December in Blue Ridge feels like stepping into a holiday card. Morning frost settles on ridgelines, wreaths hang from lampposts in Downtown Blue Ridge, and woodsmoke drifts from mountain cabins by late afternoon. It’s the coziest stretch of the holiday season in the North Georgia mountains.
The town kicks off the season with its annual Christmas parade and tree lighting right after Thanksgiving, then settles into a month of train rides, theater, shopping, and slow winter mornings. Whether you’re planning a family Christmas trip or a quiet three-day weekend for two, there’s plenty to fill your December days.
For the perfect home base, book one of our Blue Ridge cabin rentals. From cozy bolt-holes perfect for couples to large chalets with room for the whole family, you’ll be guaranteed a warm place to come back to after a full day of exploring. Many of our cabins also have hot tubs, which is hard to beat on a chilly December night.
Book your stay, then read on to see what you can expect from your December trip to Blue Ridge.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Blue Ridge?
December is a magical time to visit Blue Ridge, especially if you love the holidays and don’t mind bundling up. Early December is the sweet spot, with most of the festive events in full swing and far fewer crowds than the October leaf season. If you’re looking for a peaceful mountain escape, mid-month tends to be the quietest stretch.
Christmas week gets busier as families travel to the mountains, so book your cabin early. Many shops and restaurants close or shorten their hours on December 24 and 25, so stock up on groceries a day or two ahead if you’re around for Christmas.
December’s trade-offs are short days, chilly nights, and a few rainy afternoons. But if a crackling fire, a soak in the hot tub, and calm mornings on Lake Blue Ridge sound like your kind of trip, December is hard to beat.
Learn more about this time of year in Blue Ridge when you read our guide to winter in North Georgia.
What to Expect: December Weather in Blue Ridge
December brings true winter weather to Blue Ridge, Georgia, though it’s milder than many visitors might expect. Daytime highs start the month in the mid-50s and slip into the upper 40s by Christmas, while nights dip into the low-to-mid 30s. Expect frosty mornings with the occasional hard freeze.
Winter views are a treat. On clear days, the bare trees open up views you can’t see the rest of the year. Ridges that hide behind leaves all summer suddenly stretch out for miles.
Snow is possible but rare, with the area averaging only an inch or two for the whole month. Rain is more common, falling on roughly three out of every 10 days, so have a couple of indoor backup plans ready in your itinerary.
The sun sets around 5:30 PM, which makes for short days and long evenings by a crackling fire.
Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge in December
December is a great month to mix festive activities with a little outdoor adventure. Crowds thin out after the fall color rush, so it’s easier to grab a table at dinner or a parking spot at the trailhead.
Here are a few of our favorite things to do on any winter getaway.
1. Ride the Holiday Express
- Location: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
- Best for: Families with young kids
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway trades its usual river excursion for the one-hour Holiday Express on select dates between November 28 and December 24, 2026. Santa and Mrs. Claus occasionally make their way through the cars to visit passengers, so make sure to have your camera ready.
The depot sits right in Downtown Blue Ridge, making it easy to pair your ride with lunch and a little holiday shopping. Seats go quickly in December, so book your ride online as soon as your travel dates are set.
Learn more about the iconic train ride in our guide to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
2. Shop Downtown Blue Ridge
- Location: Main Street
- Best for: Holiday gifts and evening strolls
Downtown Blue Ridge is at its best in December, with twinkling lights, decorated shop windows, and a glowing tree in City Park.
You can spend an afternoon browsing the local boutiques, outfitters, and galleries for gifts more unique than anything you’d find at a mall. It’s fun for the whole family, too: kids can drop their letters to Santa at the little holiday house in the park.
Make time for the Holiday Market at The Blue Ridge Arts Center on West Main Street, where member artists of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association sell handmade crafts, pottery, and art. The center also hosts the popular Gingerbread Village each year.
3. Hike to the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
- Location: Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
- Best for: Winter hiking and river views
Winter is a great time to hit the trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cool temperatures mean hiking sans sweat, and the bare trees open up long views along the Toccoa River.
A short, easy walk on the Benton MacKaye Trail leads to the 270-foot suspension bridge, one of the longest east of the Mississippi. Stand in the middle on a still morning, and you’ll hear nothing but the river below.
Wear layers and sturdy boots, since the trail can be muddy after a rainy stretch. Our guide to the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge has directions and parking tips to help you map out your hiking day.
4. Stock Up at Mercier Orchards
- Location: Mercier Orchards
- Best for: Holiday treats and local food
Mercier Orchards is a family-run farm just a few minutes north of town, and its market is a December staple for locals. Pick up fried pies, apple cider donuts, and jars of apple butter, then stop by the tasting room for a flight of hard apple cider. It’s also a smart stop if you want to stock up your rental cabin kitchen for a few slow holiday breakfasts.
