1. Light Up Blue Ridge on November 28th 11AM-9PM - Old-fashioned holiday celebration sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association in downtown Blue Ridge. Street carolers, music and special events all day. Mr. and Mrs. Santa arrive on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Visit with Santa and have photos taken in the gazebo in downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Live reindeer, childrens trackless train rides and much more. The lighting of the "Great Tree" takes place at dusk. Downtown shops will be open late so bring the whole family for a holiday of fun, perfect to start the season off right. click: www.lightupblueridge.com

2. Southern Tree Plantation - Pick out your own live Christmas Tree at Southern Tree Plantation in Blairsville. Fresh cut Christmas trees and more – including Marshmallow Roasting, Wagon Rides, Animals, Kids Train Ride, Maze, Craft, Gift Shop, Playground, Pony Rides. In Blairsville take 19/129 south 4.2 miles south from old courthouse in downtown Blairsville. Turn right on Hutson Road. click: www.southerntreeplantation.com

3. Luxury Mountain Cabins - Want the perfect Holiday experience? How about a toasty fire in your own cabin with hot apple cider, and gorgeous mountain views. Georgia's Blue RIdge has literally hundreds of luxury mountain cabins you can rent by the day or week and they come in all price ranges. And how about the absolutely perfect present... go shopping for a Christmas Cabin! Our professional real estate agents can show you listings all over gorgeous Fannin County. For rentals, click: rental cabin link and for Real Estate Agents click: real estate agent link

4. Winter Mountain Hiking - Surrounding Georgia's Blue Ridge is some of the most spectacular scenery and beautiful mountains on earth. In the winter, when leaves are off the trees, long range vistas open up, and hiking becomes an even better outdoor adventure. With hundreds of miles of trails, you can find one suitable to any level of experience. From the famous Appalachian Trail, which begins here, to the Aska Adventure Area, to waterfall hikes, to the Cohutta Wilderness, our area is filled with paths into the wilderness. The US Forest Service has a great website full of useful information at: USDA Forest Service Chattahoochee NF and our self-guided hiking map is available here: Hiking Trails Access plus you want to be sure to Leave No Trace, so check out : www.LNT.org

5. Mountain Crafts Shopping - With a heritage of craftspeople that is hundreds of years old authentic mountain crafts can be found all over the area. Holiday shopping for Handmade, Homemade and Homegrown gifts can make your Holiday shopping fun and unique. Those in the know download our great self-guided tours with insider info on the best places to look. Click here: Self-Guided Tours.

6. Mercier Orchards - Blue Ridge. Southern Living Magazine’s favorite roadside apple market and more – best fried pies and hot apple cider anywhere. It's the perfect place for special and unique Christmas shopping. Order your gift boxes today. Expanded shopping holds all kinds of goods, from gourmet meats and specialties to birdhouses, to maps and books, to art, to all kinds of delectible take home foods. And apples and fruits galore. (706) 632-3411 or www.mercier-orchards.com.

7. Christmas Village in McCaysville - 15 minutes north of Blue Ridge on Hwy 5 (McDonalds intersection)
Located on the riverfront between the bridges in McCaysville, walk through this magical Christmas village from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. enjoy local entertainment and visit Santa Claus. You can also take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad on selected evenings from downtown Blue Ridge to visit the village. November 27 - December 19.

8. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express - A ride along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville makes for great Holiday fun. It’s never too early to book Santa train trips! Some dates are already sold out. Check your schedule, check our schedule and make plans now.

November 27- December 24 (see schedule for times of departure on these days) The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway celebrates the holidays with The Santa Express -- festive, fun-filled train rides. On board, they will hear Christmas stories, sing Christmas carols with elves, and visit with the North Pole's jolliest elf himself during the ride. Also check out the special Santa VIllage night trips. Seats are limited: Advance reservations are required. For tickets or more information, call: 1-800-934-1898.

PLEASE CALL TO CHECK AVAILABILITY. 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513 (800) 934-1898; (706) 632-9833; Fax: (706) 258-2756 www.brscenic.com

9. The Art Center - Holiday Art Show and Sale November 24 - December 18. Featuring the art of local artists and a newly remodeled gallery in the historic courthouse. Check the web link below for ongoing Holiday hours. For 30 years, the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association (BRMAA) has, through performance, demonstration and education, strived to enhance and preserve the quality and accessibility of the arts in the North Georgia area. The mountains that surround the beautiful area of North Georgia, South East Tennessee and Western North Carolina inspire creativity and BRMAA provides a venue for all the talent enclosed in this mountainous cocoon. Get info at 706-632-2144 or on the web at http://www.brmaa.net/.

10. Antiques and Uniques - One of the most fun shopping trips you will ever make is to Georgia's Blue Ridge. The area is filled with one-of-a-kind shopping finds. From that perfect antique sideboard you've been looking for to unique mountain crafts that are the perfect decorating touch and even better Christmas presents, you'll be amazed at what you will find in local artist studios, antique shops and art galleries. You can get a free map at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center or download one by clicking here: Self-Guided Tours

Please do not exceed your level of experience and fitness when
undertaking any activity, especially in wilderness areas.

A Word to the Wise … The law of the forest is “leave no trace.” Please pack in all you will need and pack out all your trash. If you build a fire, never leave it unattended. Use good judgment when hiking, particularly around waterfalls where rocks are often wet, moss covered and slippery. If hiking during hunting season, wear a brightly colored vest. Unexpected encounters with animals can be pleasurable or problematic. A hawk or owl soaring silently above is a pleasure. Watch for woodpeckers, turkeys and mountain grouse near the forest edges. The flash of a white-tail deer is an every day occurrence. More rare is sighting a black bear or bobcat. Most animals will flee the presence of humans, but be on the lookout for copperheads, wasps, yellow jackets and other biting, stinging critters. For more info on proper behavior in the wild, please go to www.LNT.org (Leave No Trace). And as a suggestion, if you are going out for a scenic drive, try to do it in a high mileage/per person vehicle. Fannin County Chamber & Welcome Center, 152 Orvin Lance Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 1-800-899-mtns www.blueridgemountains.com