlonega is a year-round destination, winters here are more appealing. This charming square town with a picturesque mountain backdrop has a southern character and tradition to it. The town is extremely particular about Christmas, and Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas, a month-long festive extravaganza, is proof of it. The celebration of winter usually begins with the lighting of the town square with garland and lights. Later during the first week of December, kids and adults gather at downtown Dahlonega for a festive hometown parade led by Santa. Every weekend Santa walks around the street of town, surprising the audience with gifts and warmth. The best place to warm up from the inside is Picnic Café, known for its excellent hot chocolate. Or spending an evening at the Holly Theater for a Christmas show with your partner is another great idea.
3. Snow mountain for Some Adventure Sports
Snow Mountain is a winter park in Stone Mountain and one of the best places to enjoy winter in Georgia. Stone Mountain transforms one of its sections into a snow park, making it an adventure paradise. Enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities here, including tube racing, a 400-foot snow slide, a snowball fight, and more. The park operates every year during the winter season with 2-hour passes to keep the slopes from getting overcrowded. Individuals who want to stay longer can also purchase an unlimited time pass. For kids, Snow Mountain has two separate areas close to one another. Apart from adventures, kids particularly enjoy building snowmen and snow castles. Besides enjoying the snow, individuals can buy combo park passes and ride the Summit Skyride to the top of Stone Mountain.
4. Avalon on Ice for Skating Under the Stars
Another popular winter place to visit in Georgia is the Avalon on the Ice in Atlanta. It is basically a holiday season ice skating rink inspired by monumental Rockefeller. In the middle of the courtyard of Avalon is an ice-skating rink with artificial star lights overhead and real stars up above in the sky. The addition of twinkling lights, Christmas decorations, and a beautiful fountain adds to the glorious details. Around the rink is plenty of seating for parents and guardians who are here with their kids. The rink operates Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm to 7 pm. Pricing for the same is $14/child, including skates, and $18/person, including skates.
5. Ponce City Market for Dining Inside An Igloo
Dinning with friends and family inside an Igloo is definitely a dream for many. And the Ponce City Market offers opportunities for the same in the most pleasant manner. The Ponce City Market’s Igloos are a popular winter tradition in Atlanta. Each of these rooftop Igloos can accommodate six individuals at a time, and entry here comes with tickets to the ice skating rink. Inside the igloo, one can find a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, carefully curated wine pairings, one dozen roses (for take-home), and expedited entry to the roof via a private elevator. Chef Christian Evans serves guests a five-course menu. Individuals can choose from sunset and starlight packages depending upon their interests. They also offer a special Valentine’s Day package with $1,000 per igloo for 2.5 hours of rental.
6. Callaway Gardens to Enjoy the Experience of a Drive-Through Light Display
The fantasy of lights, a family-friendly drive-through light display in Callaway Gardens is a must-visit. This amazing drive-through hosts over 8 million twinkling lights, and it takes about an hour to see them all. The experience includes both a drive-through scene and an exclusive walk-through experience. Some of the popular scenes here include Magical Field of Lights, Christmas Tree Lane, March of the Toy Soldiers, Snow Day, Enchanted Rainbow Forest, Firefly Cove, and the Twin Trees. The fantasy of lights at Callaway Gardens is also noted as one of the top 10 Christmas light setups in the entire world. Once done with the light display, do not miss the cozy Christmas Market. What awaits you here are the crazy classic characters like Rudolph & friends and Santa. It is also a great place to shop and fill yourself with something warm.
7. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for Special Winter Expresses
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a scenic railroad offering year-round activities and adventures. Though if it is about seasonal fun, it is one of the best places to enjoy winters in Georgia. The railway ride is available from March through December. The best time to visit here is during Falls for the array of colorful foliage and winters for the different theme rides. Some of the popular rides include Santa Express, Santa Pavilion, New Year’s Eve train, Winter Train Ride, and Polar Bear Express. Individuals who book themselves a ride get to enjoy the wintery landscapes from the train window. With different rides, the train meanders through the scenic Appalachian foothills, and observing the freshly fallen snow here is an experience on its own. For warming up from inside, guests are served cups of hot cocoa that make the experience more dreamer.
8. Getaway House for Glamping in the Mountains
What’s more beautiful and adventurous than spending a winter night in the woods, too, with all luxury in hand. Getaway offers some stunning tiny cabins with large windows right next to the bed. Lying in one of them feels like you are completely immersed in the woods. The cabins include a bathroom with a hot shower, lock keypad, cooling and heating control, a kitchenette, outdoor seating, and an outdoor fire pit. Each cabin features a deck of cards, a radio, a lantern, and a few reading books. Since the cabins do not have any TV or WiFi, a stay here disconnects you from the outside world, making it truly a getaway. For anyone who wants to take away, that isn’t the most usual; this is definitely one of a kind experience for them.
9. Berrys Tree Farm for Chopping Your Christmas Tree
Berry’s Tree farm is a huge 206 acres of farmland offering a full-fledged Christmas experience. The farm offers multiple enjoyable activities, including pre-cut Christmas trees and cutting your own Christmas trees. And to add even more personalization, one can go for on-site tree flocking to make their trees even prettier. When on the farm, consider paying a visit to Santa’s workshop, train rides, and the on-site petting zoo. Besides Berry’s trees, other popular Christmas tree farms in Georgia include Bottoms Christmas tree farms, Sleepy Hollow farms, and Cooper’s Tree Farm. One of the best and award-winning amongst them is the Brewer Christmas Tree-Blueberry Farm, with several varieties of Christmas trees. Beck’s Christmas tree is another cozy place to visit with family and friends.
10. Savannah for the Savannah Winter Festivals
Last but not least is the Savannah Winter Festivals, the most popular place to enjoy winters in Georgia. Every year, the city of Savannah hosts an array of different winter events and festivities. There are endless options, from cities’ most well-known events, the Savannah Book Festival, to Telluride Mountainfilm Festival, an event for film lovers. Visitors who are in the city with their families must consider visiting Savannah Holly Days for the best of December fever. The Enmarket Savannah Hockey Classic held during January is another popular event to attend. Especially if you are into sports, the challenge getting intense here is definitely something you must watch. Other options include Savannah Black Heritage Festival and the American Traditional Vocal competition.