Christmas in Milledgeville, Georgia: Top Holiday Activities for Groups

This holiday season, immerse your group in the festive spirit of Christmas in Milledgeville, Georgia. From sparkling lights and historic tours to live performances and seasonal dining, the city delivers a well-rounded experience for holiday group trips in Georgia. With easy scheduling, walkable attractions, and plenty of holiday cheer, Milledgeville makes planning a group-friendly holiday getaway simple and rewarding.

Explore Christmas at the Mansion

Step inside Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion, where the holidays are celebrated with grandeur. The historic site transforms into a dazzling 19th-century showcase, Christmas at the Mansion, which features live greenery, fresh fruits, and a towering 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with more than 2,000 lights and 500 handmade ornaments crafted by the local community. Groups can enjoy a one-hour guided tour available from November 15th to 26th and December 2nd to 23rd, 2025, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with tours beginning at the top of each hour. This experience blends festive spirit with Georgia’s rich history in one unforgettable stop.

Experience Lockerly in Lights

Immerse your group in holiday magic at Lockerly in Lights, where Lockerly Arboretum’s gardens sparkle with twinkling displays. Stroll through festive scenes like the ornament tunnel, candy cane lane, a lit cornfield, and glowing cherry blossom trees along the one-mile illuminated path every Friday and Saturday from November 21st through December 20th, 2025, with evening walk-throughs at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m. For a cozy drive-through experience, the festive route is open December 21st to 24th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., with cash-only admission at the gate. Private evening rentals are also available, allowing your group to enjoy the sparkling gardens all to yourselves, perfect for capturing memorable holiday photos and creating a magical Christmas outing.

Attend Seasonal Performances and Events

Celebrate the season with live entertainment and festive events that make your trip to Milledgeville even more memorable. Holiday on Hancock brings downtown to life with a visit from Santa and the Grinch, plus the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting. Groups can enjoy the timeless tradition of "The Nutcracker" at Georgia College & State University, with performances on December 12th and 13th at 7:00 p.m. and December 14th at 2:00 p.m. Music lovers can also experience the 18th Annual Holiday Concert at Georgia College on Friday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m., or be inspired by Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams performing with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra at Georgia Military College on Friday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m.

Ride the Historic Trolley Tour

Step aboard "Milly" the Trolley for a guided, one-hour journey on the Historic Trolley Tour and discover Milledgeville's story as Georgia’s fourth state capital from 1804 to 1868. The tour winds past antebellum architecture, charming historic squares, and notable churches, with narration that brings the city’s rich history to life. Along the way, groups can explore the grounds of Statehouse Square, home to Georgia’s Old Capitol Building and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. The Historic Trolley Tour runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., with private rentals available any day of the week. With seating for up to 22 passengers, climate control, and ADA accessibility, Milly provides a comfortable and memorable experience for group tours of all sizes.

Enjoy Group Dining

Savor the season together with Milledgeville’s locally owned restaurants that welcome groups with open doors and flavorful menus. At The Brick, casual gatherings feel festive with pizzas, pastas, wings, and shareable appetizers served in a lively atmosphere. Kai Thai offers fragrant curries, noodle dishes, and colorful sushi that bring global flair to holiday dining. For groups seeking fresh and flavorful meals, Metropolis Cafe serves salads, hearty entrees, and vibrant dishes in a modern space. For a more refined celebration, Aubri Lane's at The Club at Lake Sinclair sets the stage with upscale Southern dishes in a stylish setting, ideal for marking a special holiday occasion. 

Sip Festive Drinks

Warm up between activities with festive holiday sips that add cheer to the season. At Blackbird Coffee, groups can enjoy rich peppermint mochas, gingerbread lattes, and other wintry specialties, all made with their signature in-house roasted coffee. Morning Grind provides another cozy stop, with a rotating menu of seasonal lattes and teas like spiced chai or caramel apple served alongside the welcoming glow of a neighborhood cafe. When the day winds down, The Brick brings a spirited twist with holiday-inspired cocktails that change with the season, like their sugar cookie martini, making it the perfect place to gather and toast the holidays together.

Shop Local Treasures Downtown

Milledgeville’s downtown turns into a holiday shopping destination, with locally owned boutiques and shops that make it easy for groups to check off their gift lists. At Firefly Boutique, you’ll find women’s clothing, shoes, and thoughtful gifts from brands like Free People, Matisse, and Capri Blue, perfect for a stylish stocking stuffer or two. Southern Roots offers men’s apparel and gear from favorites like Burlebo, Aftco, and Turtle Box, making holiday shopping for him a breeze. For something truly local, Eclectic is filled with unique finds such as Lake Sinclair t-shirts, candles, pottery, jewelry, and art, all ideal for meaningful gifts or keepsakes to remember the trip.

Reserve Lodging for Groups

Milledgeville offers a range of lodging options ideal for groups. Chain hotels such as the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hampton Inn, and Fairfield Inn provide spacious rooms, suites, and amenities tailored to larger parties. Conveniently located on Highway 441 with easy access to downtown Milledgeville, these hotels offer meeting spaces, complimentary breakfast, and services that help groups coordinate overnight stays. Visit Milledgeville can assist with arranging group room blocks, making lodging a smooth and stress-free part of the trip.

Plan Your Group Holiday Getaway

From the stately Christmas at the Mansion to the glowing trails of Lockerly in Lights, Milledgeville offers festive experiences that are as organized as they are memorable. Paired with seasonal performances, group-friendly restaurants, and cozy coffee stops, the city provides everything a group needs to have an enjoyable Christmas group tour in Georgia. From planning visits to festive attractions to helping arrange meals and transportation, Visit Milledgeville’s Sales Manager, Christina Tillman, will assist in coordinating magical holiday moments tailored to your group’s schedule and interests. With history, music, lights, and holiday cheer woven throughout the season, Milledgeville is ready to welcome your group for a celebration they won’t forget.