Spending New Years in Ellijay, GA

While everyone else crowds big-city countdowns, Ellijay invites you into a slower, richer celebration: bonfires under star-studded skies, cozy cabins tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills, holiday lights glowing along the square, and small-town traditions that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.

If you want a New Year’s that’s equal parts charm, adventure, and soul-soothing mountain peace, Ellijay in the North Georgia Mountains is where you start the year right.

Whether you’re craving warm bonfire gatherings with hot cocoa or seeking the thrill of the annual Black Bear Plunge, Ellijay has something special for every traveler. This is your guide to the best activities, events, and places to stay to make your New Year’s Eve in Ellijay truly unforgettable - even if you have littles and you're in bed before midnight!
 

New Year's Eve Celebrations in Ellijay

Photo Credit: fornStudio

While Ellijay may be small, it’s big on Countdown opportunity. These are a couple of our New Year traditions.

1. American Legion Post 82

• 6:30 PM, December 31, 2025
• 297 Legion Rd, Ellijay, GA
• legionpost82.org/#calendar

Kick off your New Year’s Eve in true community spirit at American Legion Post 82. The celebration starts at 6:30 PM with trivia, with a New Year's dance starting at 9 pm. The event features a lively mix of DJ music, dancing, and plenty of festive energy.

It’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere perfect for groups, couples, and locals looking for a fun, down-to-earth way to ring in the new year. Expect great music, a cheerful crowd, and a classic midnight countdown to welcome 2025.

2. Jake on the Lake – New Year’s Eve at Buckley Vineyards

• December 31, 2025 - Check website for time.
• 708 Henry Evans Rd, Ellijay, GA
• buckleyvineyards.com/events

If you’re looking for a relaxed but really fun way to spend New Year’s Eve, Buckley Vineyards’ Jake on the Lake event is a great pick. Jake always brings a warm, easygoing energy to his live sets, and the winery makes the whole night feel cozy and festive without being overcrowded or chaotic.

You can sip wine, snack on small bites, hang out by the fire pits, and enjoy some great music while you wait for the countdown. It’s the kind of place where you can actually talk, laugh, and settle in for the night — not shout over crowds. Keep an eye on their events page for final details and tickets, because it usually draws a good crowd.

3. New Year’s Eve at Canopy + the Roots

• 9:00 pm, December 31, 2025
• 53 W Main St, Dahlonega, GA
• canopyandtheroots.com/event/new-years-eve-with-hughes-taylor-the-band-live-in-the-roots

If you’re searching for a live-music celebration with real character this New Year’s Eve, head to Canopy + the Roots on 53 W Main Street in Dahlonega - just 45 minutes from Ellijay. The doors open at 9:00 PM, with the show kicking off shortly after in their stylish underground listening-room venue.

This year, the featured act is Hughes Taylor & the band — expect blues-rock grooves, an intimate setting, and a midnight countdown that feels authentic, not rushed. Tickets are available online, and VIP lounge or balcony seating can be reserved. Locally-sourced craft beer and wine are available for purchase, making it a perfect grown-up option for ringing in the New Year with live sound and good company.

4. Live Music at Bear Claw Vineyards

• December 31, 2025 - Check website for time.
• 2281 Tennis Court Rd, Blue Ridge, GA
• facebook.com/BearClawWine

Live performances at Bear Claw Vineyards, where guests can savor award-winning wines alongside delicious food available from a food truck, are a standing, laid-back option for an Ellijay New Year’s celebration. Keep an eye on their social media for more details. In the past, they’ve featured a live DJ and special menu.
 

Where to Ring in the New Year More Quietly in Ellijay

If you prefer a more peaceful and intimate way to welcome the New Year, Ellijay offers several serene spots and cozy settings perfect for quiet reflection and relaxation away from the lively celebrations.

Seasonal Firepits in Ellijay

Ellijay offers several fantastic locations where you can enjoy the ambiance of a firepit gathering during the holiday season. Popular spots include local vineyards like Chateau Meichtry and Cartecay Vineyards, which has a “Chimney Patio,” often host festive outdoor events in December and January.

Luxury Cabin Rentals with Firepits

If you prefer a peaceful, cozy New Year’s Eve over the crowds, celebrating right in your luxury cabin is one of the best ways to welcome the year in Ellijay.

