Christmas at The Falls

Here’s to an amazing visit at the top, middle, and bottom of Amicalola Falls this holiday season! Since my brother is in the middle of a huge kitchen renovation, my extended family lost our annual gathering spot for Christmas. Turns out that’s a good thing.

I’m researching best places for the holidays, and I’m warming up to the fire that Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is stoking for the season. While I wish I could stay through New Year’s, here are my Top 5 Tips for treating family and friends to a holiday destination experience.

1. Christmas Open House

Attend the Christmas Open House at Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge on Sunday, December 11 from 4:00 to 9:30 pm. They promise a night of refreshments, Gingerbread House Judging, Santa’s visit, Hayrides, Musical Performances, Story Time with Zeus, Blue Ridge Raptors Show, and Kids Crafts. The festivities wrap up with a classic Christmas movie in the Lodge: The Polar Express.

2. Christmas Eve Dinner & Reading

Ideal for the kids! With the fireplace and outdoor firepits flickering, and decorations of the season warming hearts, everyone can enjoy Christmas Eve Dinner at Cascades with a special classic buffet serving from 4:30 to 8:00 pm. The Lobby Fireplace lounge will be the place to be for little ones to gather at 7:00 pm for the annual reading of The Night Before Christmas. Blankets and snuggles welcome. My cousin has two kids under six years old, and she is excited to bring them to the fireplace lounge with other youngsters. Dinner reservations will be required. Call 706-344-1500 to make your reservations.

3. Christmas Day Brunch

For those waking at sunrise to open gifts, and relaxing with coffee and camaraderie, plan to assemble in Cascades for a Traditional Christmas Brunch on Sunday, December 25 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.   Reservations must be made for holiday buffets. Call (706) 344-1500 to reserve your spot today.

• Good to Know: Book a 2-night cabin now through March 2023 and receive a surprise holiday amenity and bundle of firewood. Check availability and book here.

4. New Year’s Eve Bash

What will 2023 bring? Guests can rock out the last night of the year with a cross-genre music party hosted by DJ Steel. Delicious food and drinks, party lights, and dance floor seem like the perfect NYE Bash after a day of hiking, or relaxing. Reservations required.

5. First Day Hike & Breakfast Buffet

It’s a tradition here, I’m learning. Celebrate the start to the New Year in one of North Georgia’s more remarkable destinations. The Breakfast Buffet at Cascades, open from 7:00 to 9:00 am, is the perfect way to fuel up for a chilly First Day Hike. Then, meet us in the Visitor’s Center at 9:00 am and walk the Mountain Laurel Loop. This event is free to all participants.

Afterward, a traditional New Year’s Day Lunch Buffet will warm everyone with black-eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, and more.

Did you know? Those New Year’s Day foods are symbolic here in the American South. Black-eyed peas, or Hoppin’ John, symbolize coins. Collards are a nod to the green color of money, and cornbread is likened with gold. It’s all about good luck!

I hope that my planning into a truly remarkable destination inspires you to reach further into your passions to ditch the to-do lists and simply come to the North Georgia mountains to relax during this holiday season.

By Phoebe A. Keys