What's on
Blue Ridge, GA events.
Festivals, holiday trains, and small-town traditions in and around Blue Ridge, Georgia. Every date comes from the organizer, the venue, or the Blue Ridge Mountains Chamber of Commerce, and links back to it.
Last checked November 1, 2026 · 25 upcoming
This weekend · Nov 13–15
Happening this weekend.
Sun, Nov 8 & Sun, Nov 15
Christmas Tour of TreesBlue Ridge
Nov 15 – Dec 19
Holiday Market at The Art CenterBlue Ridge
Now through Feb 28
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway winter seasonBlue Ridge
Happening now
Through the season
- Now
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway winter season
Now through Feb 28
Winter rides along the Toccoa River to McCaysville and Copperhill.
- Where
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway depot, 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
November
2026
- Nov15Sun
Christmas Tour of Trees
Sun, Nov 8 & Sun, Nov 15 · Sundays, 2–5 PM
The spa's 6th annual holiday tour of decorated Christmas trees. Tickets at the door; proceeds benefit Fannin County Shop with a Cop.
- Where
- Serenity in the Mountains, 59 McKinney Rd, Blue Ridge
- Cost
- $20 · 12 and under free
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Nov15Sun
Holiday Market at The Art Center
Nov 15 – Dec 19 · Tue–Sun 10 AM–6 PM (closed Mondays)
A holiday show and sale of handmade gifts from member artists, including jewelry, pottery, and paintings.
- Where
- The Art Center (Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association), 420 W Main St, Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Nov17Tue
Blue Ridge on Ice
Nov 17, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027 · Hours vary by day
A seasonal pop-up ice skating rink in town, open to skaters of all levels.
- Where
- Next to the Swan Drive-In, 787 Summit St, Blue Ridge
- Cost
- $15 · 12 and under $12 · active military $10
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Nov26Thu
Blue Ridge Turkey Trot 5K
Thu, Nov 26 · Thanksgiving morning · day-of pickup from 7 AM
A Thanksgiving morning 5K that starts downtown.
- Where
- Downtown children's park, East Main St & Church St, Blue Ridge
- Cost
- $30 through Mon, Nov 23 · $35 after
Official details ↗Chamber listing (5K) ↗Checked November 1, 2026
- Nov26ThuNearby · Hiawassee
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Nov 26 – Dec 31 · 6–9 PM · Thu–Sat Nov 26–Dec 12 · nightly Dec 17–24 · drive-thru only Dec 24 and Dec 26–31 · closed Christmas Day
A walk-through holiday light show with Christmas music, crafts, food, train rides, and visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. No pets.
- Where
- Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Rd, Hiawassee · About 55 min from Blue Ridge
- Cost
- Walk-through $10 · 12 and under free · drive-thru nights $25 per car
Official details ↗Checked November 6, 2026
- Nov27Fri
Blue Friday
Fri, Nov 27 · Noon–4:30 PM music · Santa in the gazebo noon–4:15 PM
Live music on East Main Street, Santa, store discounts, and food vendors the day after Thanksgiving.
- Where
- Downtown Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Nov27FriNearby · EllijayFree
Merry Mountain Town
Fri, Nov 27 · Festival 10 AM–7 PM · parade 6 PM
Ellijay's holiday festival with arts and crafts vendors, face painting, a storefront decorating contest, Santa photos ($10 donation to the Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter), and an evening parade with the town tree lighting.
- Where
- Downtown Ellijay, Broad Street, 10 Broad St, Ellijay · About 20 min from Blue Ridge
- Cost
- Free
Official details ↗Parade ↗Checked November 1, 2026
- Nov27FriNearby · McCaysville
Light Up McCaysville
Fri, Nov 27 · 5–7 PM · tree lit at dusk
McCaysville's tree lighting at dusk, with Santa at the Riverwalk Shops.
- Where
- McCaysville, 100 Blue Ridge Dr, McCaysville · About 20 min from Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Nov27Fri
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Nov 27 – Dec 20 · Thu–Sat 7 PM · Sun 2 PM
The holiday musical at the community theater.
- Where
- Blue Ridge Community Theater, 2591 East 1st St, Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
- Nov27Fri
Holiday Express train
Nov 27 – Dec 24 · Select days · 1-hour rides
Holiday music, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and a chance to see Santa. The railway says tickets sell out fast. The railway's holiday page and 2026 schedule run it through December 24, though its homepage says December 23, so check the calendar for exact days.
- Where
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway depot, 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Nov28SatFree
Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade
Sat, Nov 28 · From 11 AM · parade 5:30 PM · Great Tree lighting about 7 PM
The town's holiday kickoff: Tuba Christmas, live music, Santa photos, the parade from Church St and East Main, and the Great Tree lighting.
- Where
- Downtown Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge
- Cost
- Free
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Nov28SatNearby · HelenFree
Helen's Christmas Market
Nov 28–29 & Dec 5–6 · 10 AM–5 PM
The 19th annual holiday market in Helen's Alpine-style downtown.