Mercier will host Santa at the Farm on December 12, 2026, so don’t miss out on his visit if you’re traveling with the kids.
5. Warm Up at a Mountain Winery
- Location: Bear Claw Vineyards
- Best for: Couples and relaxed afternoons
Vineyards in North Georgia wine country stay open through winter, and a tasting room with a view is a great way to spend a cloudy afternoon. Bear Claw Vineyards, close to downtown, pours its own wines with gorgeous views in the background, and it often hosts live music on weekends.
Want more tasting options? Our guide to North Georgia wineries covers the best tasting rooms around Blue Ridge and Ellijay. Explore the rolling countryside, then bring a bottle back to enjoy on your cabin’s deck as the stars come out to play.
December 2026 Events in Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge officially rings in the season with Light Up Blue Ridge, featuring the town’s annual Christmas parade and the Great Tree lighting, on November 27 and 28, 2026. From there on out, the calendar fills with theater, small-town traditions, and plenty of Christmas lights.
These are some of our favorite December events in the town. For even more festive ideas, see our Blue Ridge Christmas guide.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
- Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater
- Dates: November 27 to December 20, 2026
- Best for: Families
The Blue Ridge Community Theater’s holiday musical follows the unruly Herdman kids as they take over the town’s church Christmas pageant for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Shows run Thursday through Saturday at 7 PM, with Sunday matinees at 2 PM. The theater is small and intimate, so reserve seats early for weekend shows.
Copper Basin Christmas Parade
- Location: McCaysville and Copperhill
- Date: December 5, 2026
- Best for: Families
About 20 minutes north of Blue Ridge, the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, host a Christmas parade that rolls right across the state line. Expect floats, local bands, and Santa himself.
Stay for lunch along the Toccoa River, where you can stand with one foot in Georgia and the other in Tennessee at the blue line downtown.
St. Luke’s Christmas Bazaar and Silent Auction
- Location: St. Luke’s Church
- Date: December 5, 2026
- Best for: Handmade gifts
The local church’s Christmas Bazaar is a great way to support the community while also getting your Christmas shopping done.
This longtime holiday tradition fills the church hall with handmade crafts and home-baked goodies. Plus, there’s a silent auction with the chance to bid on unique items. It’s a fun stop for one-of-a-kind gifts, and you’ll be supporting a local cause while you shop.
Christmas Tour of Homes
- Location: Fannin County
- Dates: December 6, 2026
- Best for: Design lovers and small groups
For the annual Christmas Tour of Homes, Fannin County Family Connection opens the doors to several local homes of different sizes and styles, each one fully decorated for Christmas.
It’s a great way to get decorating ideas and peek inside some beautiful mountain homes. Proceeds support local programs, including the county food pantry.
Blue Ridge On Ice
- Location: Blue Ridge Farmers Market
- Dates: November 17, 2026 through January 2, 2027
- Best for: All ages
Each winter, a pop-up outdoor ice rink takes over the Blue Ridge Farmers Market. Skaters of all levels are welcome, and a concession stand keeps everyone fueled with hot food between laps. Go after dark, when the rink lights glow against the dark night sky.
Holiday Lights of Ellijay
- Location: Ellijay Fairground
- Dates: November 23 through December 31, 2026 (closed December 24 and 25)
- Best for: Families and couples
About 30 minutes south in Ellijay, this walk-through light show turns the fairgrounds on South Main Street into a glowing holiday wonderland. Gates open each night at 6 PM, and kids under 12 get in free.
If you’d like to make a day trip of it, our Ellijay in December guide covers more things to do in town.
Packing for Your December Trip
Mountain weather can swing quickly in December, so layers are your best friend. Mornings often start below freezing, while sunny afternoons can feel more like fall. Don’t forget these items:
- Warm layers: A base layer, fleece, and a puffy jacket you can add or remove
- Waterproof shell: For rainy days and drizzly hikes
- Waterproof boots: With good traction for muddy or frosty trails
- Hat and gloves: For skating, parades, and evening light shows
- Headlamp or flashlight: Handy with sunset around 5:30 PM
- Swimsuit: For your cabin’s hot tub on a cold, clear night
You’ll Love Blue Ridge in December
Between the Holiday Express, night skating on the ice, and quiet hikes along the Toccoa River, Blue Ridge in December offers a little bit of everything. It’s the slower, cozier side of the North Georgia mountains, and a memorable place to spend the holidays in good company.
Ready to plan one of the best winter getaways in Georgia? Skip the hotel and book a Blue Ridge cabin to have a mountain getaway with room for everyone, a fireplace to gather around, and a hot tub waiting at the end of the day.
