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Milledgeville comes alive with holiday cheer, offering a wide range of festive events that are sure to make your season memorable. Whether you're strolling through enchanting light displays, enjoying a magical paddle, or taking in a captivating holiday performance, there's no shortage of experiences to embrace the spirit of the season. From November through December, be sure to mark your calendar with these can't-miss events that highlight the warmth and charm of Milledgeville during the holidays.
November Signature Events
November 14th | Christmas at the Mansion
Christmas at the Mansion invites visitors to explore Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion, adorned with 19th-century holiday decor from November 14th to 24th, November 28th - December 23rd, and December 28th to 31st. Guests can enjoy hourly tours, as well as special candlelight evenings on December 5th, 12th, and 19th.
November 16th | Palmetto Saxophone Quartet
Milledgeville-Baldwin County Allied Arts presents the Palmetto Saxophone Quartet, featuring an evening of live music from the acclaimed ensemble. The quartet explores the range of the saxophone through a mix of classic pieces, contemporary works and lesser-known compositions.
November 20th |- Lockerly in Lights
Lockerly in Lights returns this holiday season, running every Friday and Saturday from November 20th to January 2nd. The garden transforms into a mile-long walk-through experience with advance tickets required, available online for $15 per adult and $5 for children aged 3-12. Visitors can wander beneath sparkling tunnels, glowing arches, and shimmering holiday displays, surrounded by festive colors and twinkling lights that bring the season to life.
November 20th & 21st | Bountiful: Fall Dance Concert
Bountiful: Fall Dance Concert showcases a diverse repertoire of contemporary and classical choreography performed by Georgia College & State University’s faculty, guest artists, and dance undergraduates. Produced by Chi Tau Epsilon, the 15th annual concert celebrates movement and creativity in an engaging evening of performance at Russell Auditorium.
November 22nd - 24th & 29th - 30th | Milledgeville Trolley Express
The Milledgeville Trolley Express offers a festive trolley ride on select evenings from December 1st–3rd and 8th–10th, combining holiday magic with family fun. Riders can visit Lockerly in Lights, meet Santa at the North Pole with cookies and chocolate milk, and enjoy a hands-on activity, creating a memorable seasonal experience for kids and adults alike.
November 26th - December 31st | Christmas Cove on Lake Sinclair
Christmas Cove on Lake Sinclair returns for the holiday season with a floating display of lights near Sinclair Dam. Accessible by boat, the festive scene features illuminated snowmen, Santa’s sleigh and other holiday displays reflected across the lake after sunset.
November 26th | Turkey Trot
The Turkey Trot kicks off Thanksgiving morning at 7:45 a.m. along Milledgeville’s scenic Oconee River Greenway, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Participants can enjoy a professionally timed 5K, complete with finisher medals, age-group awards, and prize money for overall winners, while supporting the Oconee River Greenway Foundation’s efforts to preserve and enhance the river corridor.
December Signature Events
December 2nd & 3rd - Children's Trolley Tour: A Whoville Holiday with the Grinch
Milledgeville is transforming into a cozy, festive corner of Whoville for the Children's Trolley Tour: A Whoville Holiday with the Grinch, a magical Christmas event the whole family will adore! Join us for a two-part holiday spectacular with heartwarming holiday fun, festive photo opportunities, and a little bit of Whoville mischief along the way.
December 2nd | Holiday Exhibit at Rose Hill
Lockerly Arboretum's historic Rose Hill is open every Wednesday in December, featuring more than 400 pieces from a private collection with antique ornaments, toys, and dolls. The display brings together antique holiday decorations, toys and dolls spanning generations for a nostalgic addition to the holiday season.
December 3rd | GMC Glee Club Winter Concert
The Georgia Military College Glee Club presents its GMC Glee Club Winter Concert at the Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts. The cadet choir performs a program of choral music highlighting the ensemble’s vocal talent, musical tradition and spirit of camaraderie.
