Things to Do in Blue Ridge, GA in Winter (2026–27 Guide)

Winter in Blue Ridge brings cold mornings and short days. It's also when the train runs with its winter windows in, the skating rink opens, and downtown hosts a chili cook-off in February. Here's what to do from December through February, with every date, hour, and price linked to its source.

#Blue Ridge in winter at a glance

#What's the weather like in Blue Ridge in winter?

The closest long-term weather numbers come from nearby Blairsville. NOAA's 1991–2020 normals there (NOAA climate normals):

So plan on afternoons around 50°F and nights below freezing. Snow is usually light. Our guide to snow in Blue Ridge covers winter roads, and before you drive up, Georgia 511 has road conditions and alerts.

#1. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in winter

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs "Winter Rides" from Nov. 5, 2026 to Feb. 28, 2027, on its 26-mile round trip. The railway offers a four-hour trip and a two-hour express, which its homepage says is "Only available on select dates." The railway describes the season as "a cozy winter escape."

Worried about the cold? The railway's FAQs say the closed coaches are "climate controlled," and it installs vinyl windows in the open-air cars in winter. It still recommends "dressing warm just in case it gets a bit chilly." If a trip is cancelled because it's "too dangerous for our employees or passengers to travel here," you can choose a full refund or a missed trip pass.

One planning note: the railway's 2026 operating calendar has a January 2027 grid that stops at Jan. 9. Its February 2027 grid marks 10 AM four-hour winter trips on Feb. 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28. For anything in mid to late January, check the railway's booking calendar before you plan around a ride. For coaches, the layover town, and booking tips, see our railway guide.

#2. Skate at Blue Ridge on Ice (through Jan. 2)

The seasonal skating rink runs Nov. 17, 2026 to Jan. 2, 2027 at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market, 787 Summit St, next to the Swan Drive-In. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and up, $12 for 12 and under, and $10 for active military. Hours vary by day of the week, and the Chamber recommends contacting the rink for current times (Blue Ridge Chamber).

If you're coming for the holidays, our December guide and Christmas in Blue Ridge have the Holiday Express, parades, and Christmas week closures. New Year's plans are in our New Year's Eve guide.

#3. Go to the Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off (Feb. 13, 2027)

The cook-off is Saturday, Feb. 13, 2027, from noon to 5 PM, on the 790 block of East Main Street and in the downtown City Park. Gates open at 11 AM. Admission is free, and tasting cards are $15. Expect a chili tasting with a People's Choice vote, ice sculptures with live carving, live music, a fire dancer, and a beer garden with craft beer, hard cider, and wine (Blue Ridge Chamber).

It falls on the Saturday before Valentine's Day, and the railway's calendar marks a winter train that morning too (see above). Our things to do for couples post has more ideas, and every dated event is on our Blue Ridge events calendar.

#4. See a waterfall or Georgia's highest point

• Fall Branch Falls is the short one: the Benton MacKaye Trail Association calls it a "half-mile moderately easy trail to the falls" (BMTA). Our waterfalls guide covers it and three more.
• Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest point at 4,784 feet, is open 7 days a week, 10 AM–5 PM. Entry is $10 per person 16 and up (children 15 and under are free), and that includes the shuttle. The last shuttle to the summit leaves at 4:30 PM, and the walk up is a "very steep" 0.6-mile paved trail. All facilities are closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day (U.S. Forest Service). It's about an hour's drive from downtown Blue Ridge. Our Brasstown Bald guide has the route, passes, and shuttle tips.

Hunting season overlaps with winter in the national forest. Read our tips for hiking during hunting season before you go.

#5. Fish the Toccoa River

Georgia DNR lists the Toccoa River among its five Delayed Harvest streams and says the season "will begin Nov. 1." Anglers 16 and older need both a fishing license and a trout license (Georgia DNR). Our Toccoa River fly fishing guide has the rules, public access, and dam release safety.

#6. Spend a cold afternoon on cider and beer

• Mercier Orchards is open Monday to Thursday 9 AM–5 PM and Friday to Sunday 9 AM–6 PM, and closed on New Year's Day (plus Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas, and Easter) (Mercier). Our Mercier guide covers the bakery, market, and hard cider.
• Grumpy Old Men Brewing is open 7 days a week, but heads up for a winter visit: "Scrappy's Snackshack on the patio will be closed for January and February." The brewery suggests bringing food or grabbing snacks in the taproom (Grumpy Old Men FAQ). The rest of the town's taprooms are in our Blue Ridge breweries guide.

#7. Book a spa day

A massage or a salt cave session is an easy way to spend a gray afternoon. Our Blue Ridge spa guide compares the local spas, with prices and policies from each one. If the weather turns wet, our rainy day list has more indoor ideas.

#Tips for a winter trip to Blue Ridge

• Book holiday train rides early. For its Holiday Special Rides, the railway warns that "Tickets sell out FAST" (holiday rides). Mid to late January dates aren't on its calendar yet.
• Know your end dates. The rink closes Jan. 2, and the train's winter season ends Feb. 28.
• Pack for the nights, not the afternoons. Average lows sit in the mid to upper 20s from December through February.
• Check hours before you go. Several places close on holidays, and Brasstown Bald and Mercier list theirs above.

#Where to stay in Blue Ridge in winter

The Black Ember is a modern A-frame about 10 minutes from downtown Blue Ridge, the train depot, and Mercier Orchards. As our FAQ puts it, "winter is made for the sauna and hot tub." There's a cedar barrel sauna, a private hot tub right outside the glass sliders, a wood fire pit, and an electric fireplace inside. It sleeps up to 5.