- Where
- Downtown Marktplatz & Unicoi Hill Park, Helen · About 1 hr 20 min from Blue Ridge
- Cost
- Free
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
December
2026
- Dec5SatNearby · McCaysville
Copperhill Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Sat, Dec 5 · 11 AM–3 PM · float judging noon · parade 1 PM (rain date Sat, Dec 12)
The Copper Basin's Christmas parade, lining up next to the city park in McCaysville.
- Where
- Toccoa River Park (McCaysville City Park), Market St, McCaysville · About 17 min from Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Dec12Sat
Santa at the Farm (Mercier Orchards)
Sat, Dec 12 · 10 AM–3 PM
Photos with Santa, a cookie decorating station, holiday tractor tours, boiled peanuts, and a petting zoo.
- Where
- Mercier Orchards, 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 5, 2026
- Dec12Sat
The Nutcracker Ballet
Sat, Dec 12 · 2 PM and 6 PM
STUDIO 1 Performing Arts School's holiday ballet, two performances.
- Where
- Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center, 360 Rebel Circle, Blue Ridge
- Cost
- $15
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Dec31ThuNearby · Helen
New Year's Eve: Dropping of the Edelweiss
Thu, Dec 31 · 8 PM–midnight
New Year's Eve party with a champagne toast at midnight.
- Where
- Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen · About 1 hr 20 min from Blue Ridge
- Cost
- $30 · ages 6–16 $15 · under 6 free (no advance tickets)
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
- Dec31ThuNearby · Hiawassee
New Year Fireworks
Thu, Dec 31 · 6–10 PM · parking lot opens 6 PM, fireworks at 8 PM
New Year's Eve fireworks at the fairgrounds.
- Where
- Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Rd, Hiawassee · About 55 min from Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Our guideChecked November 1, 2026
February
2027
- Feb6SatNearby · Helen
Fasching (Mardi Gras)
Sat, Feb 6 · 6–11 PM
A German-style Mardi Gras party with live music, dancing, and costume prizes (costumes optional). Entrance fee not announced yet; food and a cash bar are extra.
- Where
- Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen · About 1 hr 20 min from Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
- Feb13Sat
Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off
Sat, Feb 13 · Noon–5 PM (gates 11 AM)
Chili tasting, ice sculptures, and a beer, cider, and wine garden downtown.
- Where
- East Main Street & City Park, Blue Ridge
- Cost
- Free entry · $15 tasting card
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
March
2027
- Mar13Sat
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sat, Mar 13 · 11 AM–noon
A downtown parade down East Main, around Mountain Street, and back along West Main. Watch from anywhere on either street, and wear green.
- Where
- East and West Main Streets, Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
- Mar27Sat
Spiked Apple 5K
Sat, Mar 27 · 10:30 AM
A 5K at Mercier Orchards that ends with a cider pour and a cider donut.
- Where
- Mercier Orchards, 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
April
2027
- Apr9FriNearby · Hiawassee
Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival
Apr 9–10
The 13th annual storytelling festival, with featured tellers and workshops.
- Where
- The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee · About 55 min from Blue Ridge
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
- Apr24Sat
Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival
Sat, Apr 24 · 10 AM–6 PM
Trout Unlimited's festival with outdoor vendors, craft beer from Grumpy Old Men Brewing, and leashed dogs welcome.
- Where
- Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge
- Cost
- $10 · 12 and under free
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
May
2027
- May29Sat
Spring Arts in the Park
May 29–30 · 10 AM–5 PM
The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association's 51st annual Memorial Day weekend fine arts and crafts festival, with over 175 juried exhibitors, food, and artist demonstrations. Rain or shine; leashed pets welcome.
- Where
- Blue Ridge Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge
- Cost
- $5 · under 12 free
Official details ↗Checked November 1, 2026
How this calendar works
Checked, sourced, and kept current.
We only list an event once the organizer, the venue, or the Blue Ridge Mountains Chamber of Commerce has published its date, and every listing links to that source. If a date isn't announced yet, it isn't here.
We re-check the whole calendar at the start of every month, and past events drop off on their own. Plans still change, so confirm with the organizer before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know.
Coming up for an event?
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The Blue Ridge Journal
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EventsNovember 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Christmas in Blue Ridge, GA 2026: Parade, Holiday Train & Events
Christmas in Blue Ridge, Georgia for 2026: the Light Up Blue Ridge parade and tree lighting on Nov. 28, Holiday Express train dates, the holiday market, Tour of Trees, and nearby events.
Things to doOctober 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: The Complete Guide (2026 Seasons, Coaches & Tips)
Everything to know about the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: the route to McCaysville and Copperhill, 2-hour vs. 4-hour trips, 2026 seasons, coach types, the Premier Car, and what to do on the layover.
EventsNovember 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Christmas Lights Near Atlanta 2026: Dates for Every Big Light Show
The best Christmas light displays near Atlanta for 2026–27, with dates: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights; Fantasy in Lights at Callaway; Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands; Rock City; and a mountain Christmas in Blue Ridge.
SeasonsOctober 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Blue Ridge, GA Fall Foliage 2026: When the Leaves Peak + the Best Drives
When fall color peaks in Blue Ridge, Georgia, the best scenic drives and train rides for leaf peeping, and how to beat the October traffic from Atlanta.