Blue Sky Cabins offers beautifully designed rentals with the kinds of amenities that make staying in feel just as special as a night out—think crackling outdoor firepits, spacious decks with mountain views, fully stocked kitchens for cooking a celebratory meal, and inviting living spaces perfect for board games, movies, or a midnight toast.
 

Other Things to Do Around Ellijay During the New Year

1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Winter Express Tour

Start your New Year off right with a 2-hour Winter Express Tour on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. During winter months (November through early January), BRSR offers a special “Winter Express” experience: guests hop aboard a two-hour round-trip ride along the scenic 26-mile stretch beside the Toccoa River, snuggled in the North Georgia foothills.

The open-air coaches are fitted with vinyl windows for heat retention, making it cozy enough for all ages—though lightweight jackets are still a smart idea since mountain air can be brisk. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The shorter format makes it perfect for families who want the magic of a train ride without committing to a full-day excursion, giving them plenty of time afterward to explore downtown Blue Ridge or warm up by the fire in their cabin.

As the Blue Ridge Railway goes along, guests are treated to a selection of fine wines and delectable desserts, making the journey even more enjoyable.

2. Guided First Day Hikes: Fort Mountain State Park

Start the New Year on the right foot with a guided First Day Hike at Fort Mountain State Park. This annual event, part of the Georgia State Parks program, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the stunning views from the West Overlook. The moderate 1.2-mile trail is perfect for hikers of all levels, making it a great activity for families and adventure seekers alike.

How to Attend the First Day Hike

The First Day Hike at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, GA, is free, but there is a standard park entrance fee per car. The guided hike typically begins mid-morning, around 10:00 AM, and lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. It is recommended to arrive early to register and secure your spot. The hike begins at the West Overlook Trailhead at 8:30 AM.

3. Annual Black Bear Plunge at Fort Mountain State Park

Each New Year’s Day, adventure-seekers flock to Fort Mountain State Park for the Annual Black Bear Plunge—a chilly, fun-filled tradition that kicks off the year with a literal splash. Participants brave the cold water of the park’s lake (past years report water temps around the low-50s °F and air temps in the 30s) and then warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, and s’mores around roaring fires.

For the 2026 edition, the event is scheduled for January 1st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and marks the 14th annual plunge. Registration is required, and participants are encouraged to sign up early for discounted pricing and to secure event swag like a T-shirt or hoodie.
 

Where to Dine on NYE in Ellijay

Photo Credit: carlos castilla

When it comes to dining on New Year’s Eve, Ellijay boasts a variety of options to suit every palate. For an upscale experience, The Butcher & The Bottle and The Roof offer not only exquisite meals but also stunning views of downtown Ellijay. These venues are perfect for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with friends and family.
 

Family-Friendly New Year Activities in Ellijay

Photo Credit: VCoscaron

Ellijay is a wonderful place for families to ring in the New Year—calm, cozy, and full of small-town charm with plenty of kid-friendly things to do. Here are some fun, approachable activities that make celebrating here extra special.

• Annual Black Bear Plunge: Kick off New Year’s Day with a burst of energy as families gather to watch — or join — brave swimmers taking a refreshing dip.
• Festive Downtown Celebrations: Enjoy holiday lights, small-town parades, and community events hosted by local shops and cafés. Stroll the square, grab hot chocolate, and soak in the family-friendly atmosphere.
• Noon Year’s Eve for Kids: Nearby Blue Ridge offers a Noon Year’s Eve celebration with crafts, games, snacks, and a midday balloon drop at the Fannin Public Library.
• New Year’s Day Nature Walks: Start the year with family-friendly hikes on trails like Amicalola Falls Base Trail, Tumbling Waters Nature Trail at Carters Lake, or scenic routes around Fort Mountain State Park.
   

Book Your Stay in Ellijay for the New Year

Booking your stay in advance ensures better rates and availability during the peak holiday season, allowing you to make the most of your New Year’s celebration in Ellijay. Renting a cabin is an excellent choice.

Luxury cabins in Ellijay often offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making them the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of festivities. Whether you’re looking for a rustic retreat or a more upscale accommodation, Ellijay has something to suit every preference and budget.

Ellijay provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable New Year’s celebration. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready to welcome the New Year in the enchanting North Georgia Mountains.

Featured Image Credit: afotostock