Blue Ridge Family Holidays

If you’re planning to bring your extended family together for the holidays, Blue Ridge is an ideal destination. The charm of the mountain towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville, scenic natural beauty of the mountains, and range of activities for all ages will bring your family back again and again. Located only 90 minutes from Atlanta, Chattanooga and Asheville, Blue Ridge is within driving distance for most family members who live in the eastern U.S. and easy reach of airports in Atlanta and Chattanooga.

Creating Holiday Family Traditions

Blue Ridge dresses up for Christmas with festive lights, decorations and the great tree beginning with Light Up Blue Ridge the weekend after Thanksgiving. You might even say that Blue Ridge somewhat resembles “Whoville!” Mr. and Mrs. Santa arrive on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for the Light Up Blue Ridge Parade. Holiday Express Train Rides also begin November 29 through Christmas Eve. If you’re in Blue Ridge for Thanksgiving, the whole family can run (or walk) in the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.

Fun for Every Generation

For Younger Kids: Ride the Holiday Express Train, see the Gingerbread Village, visit with Santa at Mercier Orchards, do some shopping at Huck’s General Store, see The Gift of the Magi at Blue Ridge Community Theater, go to the Swan Drive-in for a movie.

For Teens & Young Adults: Outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining and horseback riding, shopping for family gifts in downtown Blue Ridge, the Turkey Trot 5K (Thanksgiving Day), and attractions like Vertigo Pinball.

For Parents & Grandparents: Shop for holiday gifts in unique Blue Ridge shops and galleries, have a spa day at Serenity in the Mountains or Teatree Spa, or play some golf at Old Toccoa Farm, visit a local winery or brewery for a relaxing afternoon. Take a scenic drive through North Georgia and explore the Christmas towns of Helen and Dahlonega; you’ll find a self-guided tour map here.

Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family: There are family-friendly trails for all ages, and options for more adventurous or more leisurely walks. Hike to the head of the Appalachian Trail, the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River, or a local waterfall. Mountain vistas are expansive during the winter months.

Cozy Cabins for Large Families

Blue Ridge has more than 2,000 mountain cabin rentals in the area, many with multiple master suites, large great rooms and gathering spaces, game rooms and more. Prepare meals together in a fully equipped kitchen or bring in locally prepared foods or take-out. A cozy cabin is the perfect setting for the holidays, with the warmth of the wood interior and a roaring fireplace. Request a cabin that is pre-decorated for the holidays, or have a family decorating party. Gather for hot chocolate by the fire, or roast marshmallows for s’mores by the outdoor firepit.
Here are a few examples, for a full listing of cabins click here.

credit@southernmantravels

Toccoa House Properties
Six cabins (some near the river) within walking distance that are great for larger family gatherings. Two have five bedrooms with private baths, sleeping up to 14 each.

Escape to Blue Ridge
Escape has nine rentals that sleep up to 14, including Spyglass a six bedroom home with three master suites (sleeps 18) and private pool. You can arrive and leave by helicopter if you’d like! Eagles Landing, with seven bedrooms and 5.5 baths (sleeps 19) is on the lake with a private dock for swimming, fishing or boating.

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals
Multiple cabins that sleep 16-18, including Misty Trail on Lake Blue Ridge, Gleesome Inn with 7 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, and Blue Ridge Chateau with seven bedrooms and 6.5 baths. The Sanctuary has seven bedrooms (6 ensuite), game room, movie theatre room and a gym room with workout equipment.

Drift Away Luxury Lodging
Check out Southern Hospitality Lodge with 6 (5 Kings) bedrooms and 5.5 baths, it sleeps up to 22. Southern Ridge Manor sleeps up to 14, with 6 private suites, pool and game room. Southern Orchard (6 bedrooms 4.5 baths) sleeps up to 20, with a waterfall pool, playground and game room.

Local Eats and Treats

Pick up some locally grown fruit, veggies and homebaked goods at Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge and the Folk Collaborative in McCaysville. Merciers, largest family-owned orchard in the southeast, offers locally grown fruit and vegetables, homemade (and fried) pies, doughnuts and apple cider. Be sure to stop by the Sweet Shoppe of the South and sample some of the cupcakes that won “Cupcake Wars.” If you’re making Christmas stockings, be sure to check out Huck’s General Store, and get some old-fashioned penny candy and toys!

If you're planning to take your group out to dinner, find info on Blue Ridge and McCaysville restaurants here.

Come Back Next Year!

Blue Ridge is full of surprises and opportunities for family fun, with lots of great places to eat, drink, shop and explore. But plan early to find the perfect mountain cabin for your family, and book reservations for dining out in advance if possible. Blue Ridge could very well be one of your family’s holiday traditions for many years to come.