The holidays are complete madness. And the older I get, the faster they seem to fly by. From the day after Thanksgiving through the first of the year I am inundated with shopping, housekeeping, entertaining, parties, gift wrapping, and guests. But, I always make time for a few holiday events in Cherokee County because stepping away from it all and taking a few nights to spend time with family is everything. Being new to the area, I wanted to make sure I knew all the things to do for the holidays in Canton, Woodstock, Ball Ground and the surrounding areas. And being the blogger that I am, of course, I wanted to share it with you!
Here are some of the things to do in Cherokee County that stood out the most over the holidays.
What’s Happening in Cherokee County for Christmas
From small town parades and, tree lighting ceremonies, to Christmas light drives and caroling, there is plenty to do in Cherokee County for Christmas. Be sure to save this post so you can mark your calendars next season and get the most out of your holiday with family and friends.
Things to Do in Canton for Christmas
Downtown Canton is a historic district with a small town vibe. With businesses who have been running for decades, it’s a true community with lasting traditions.
Canton Christmas Parade
Check out this local parade to see Santa and more march through downtown Canton. There are festive activities beginning at noon so you can be jolly all day and night. There are also beautiful holiday window displays at the Historic Jones Building.
2018 schedule: Saturday, December 15th, 6 p.m.
Contact: 770.704.1500 Visit Website
Love Lights a Tree
The American Cancer Society puts on this annual tree lighting ceremony in downtown Canton.
Contact: 770.704.1500
Holiday Lights at Veterans Park
From Nov. 23 through Dec 31 drive two miles to experience one million lights that line the road through Veterans Park in Canton. This light show is complete with light tunnels and animated Christmas displays and will cost $20 per car. The proceeds benefit local charities.
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton
The Santa House
No appointment is needed, just show up and enjoy your time together with Santa! This local house opens its doors to families with free hot chocolate, a drive-in movie theater, fire pit, live nativity, and surprise visits from special characters. And of course, you get to meet Mr. & Mrs. Clause!
Visit their Facebook page for up to date info.
Canton Theater
If you want to get your fill of your favorite Christmas films on the big screen then head to the Canton Theater where they host $1 movies like; White Christmas, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story, and the Polar Express. You can even come in your pajamas!
Google “Canton Theater” for event listings in Google Maps
Things to Do in Woodstock for Christmas
Downtown Woodstock is the largest historic downtown in Cherokee County. With shops, restaurants and parks, there’s plenty to do in this big small town, especially during the holidays. If you’re in the area, be sure to visit my dear friends at Root Stock & Vine for tapas and wine.
Celebrate Christmas at Carriage Kia of Woodstock
If you do only one thing this holiday season, get over to Carriage Kia of Woodstock and ring in the most wonderful time of year with one of the most community-driven businesses I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with! You’ve probably driven past their incredible light display and thought, “wow, that looks magical!” Well, there’s much more than meets the eye. This year, they kicked off the holiday season with Crowder Clause, a free meet and greet event that offered bouncy houses, hot cocoa, gourmet donuts, Christmas caroling, letters to Santa, photo ops with Frosty and Mr. & Mrs. Clause, and David Crowder himself. And of course, all beneath their magical Christmas light display.
The Annual Holiday Jubilee Birthday Celebration
Join the community in Downtown Woodstock for one of the biggest events of the year as the city celebrates the holidays and their birthday with a performance of A Christmas Carol, the Official Tree Lighting with Santa and the Mayor, and the Christmas Parade!
Holiday Lights of Hope at Hobgood Park
$10 admission will get you into a huge walk-through Christmas light display with over 2 million lights, concessions, vendors and Santa! Kids 14 and under are free!
Things to Do in Ball Ground for Christmas
Historic Downtown Ball Ground is a tiny town with big warmth. Once the home of a Coca-Cola bottling plant, it’s now a quaint town with boutiques, restaurants, and loads of southern charm.
March of the Toys Parade
This annual event benefits Toys for Tots in downtown Ball Ground and is one of the largest parades in north Georgia. Attendees bring new unwrapped gifts for the Toys for Tots drive and can meet Santa and his parade of toys in the City Park after the parade.
Things to Do in Holly Springs for Christmas
Just a few exits between Canton, Ball Ground and Woodstock you’ll find Holly Springs. Another small southern town with loads of charm and holiday traditions worth experiencing.
Community Tree Lighting
Bring your family to the annual tree lighting event at the Historic Train Depot in Holly Springs. Local talent outs on a show of holiday songs and after the tree lighting, you and your family can enjoy light refreshments.
Christmas Parade
The first Saturday in December marks the Holly Springs Christmas Parade. Bring the gang and enjoy the show!
Holly Springs Lights
The Holly Springs lights runs all season long and is a fun way to spend a low key evening with family and holiday cheer.
17 Comments
So great and amazing things to do.
I had no idea of all the things to do outside of atlanta during the holiday season. so cool
Such an amazing place to celebrate Christmas. There’s so much to do on this place and a great family Christmas adventures.
Oh so many cosy things to do! Might need to go there for the holidays sometime!
This is pretty cool. I wish I knew about this during the holidays.
There are so many great family activities here! Christmastime is my favorite.
Nightmare before Christmas characters! I am so jealous! I would love to visit here during Christmas time!
I have never been there but it sounds like a nice destination getaway during this Holidays.
Great place to spend Christmas. Love the lights in veterans park!
The holiday park looks beautiful. Glad that the proceed goes for great cause in the community
I LOVE Christmas!!!!! If I had money I would totally go to a place like this during the holidays.
sounds an amazing place to celebrate Christmas. thanks for sharing this post.
I love ALL the pictures and the fun you manifested through them!
So many things to do during Christmas! Great to go there with a family!
OOOO I loved that tunnel of lights. I love christmas. It’s my favorite time of year. So magical.
It’s really amazing how twinkling lights can turn everything so dreamy. That plus Santa, Christmas tress and parades – what’s not to like?
– Nandita
This looks like an amazing time I really miss the holiday season when I see pictures like these!