5 Reasons Why There's No Place Like Madison for a Christmas Getaway
The tradition and small-town charm of Madison and Morgan County, Georgia, during the holidays is why December is one of our community’s most popular months for visitors and the perfect time for a Christmas getaway. With favorite Christmas events in Georgia from parades to winter fests, not to mention one of the South’s most well-respected Christmas Tour of Homes, it is easy to see why Madison is known as a town that does Christmas right.
Read on to discover our favorite events for a Christmas getaway that will make spirits bright and create lasting memories.
Rutledge's Christmas in the Country and Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in downtown Rutledge
Just next door to Madison sits the “Small but Special” community of Rutledge, Georgia, with a festival that envelops guests in the spirit of small-town Christmases past. There will be lots of good food, craft vendors, a parade, live music and activities for the kids. While the festival goes almost all day, Santa will make a special stop here to enjoy the fun and sit for photos.
Holiday Hayrides
Friday and Saturday, November, 24–25, 2023 starting at noon at Hard Labor Creek State Park
Get into the holiday spirit at Georgia’s second largest state park, just minutes from Madison! Go on a ranger-led holiday hayride around the cottages and campground. Warm up first with a cup of hot chocolate and a roaring campfire. Find out more details from Hard Labor Creek State Park and make your reservation today by calling (706) 557-3001.
Madison's Holiday Tour of Homes
Friday, December 1 – Saturday, December 2, 2023
Day Tours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Candlelight Tours (December 2 only): 5–9 p.m.
Step into lavishly decorated homes, house museums, local churches and more as you celebrate the season with a holiday favorite – the Christmas Tour of Homes in Madison! With both daytime and candlelight itineraries, this magical event presented by the Morgan County Historical Society is not to be missed and sees visitors coming back year-after-year.
Holiday Parade & Caroling by Candlelight
Saturday, December 9, 2023, 4–7 p.m. at Madison Town Park
Celebrate the holiday season, Madison style! From 4-5 p.m., the Holiday Parade will feature floats, vintage cars, horses, dogs, dancers, and the award-winning MCHS Marching Bulldog Band, all decorated to this year’s theme – “A Parade of Trees.”
After the parade, revelers will go Caroling by Candlelight in Town Park. Local choral groups, bands, and musicians will perform holiday carols filled with good cheer. Performers will also lead the crowd in familiar holiday tunes and there will be delicious hot chocolate as well as an open fire to roast marshmallows. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Elves will be there too, to hear Christmas wishes from good boys and girls!
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 14, 2023, 8-10 p.m. at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert has been an annual favorite for more than 40 years! The Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform a program of holiday and classical favorites at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, including a sing-a-long of familiar holiday tunes. Find out more event information here.
Do You Have a Favorite Family Tradition to Celebrate the Holidays?
Why not add one of these memorable events to your calendar to make your Christmas getaway even more magical this year?
Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!