Sometimes the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. You feel obligated to do things simply in the name of the seasonal spirit. But it's time to stop forcing Christmas to happen, and just let it unfold naturally. You need to put your foot down and start enjoying the most wonderful time of the year without strings attached. Why don't you create your own Georgia holiday bucket list in order to start getting in a more festive mood?! We've come up with a few Christmasy things for you to choose from, in order to create a holiday bucket list you and your family will never forget.
1. Drop a letter in the red mailbox in Santa Claus, Georgia.
Did you know there was a Santa Claus, Georgia?! Well there is. And you can visit the small city and drop a letter in the bright red mailbox, where the city hall will add a fun St. Nick stamp and send the letter to its final destination.
2. Take a picture under a town square tree.
There are plenty of Christmas towns in Georgia that go all out for the holidays. Helen, Georgia, for example, puts on an incredible holiday display every year. Its humongous tree is the perfect place to snap a festive picture and share with your friends and family.
3. Donate to a local toy drive.
Nothing warms the holiday heart quite like giving back to the community. For the past 26 years, Clark Howard and News WSM have paired up with the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services to give gifts to foster kids all over Georgia. You can give in-person, or donate online, but this is an easy one to check off your Christmas list. To see where you can donate this year, head over to https://www.clark.com/christmaskids.
4. Drive through one of the best holiday light spectaculars around.
Every year, Callaway Gardens puts on a light show display that is a bucket-list-must for many Georgians. If you’ve never visited Fantasy In Lights, then it is absolutely worth the trip. You can drive your own automobile through, or take the trolley to enjoy the magical display of lights and scenes.
5. Slap on some ice skates and go for a spin!
Oceanfront polymer "ice" skating is actually a thing, and from November 19th-January 8th, on Jekyll Island you can partake in one of the best holiday bucket list items around. Jekyll Island Skating Village offers a skate rental and 30-minute session for only $5. Plus, you’ll have sensational views of the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Take a Polar Express-style train with your family.
Have you ever wanted to take a Polar Express train? Well in Georgia, you can, via the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Climb aboard for an evening of Christmas carols, stories, characters, and snacks all while traveling via train throughout Georgia. It’s a wonderful evening adventure for the whole family.
7. Pet a real reindeer and play some reindeer games.
Each year, the Chattahoochee Nature Center hosts a Reindeer Day and this year it takes place on December 11, at 12:00pm. Not only are there winter crafts and face painting, but kids will also be able to meet and pet live reindeer and see what these beautiful Santa helpers look like up close.
8. Have breakfast with Santa Claus.
Even wanted to brunch with good ol’ St. Nick? There are plenty of places throughout Georgia where you and your children can do just that. Whether at the Georgia Aquarium, The Rock Ranch, or at the Chamblee Civic Center, you can share a platter of pancakes with this season’s most popular man.
9. Drink a delicious cup of hot cocoa.
There is nothing quite like coming in from a chilly afternoon, sitting down and wrapping your mitts and your lips around a sweet mug of hot cocoa. At Cacao Atlanta, you can do just that. This rich, chocolatier has been voted one of the best hot chocolates in the COUNTRY. You’ll need to try for yourself.
10. Spend an evening at the ballet, watching The Nutcracker.
This ballet masterpiece has been a holiday favorite for many years. If you have never seen Tchaikovsky’s production, then this is the perfect time to enter the spirited world of Christmas with the whole family. From December 11th-27th, catch the production via the Atlanta Ballet.
11. Partake in a Christmas Parade.
Christmas parades in Georgia are everywhere. From Atlanta to Rome to Helen and Dahlonega. You can find the closet parade to you and jump on it. Bring some chairs, take the kids, and have a spirited morning filled with Christmas joy for the entire family.
12. Sing Christmas Carols all night long!
It’s time for you to show-off your singing chops in Madison, Georgia. On December 10th, there will be a Caroling by Candlelight event, where local chorus groups will lead the crowd in singing some of the best carols of the season.
Have you completed any of these above on the holiday bucket list? Share with us your stories! Or if you're looking for more holiday fun in Georgia then check out The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Georgia That’s Nothing Short Of Magical.
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