This Traditional Holiday Festival In Georgia Is The Best Way To Celebrate The Season

If you want to experience a fun Christmas festival in Georgia, there's certainly plenty to choose from. Parades, magical light displays, holiday markets, and so much more all combine to make this an amazing time of year whether you're in our snowy mountains or sandy beaches. One unique festival that looks like it's going to be a great time is the Plum Orchard Christmas Tour on Cumberland Island. This oddball island is one of Georgia's wonders, and there's no better time to experience it than in the winter. The Plum Orchard Christmas Tour takes place Saturday, December 2, 2023, so mark your calendars for this fun event.

Cumberland Island truly feels like a trip to another world. The island is only accessible via ferry, has miles of sandy beaches, the ruins of a historic mansion, and a herd of wild horses.

There were four mansions on Cumberland Island built for the Carnegie family, who lived here a century ago. One of these mansions is Plum Orchard, constructed for George Lauder Carnegie, who resided here with his wife each winter until he passed in 1921.

The mansion is open for tours to Cumberland Island visitors throughout the year, but in the winter, it transforms into a Victorian Christmas wonderland.

The home's rooms feature traditional decorations that reflect what it would have looked like when the Carnegies lived here.

Volunteers and staff are dressed in period costume to give you the illusion of having traveled back in time. You'll get to hear about what Christmas was like a century ago.

You'll also enjoy refreshments and even play some old-fashioned lawn games!

Reservations are required for the event, which takes place Saturday, December 2, 2023.

For more information about the Plum Orchard Christmas tour or to reserve your spot, check out the Cumberland Island Ferry website and book a trip for December 2.

Looking to finish up that Christmas shopping list? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide for Road Trippers to get inspiration for your loved ones who love to travel.