Cannot Miss Holiday Events

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 15th - 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 15th to 26th and December 2nd to 23rd. Guests can enjoy hourly tours, special candlelight evenings on December 6th and 20th, and a festive photo opportunity with Santa on December 11th, all celebrating the season’s traditions in a historic setting.

November 15th - Prance N' Dance

Prance N' Dance at Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion offers guests the chance to learn historic dances in the Grand Salon, guided by a professional instructor. The evening continues with refreshments in the State Dining Room and a first look at the mansion’s holiday decor, blending festive celebration with a touch of history.

November 15th - Autumn Dash 5K & Food Drive

The Autumn Dash 5K & Food Drive invites runners of all levels to enjoy a scenic course along Milledgeville’s Oconee River Greenway while supporting local hunger relief efforts. Participants are encouraged to bring canned or boxed food donations as they complete the fully paved 5K, with awards presented following the race.

November 18th - Evenings with History: 200 Years of Stories from the Brown Stetson Sanford House

Evenings with History invites guests to explore two centuries of Milledgeville’s past through the stories of the Brown Stetson Sanford House. Dr. Amy Wright shares the building’s history as a tavern, home, restaurant, and museum, highlighting its role in the city’s rich heritage and distinctive Federal-style architecture.

November 21st - Lockerly in Lights: Walk-Through

Lockerly in Lights returns this holiday season, running every Friday and Saturday from November 21st to December 20th. The garden transforms into a mile-long walk-through experience with advance tickets required, available online for $10 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 21st & 22nd - 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 14th annual concert celebrates movement and creativity in an engaging evening of performance at Russell Auditorium.

November 27th  - Lockerly in Lights: Drive-Through

Lockerly in Lights: Drive-Through lets visitors enjoy the holiday magic from the comfort of their car on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, November 27th and December 24th, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Guests can take a leisurely drive through twinkling arches, glowing tunnels, and festive light displays while listening to their favorite holiday music, creating a cozy and memorable seasonal experience. This drive-through event is different from Lockerly in Lights: Walk-Through, which offers on-foot exploration of the Arboretum’s illuminated gardens on select Fridays and Saturdays.

November 27th: Turkey Trot 

The Turkey Trot kicks off Thanksgiving morning at 8:30 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 1st - 3rd & 8th - 10th - 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.

December 4th - 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 5th - 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 5th - Georgia College’s 18th Annual Holiday Concert

Georgia College’s 18th 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 6th & 20th - 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 6th and 20th, 2025. Evening tours are held at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., featuring candlelit rooms and festive décor for a warm and immersive holiday experience, with reservations required.

December 6th - 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- Merry Milly Market

The Merry Milly Market invites visitors to explore a delightful selection of unique arts, crafts, and homemade treats on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 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 7th - Exchange Club Christmas Parade

Join the festive fun at the annual Exchange Club Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th, starting at 3:00 p.m. 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 12th - 14th - Georgia College’s The Nutcracker

“The Nutcracker” at Georgia College celebrates the 29th 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 12th and 13th at 7:00 p.m., and December 14th at 2:00 p.m., offering a festive and enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.

December 12th - 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 12th - 25th - Reindeer Flight School

Experience Baldwin County's largest light display at the Reindeer Flight School, where you can stroll through a winter wonderland featuring over 40,000 dazzling lights on trees, snowflakes, wreaths, and flying reindeer. From Friday, December 12th to Thursday, December 25th, enjoy abundant photo opportunities, including a chance to climb atop a life-size wooden reindeer, with Santa making special appearances on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

December 12th - Concert: Yolanda Adams and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra

Georgia Military College's NewDay USA Center for Leadership presents Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams in a one-night holiday performance, accompanied by the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. The concert on December 12th at 7:00 p.m. blends Adams’ powerful vocals with lush orchestral arrangements, featuring holiday favorites, gospel classics, and signature hits for an inspiring and festive evening.

December 13th - Central State Hospital Campus Trolley Tour

The Central State Hospital Campus Trolley Tour offers a two-hour guided journey through one of Milledgeville’s most historically significant landmarks. Led by a former hospital employee, the tour explores the campus’s past, including its role as the nation’s largest mental institution, and makes stops at Cedar Lane Cemetery and the Chapel of All Faiths. Participants gain insight into the hospital’s evolving history, patient care, and ongoing redevelopment while riding a fully enclosed, climate-controlled trolley.

December 13th - Wreaths Across America Ceremonies at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery & Memory Hill Cemetery

On December 13, 2025, Wreaths Across America will host ceremonies at both the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery and Memory Hill 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.

December 14th - Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

The Hanukkah Menorah Lighting invites the community to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a Menorah lighting ceremony on West Hancock Street, in front of The Local Yolkal Cafe. All are welcome to join in this festive gathering on December 14th, 2025.

December 17th - Date Night at Lockerly Arboretum

Date Night at Lockerly Arboretum offers couples a romantic holiday experience on December 17th, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Guests receive a welcome with champagne at Rose Hill and a basket containing dinner, wine, and a blanket, then choose their perfect spot in the arboretum to enjoy an evening surrounded by twinkling lights and festive ambiance.

December 18th - Rein-Dog Night at Lockerly Arboretum

Rein-Dog Night at Lockerly Arboretum invites dog lovers to a festive evening on December 18th, 2025, 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 24th - Lockerly in Lights: Drive-Through

Lockerly in Lights: Drive-Through lets visitors enjoy the holiday magic from the comfort of their car on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Guests can take a leisurely drive through twinkling arches, glowing tunnels, and festive light displays while listening to their favorite holiday music, creating a cozy and memorable seasonal experience. This drive-through event differs from Lockerly in Lights: Walk-Through, which offers on-foot exploration of the Arboretum’s illuminated gardens on select Fridays and Saturdays.

See our full events calendar here.