These plans use only what is published for 2026. Where a time is not out yet, the plan says so instead of guessing.
One evening (any night the lights are on)
- Late afternoon. Drive up and park. After 5:30 PM on a weekday, or any time at the weekend, use the university deck.
- Dusk. Walk the square while the light fades. The old courthouse in the middle is the photograph.
- Early evening. Eat. At weekends, book a table or go early.
- After dinner. Browse the shops, which keep longer hours in the season, and ask at the Visitors Center about that night’s carriage rides.
One day
- Morning. Park in a Park and Stay lot. Start at the Visitors Center for a map, and take children to see Santa on a day he is in.
- Late morning. Visit the Gold Museum inside the 1836 courthouse.
- Afternoon. Walk to Hancock Park. The Christmas Market is listed there from December 5 to 13.
- Evening. Stay for the lights, dinner and a show. Annie at the Holly Theater and A Christmas Carol at The Menagerie both run on December weekends.
- Georgia State Parks says the Gold Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Georgia State Parks
A weekend
Two weekends carry the most. The opening weekend has the Lighting of the Square on Friday, November 27. The middle weekend has the parade at noon on Saturday, December 12, with the market and both theater shows running.
- Friday. Arrive before the evening rush, check in, and walk the square after dark.
- Saturday. Parade or market by day, theater by night.
- Sunday. A slow morning, a tree farm on the way home if you want one, and you are back in Atlanta in about an hour.
Lighting of the Square
Published for 2026The season opener on the Friday after Thanksgiving, with carolers, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa.
Annie at the Holly Theater
Published for 2026The Holly Theatre Company's December musical.
Adults $35, students and children $15 (as listed Oct 12, 2026) Source: Discover Dahlonega event listing
A Christmas Carol at The Menagerie Theatre
Published for 2026A stage production of the Dickens story.
$25, seniors and students $20 (as listed Oct 12, 2026) Source: Discover Dahlonega event listing
Christmas Market
Published for 2026An annual fundraising market with gifts, homemade sweets and holiday decor.
Dahlonega Christmas Parade
Published for 2026Floats decorated by community groups and music through the square.
If it rains
The theaters, the Gold Museum, the shops and the tasting rooms are all indoors and within a few minutes of each other. The lights look good on wet brick.
Make it work
Dates can change. The organisers have the final word: Official Old Fashioned Christmas schedule
