Things To Do
Events
Food & Drink
Hotels & Lodging
Plan Your Trip
Christmas in Milledgeville brings historic landmarks, downtown streets, gardens and Lake Sinclair to life with festive lights and seasonal decorations. From the glowing rooms of Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion to the illuminated trail at Lockerly Arboretum and the waterfront displays of Christmas Cove, there are plenty of ways to experience the Christmas season throughout the city. Use this guide to discover some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Milledgeville, Georgia, and start planning a festive visit.
Christmas at Georgia's Old Governor’s Mansion
Step inside Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion during Christmas at the Mansion to see the historic home decorated for the Christmas season. More than 1,500 candles and 1,600 lights illuminate the mansion, while the rotunda Christmas tree is decorated according to Charles Dickens' short story "A Christmas Tree." The ornaments are made from natural materials found around the grounds and house, reflecting the simple decorations described in the story. The mansion is open for guided tours November 14th - 24th, November 28th - December 2rd3, and December 28th - 31st, 2026, with tours beginning at the top of each hour. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $2 for students and children. For an evening experience, candlelight tours are offered at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. on December 5th, 12th and 19th, with choirs performing in the rotunda. Candlelight tickets must be purchased in advance.
Lockerly in Lights
Just minutes from downtown, Lockerly in Lights transforms Lockerly Arboretum into a one-mile illuminated trail during the Christmas season. Visitors can walk through the grounds on Friday and Saturday evenings from November 20th, 2026 through January 2nd, 2027, taking in trees wrapped in lights and festive displays along the trail. Entry times are at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Advance registration is required. The outdoor experience makes for an easy addition to an evening in Milledgeville. Dress for the weather and allow time to enjoy the lights at your own pace as you make your way through the arboretum.
Downtown Milledgeville
Christmas decorations bring historic downtown Milledgeville to life throughout the season, with decorated storefronts, festive displays and a large Christmas tree in the heart of downtown. Take a walk along the streets to see seasonal decorations and browse locally owned shops along the way. The downtown Christmas tree will be officially lit on Friday, December 4th during First Friday: Holiday on Hancock from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Families can also stop by Main Street's Christmas mailbox in front of City Hall to drop off a letter to Santa. With restaurants, shops and historic landmarks all within walking distance, downtown is an easy place to include in a Christmas outing or evening itinerary.
Historic District
Continue beyond downtown to explore Milledgeville's historic neighborhoods, where many of the city's historic homes are decorated for the Christmas season. Garlands, wreaths, red bows and other seasonal touches add to the character of the antebellum homes and historic streets. Take a leisurely drive or walk through the historic district to see the decorations alongside some of Milledgeville's most distinctive architecture. The Historic Walking Tour is another way to explore the area and learn more about the homes, churches and landmarks that make up the city's historic landscape.
Christmas Cove
Experience Christmas lights from the water at Christmas Cove on Lake Sinclair. Each year, homes around the cove decorate their docks and waterfront properties with colorful lights and Christmas displays, creating reflections across the lake after sunset. Christmas Cove is open nightly from November 26 through December 31, 2026, and is accessible only by boat. There is no onsite transportation or organized boat service, so visitors will need to arrange their own watercraft access. Those without a boat can contact local outfitters to inquire about available rental options. Christmas Cove is near Sinclair Dam on the right hand side, making it a unique way to experience the Christmas season in Milledgeville.
Christmas lights add a special glow to Milledgeville each year, creating plenty of opportunities to explore the city. Pair your experience with local dining, Christmas shopping and a comfortable place to stay for a festive Milledgeville getaway.