December 4th - First Friday: Holiday on Hancock
First Friday: Holiday on Hancock invites families to celebrate the season in downtown Milledgeville with the annual Christmas tree lighting, photos with Santa, and festive games and activities. Kids can also meet the Grinch at the Visitor’s Center and decorate sugar cookies, creating a joyful evening full of holiday cheer and community fun.
December 4th - December 23rd | Deck the Walls Exhibit
The annual Deck the Walls Exhibit fills the John Marlor Art Center with artwork from local and regional artists. The holiday exhibition features a range of styles and mediums, bringing seasonal imagery, contemporary works and distinctive artistic perspectives together in the gallery throughout December.
December 4th - Georgia College’s 19th Annual Holiday Concert
Georgia College’s 19th Annual Holiday Concert brings GCSU’s entire music department together for an evening of festive performances. Audiences can enjoy a mix of old favorites and new holiday tunes from ensembles including the Wind Symphony, String Quartet, Jazz Band, and University Chorus, celebrating the season through music both in person and via livestream.
December 5th, 12th & 19th - Candlelight Tours at the Mansion
The Candlelight Tours at the Mansion invite visitors to experience the Old Governor’s Mansion aglow with twinkling lights and the sound of a live choir in the rotunda on December 5th, 12th & 19th, 2026. Evening tours are held at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., featuring candlelit rooms and festive decor for a warm and immersive holiday experience, with reservations required.
December 5th | Merry Milly Market
The Merry Milly Market invites visitors to explore a delightful selection of unique arts, crafts, and homemade treats on Saturday, December 5th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Organized by Milledgeville Main Street, this enchanting event showcases the talent of local artisans, featuring everything from handmade jewelry and textiles to pottery and delicious snacks. It provides the perfect opportunity for attendees to find special gifts for their loved ones while supporting the creative community in Milledgeville.
December 5th - Pawtraits with the Grinch
Your furry friends are invited to a delightfully mischievous holiday experience at Pawtraits with the Grinch! Join us at the Milledgeville Visitor’s Center for a whimsical pet portrait event full of festive cheer, heartwarming moments, and a touch of Grinchy mischief that will make your heart grow three sizes.
December 6th - Exchange Club Christmas Parade
Join the festive fun at the annual Exchange Club Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 6th. The parade will travel through Downtown Milledgeville, beginning at the South Gate of Georgia Military College and featuring marching bands, elaborately decorated floats, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Presented by the Milledgeville Exchange Club, this event is a wonderful celebration of community spirit and holiday cheer!
December 11th, 12th, & 19th | Holly Jolly Trolley
All aboard the Holly Jolly Trolley for a merry evening under the glow of twinkling lights! This festive holiday ride will whisk you from the Milledgeville Visitor’s Center to Lockerly in Lights at Lockerly Arboretum, where dazzling displays, seasonal sips, and the magic of the season await.
December 11th | Atlanta Pops Orchestra Featuring Adam Jacobs
Atlanta Pops Orchestra Featuring Adam Jacobs brings a holiday concert to Georgia Military College, pairing the orchestra’s cinematic sound with the vocals of Broadway performer Adam Jacobs. The program features holiday favorites, beloved standards and orchestral arrangements, with Jacobs also sharing his experience from musical theater and concert stages.
December 11th - 13th - Georgia College’s The Nutcracker
“The Nutcracker” at Georgia College celebrates the 30th annual holiday tradition with performances by dancers of all ages from the community dance and dance minor programs. Shows take place at Russell Auditorium on December 11th and 12th at 7:00 p.m., and December 13th at 2:00 p.m., offering a festive and enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.
December 15th - Rein-Dog Night at Lockerly Arboretum
Rein-Dog Night at Lockerly Arboretum invites dog lovers to a festive evening on December 15th, 2026, where pups and their humans can stroll through the sparkling holiday lights. Dogs are encouraged to wear their cutest holiday outfits, making it a joyful celebration for four-legged family members and their owners.
December 19th - Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery
On December 19, 2026, Wreaths Across America will host a ceremony at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville. The event honors the nation’s heroes through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans and the act of saying each veteran’s name aloud.
See our full events calendar here.
