There are tons of fun activities for locals and visitors in Blue Ridge, GA during Thanksgiving weekend.

Discover the top activities, exciting annual events, and local restaurants serving up mouthwatering Thanksgiving favorites.

Things To Do

Festive Events

Events

Thanksgiving Dinner

Things To Do

Stay at a Cabin

Looking for a place to gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving? Book a cabin nestled in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains for a truly memorable holiday retreat surrounded by peaceful landscapes and just a short trip from the best activities, restaurants, and shopping Blue Ridge has to offer.

Insider's Tip: Many Blue Ridge Georgia cabins are pet-friendly, so the whole family, even the four-legged members, can join the Thanksgiving fun.

Evening exterior of a cabin in the woods of Blue Ridge, GA with large windows and a wrap around porch

Escape to Blue Ridge

Rail Bike Through Scenic Blue Ridge

Sit back and enjoy a leisurely ride through the Blue Ridge foothills on a motor-assisted rail bike. Departing from historic downtown Blue Ridge, this 11-mile round-trip adventure winds alongside streams, vineyards, and towering Georgia pines, with a scenic halfway stop perfect for snapping a family holiday-card photo.

People sit and pedal rail bikes along the track through the woods in Blue Ridge, GA

Go Holiday Shopping

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping during Thanksgiving week. The Holiday Market runs all week and is a great place to find one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts. On Blue Friday, local shops offer special promotions and discounts, making it the perfect time to find holiday gifts while supporting the town's small-business community.

Three women look in a store window while shopping in Downtown Blue Ridge. A wreath hangs behind them

Visit an Orchard

Blue Ridge's apple-growing tradition comes to life at Mercier Orchards, a must-visit stop for fresh flavors and mountain views. Sample hard ciders and wines made from fruit grown on the farm, and browse the market for homemade jams, apple butter, fresh-baked pies, and seasonal treats. Families will love browsing the orchard store together, savoring warm apple cider donuts, and taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Insider's Tip: While Mercier Orchards bakes fresh pies and donuts daily, it's a good idea to order ahead for any special holiday party needs.

Apples on a tree with Mercier Orchards barn in the background

Festive Events

Blue Ridge On Ice

Dates: November 17, 2026 - January 2, 2027
Location: Blue Ridge Farmers Market | 787 Summit Street

Blue Ridge on Ice is a seasonal pop-up rink that welcomes skaters of all levels, making it a great fit for a Thanksgiving weekend family outing. Kids can take their first wobbly laps while parents cheer from the sidelines, or couples can glide hand in hand before warming up with a treat from the concession stand.

Turkey Trot

Date: November 26, 2026
Location: Downtown Blue Ridge City Park | 241 Depot Street

Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with the annual Blue Ridge Turkey Trot, where families and participants of all fitness levels come together for a spirited race or walk. It's a wonderful way to spend the holiday morning, and you'll be back in time to prepare your Thanksgiving feast.

Holiday Express Train Ride

Dates: November 27-December 24, 2026
Location: Blue Ridge Railway | 241 Depot Street

Step back in time on a scenic railway excursion along the Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. Choose from an authentic indoor coach, open-air rail car, or Premier Class as you travel to this charming Georgia mountain town and its sister city, Copperhill, Tennessee. Although trains do not run on Thanksgiving Day, weekend options include a one-hour Holiday Express and a four-hour excursion, both featuring a special visit from Santa Claus.

Light Up Blue Ridge

Date: November 28, 2026
Location: Downtown Blue Ridge

Held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Light Up Blue Ridge kicks off the holiday season with free, family-friendly festivities. Enjoy carolers, festive music, photos with Santa, and a cheerful parade before the Great Tree sparkles to life with hundreds of dazzling lights around 7pm.