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Santa Claus is Comin’ to Towns!
If you are making your list and checking it twice, make sure Hiawassee and Young Harris are in your view because the holiday season is underway! You are invited to be dazzled by lights, fireworks, wine tastings, holiday buffets, live music, artisan market shopping, and so much more. 

Light Shows 
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds has transformed into a shimmering holiday light show accented with Christmas music, arts and crafts, food, entertainment, and a visit with Santa Claus. The lights festival is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 8 to 10, and nightly December 15 to 23. Kids will enjoy this year’s Cowtown: a living exhibit centered around an olde tyme creamery with hands-on experiences to make butter, ice cream, and soap using vintage tools and machines. More info.

Gift Giving Tip: Visit the Outdoor Craft Market as part of Mountain Country Christmas in Lights. The crafting booths are expanded this season. Open Thursdays and Fridays 6 pm to 9 pm, and Saturdays 4 pm to 9 pm.  

Santa’s in the House
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” for the Claus family and elves, and Santa is making not one, but two appearances in Towns County on December 17! Let your kids, nieces and nephews know that this is very special despite how busy he is.
Breakfast with Santa at Brasstown Valley Resort – December 17
Meet the Jolly Big Man with a special visit in the Dining Room at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa on Saturday, December 17 from 8:45 am to 10:45 am. Kids can share their wishes with Santa during this time. Reservations are required for the delicious breakfast buffet and can be made online.
Story Time with Santa at The Ridges Resort – December 17
Santa loves meeting all the kids, and he’s making a special appearance at The Ridges Resort lobby from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Enjoy Christmas story time, a hot cocoa bar and cookies and one-on-one time with Santa to share those special wishes. No reservations necessary. More info.

Holiday Dinner Gatherings
Christmas Eve Dinner – Dec. 24
The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen at The Ridges Resort is the place to be for Christmas Eve dinner serving from 5 pm to 9 pm. Savor the roast prime rib au jus with horseradish cream sauce, garlic whipped potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries – just to give you a taste of what’s on the menu. Reservations and more info.
Christmas Day Dinner – Dec. 25
Between 12 pm and 5 pm, reservations are accepted in the Dining Room for Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa’s annual Christmas Day Buffet. It’s such a popular event that advanced reservations are required and can be made online.
Enchanted Forest New Year’s Eve Gala – Dec. 31
Imagine getting ready to ring in 2023 at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. The open bar and gourmet dinner begin at 7:30 pm, with music for dancing and a balloon drop at midnight. Reservations are required for this 21 and older party. Call the lodge at (706) 379-9900 and ask about stay with upgrades including late checkout on January 1.  

Live Music
Hightower Creek Vineyards in Hiawassee presents Vino & Vibes: live music on Saturdays from 2 pm to 5 pm. The Tasting Room welcomes Dr. Paul on December 10 and Scotty B. on December 17. More info.
Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris welcomes you to its annual Winter Solstice celebration on December 21 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Enjoy live music by Obe & Amber, a bonfire and chili bar – plus the opportunity to taste wines at the Farmhouse Market & Pavilion. No reservations necessary. More info.
Gift Giving Tip: The Farmhouse Market at Crane Creek Vineyards offers a locally fashioned selection of gourmet foods and gifts, with a small bar serving wine by the glass, bottle, and wine tasting flights. Housed in the historic Bryson Farmhouse.
For more live music throughout Towns County and Folk School Concerts, visit GoLakeChatuge.com 

Welcome 2023 
Usher in 2023 on New Year’s Eve with a Fireworks Show at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Fireworks begin at 8:45 pm. Before the show, enjoy the array of craft vendors, and foods and drinks for sale beginning at 5 pm: hot chocolate, BBQ, and hotdogs – and keep cozy by the warm fire pits! Blairsville Cruisers will be on the fairgrounds from 5 pm to 7 pm for a car show. More info.
Save the Date: Corey Smith and Travis Denning perform at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on January 28, 2023 at 7 pm. Sing along to Corey Smith favorites, like his coming-of-age anthem “Twenty-One,” and the nostalgic time warp “If I Could Do It Again”. Singer/songwriter and Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning first made 
waves with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs." More info.
Reservations are filling now for many of Towns County’s holiday happenings. Book your stay in cabins and cottages, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and hotels and resorts. It’s all here – from rustic to richly rewarding. Check out Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce for more holiday happenings into the New Year. See you in the mountains!