Adventure always awaits visitors at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. When the holiday season rolls around, that adventure includes some of the best dining in the North Georgia Mountains, right here at the lodge, and events to visit in the neighboring towns.

At the Lodge

You won’t have to go anywhere once you check in for your family’s holiday stay at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. Come for Thanksgiving and feast with us at our annual Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet. All the classics will be prepared by our chefs – recalling that special homemade holiday meal.

Come in December and enjoy the Christmas Open House, complete with stunning Christmas décor, snacks, crafts for the whole family, and live music. Make sure you stick around for the much-anticipated visit from Santa Claus.

When you want to get away for Christmas, let us handle the festivities. Christmas isn’t complete without a feast of its own, so come and join us for our legendary Christmas Day Lunch Buffet. Enjoy all your favorites accompanied by our special holiday cocktail menu that is available through New Year’s Eve.

Speaking of New Year’s Eve, plan to stay with us the entire week after Christmas and join us for the annual New Year’s Eve Bash. Ring in the new year in style at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. Overnight packages that include access to the party will be available for booking starting in December.

Or, if you’re looking for more holiday fun in the North Georgia mountains, head to one of the nearby towns for more special holiday celebrations. Amicalola Falls Lodge is the perfect place to make a home base for the holidays.

Dawsonville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Nearby Dawsonville is a great town to visit during your stay at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. When you plan your holiday getaway, mark December 4 on the calendar and attend the Dawsonville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. The parade begins at 4 p.m. and provides families a chance to take pictures with Santa Claus. Then, at 6 p.m., see the town’s Christmas tree light up with spirit during the annual tree lighting ceremony.

While all this is happening, from 4-8 p.m., check out the Jingle Market and find those one-of-a-kind gifts that are as special as the North Georgia mountains.

For more information, contact the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce at 706-865-6278.

Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Lumpkin County, and nowhere is that more evident than in the vibrant town of Dahlonega. Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas is a month-long celebration that includes an exquisitely decorated downtown district, a special Christmas Market hosted by the Dahlonega Women’s Club, live theatrical performances of Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn,” and live music performances at Hancock Park.

The Festival of Trees begins December 4 and features trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. Walk among the trees and see the lights and colors as you enjoy the holiday season in Hancock Park.

Head to the streets of downtown Dahlonega’s historic district on December 11 for the annual Christmas Parade. See the floats from local organizations and businesses, hear performances from local high school bands and see Santa Claus. This is a rain or shine event, so prepare accordingly. Later that evening, and on December 18, see the live Nativity scene from 6-9 p.m. at Dahlonega United Methodist Church and experience in real life the reason for the season.

For more information on Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas, go to www.dahlonegachristmas.com.

First Night Dahlonega New Year’s Celebration

Dahlonega comes alive to ring in the new year with a downtown celebration for the ages. First Night Dahlonega features live music at indoor and outdoor venues throughout the downtown historic district, all leading up to the “nugget” drop at midnight. Dahlonega is famous for its gold-mining history, so dropping a gold nugget makes perfect sense for the occasion. An earlier drop will happen at 8:45 p.m. for children.

The opening ceremony kicks off the fun at 6 p.m. and the music takes over from there. See live bands, clogging presentations, a car show, and more at First Night Dahlonega. The event is hosted by North Georgia Interfaith Ministries and proceeds go to support Jeremiah’s Place, Lumpkin County’s only transitional housing facility for the homeless. All-access buttons can be purchased at the visitor center for $10 or on the evening of the event at the Jeremiah’s Place tent on the square.

The halls at our lodge will also be decked for the season, so bring plenty of holiday cheer, a healthy appetite for fun and adventure, and book your stay now for the holidays at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge.