Christmas Bucket List

'Tis the season for twinkling lights and all things nice. Christmas music playing in every store, wreaths decorated on doors, holiday sweets, roasted chestnuts, wrapped up in your favorite sweater, and spending time with friends and family are all the things we love most about this season. There are so many things to do this holiday season in Milledgeville. Make it as jolly as can be with a little help from our Christmas Bucket List.

Experience the Magic

CHRISTMAS AT THE MANSION

Experience the heart of Christmas in Milledgeville at Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion, where period decorations from 1851 to 1853 bring the holiday past to life. Christmas at the Mansion is open from November 15th through December 23rd, offering candlelight tours that immerse visitors in festive history. On December 6th and 20th, follow the sound of angelic voices to the hidden rotunda, where musicians gather around the 30-foot Christmas tree for an unforgettable performance. The Mansion is closed on Mondays and for Thanksgiving weekend, November 27th through December 1st.

LOCKERLY IN LIGHTS

End your evening with a visit to Lockerly in Lights, a dazzling holiday display running from November 21st through December 20th. Walk-through nights are held Friday and Saturday ($10 per adult, $5 per child), with pre-purchased tickets required, while drive-throughs are available on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. ($15 online/$20 cash). Stroll through or drive among thousands of lights and festive scenes to experience one of Milledgeville’s most magical holiday traditions.

For a complete guide to find the best lights in town, check out our lights guide. 

SEE THE ANNUAL LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Downtown Milledgeville sparkles during the Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree, held the first Friday in December from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Watch the tree illuminate in front of Local Yolkal or tune in to the Main Street Facebook page for the livestream. As you wander downtown, enjoy the twinkling lights, window displays, and festive décor that bring the streets to life.

SHOP THE MILLY MARKET

While enjoying downtown festivities, stop by the Milly Market, a holiday shopping event featuring local artisans, crafters, and makers. Find one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade treasures, and festive décor for everyone on your list. The market will be open Saturday, December 7th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., providing plenty of time to browse, shop, and soak in the holiday atmosphere.

WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA & DROP IT IN THE MAILBOX 

Let Santa know what you want for Christmas this year by writing a letter and dropping it off in the red mailbox that says “Letters to Santa” placed outside City Hall! It is a direct route to the North Pole, so you can be sure Santa and his elves will get right on it. Mail that makes it to Santa’s desk is sure to get a response back, so make sure your address is legible. The special Santa Mailbox will be located outside of City Hall at the beginning of December. There is no charge to send Santa a letter.

STROLL THE HISTORIC DISTRICT

Take time to stroll through the Historic District, where grand homes are adorned with garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights. Pick up a Historic Walking Tour brochure from the Visitor’s Center to learn the stories behind each home and enjoy the neighborhood’s seasonal charm. 

Sip, Savor, & Shop

SIP ON A COZY DRINK

Warm up with a cozy drink or a morning pick-me-up at Milledgeville’s cafes. Blackbird Coffee downtown serves peppermint lattes, hot chocolate, and the signature Fogle chai, while Morning Grind offers handcrafted lattes, cold brews, and fresh pastries. Both spots are perfect for relaxing, catching up with friends, or fueling up before a day of holiday shopping.

TRIM YOUR TREE WITH THE CVB'S NEW CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT 

Bring a piece of Milledgeville home with Visit Milledgeville’s 2025 Collector’s Christmas Ornament, featuring the historic Brown-Stetson-Sanford House, celebrating its 200th anniversary. This Milledgeville Federal-style home has served the city as a tavern, inn, restaurant, private residence, and now a house museum. Available for $12 at the Visitor’s Center, it makes a meaningful gift or keepsake for anyone who loves Milledgeville’s history.

PICK UP A GIFT FROM A LOCALLY OWNED STORE

Shop local for gifts and treasures that truly capture the spirit of the season. Firefly Boutique is perfect for women’s apparel, shoes, accessories, and cozy holiday candles. Southern Roots offers men’s apparel, hats, outdoor accessories, and self-care items like beard oil, moisturizer, and serums—great for the guys on your list. For unique keepsakes, stop by Eclectic, a gift shop filled with homewares, Milledgeville- and Lake Sinclair-themed souvenirs, and beautiful local art and pottery. And for those who love a touch of history, Little River Antiques & More is a vendor-style store full of home furnishings, antique pottery, china, art, books, and collectibles. With friendly shop owners ready to help, you’re sure to find thoughtful gifts and festive decorations that will make your holidays feel extra special.

HAVE A HOLIDAY DATE NIGHT

Plan a holiday date night downtown and enjoy a festive meal at one of Milledgeville’s restaurants. From steak and seafood at The Vault, to brick-oven pizza at The Brick, or Mediterranean flavors at Metropolis, each location offers a cozy, seasonal setting. Pair your meal with cocktails or coffee, and enjoy the twinkling lights that line downtown streets.

GET A TREAT FROM A LOCAL BAKERY

No holiday outing is complete without a sweet treat. Avanti’s Sweet Treats & More offers decadent cheesecakes, cookies, cakes, and ice cream, while Sweet P’s Cupcakes & More serves freshly baked cupcakes in classic and creative flavors. Downtown, Coastie’s Bakery provides cookies and confections perfect for gifting or indulging.

Create Your Own Holiday Story

Christmas in Milledgeville is about creating memories that last a lifetime. Follow our bucket list to explore historic homes, sparkling light displays, and festive markets. Write letters to Santa, sip a peppermint latte, share a meal with loved ones, and pick out a local gift that will be cherished. Whether visiting for the day or staying overnight, Milledgeville invites you to celebrate the season in a way that’s joyful, warm, and uniquely yours. Start your tradition this year and see why Christmas in Milledgeville is a holiday experience unlike any other.