7 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 Holiday 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.
Shop, Sip & Stroll: A Holiday Tradition in Madison
Saturdays, November 7 and 14, 2026 in downtown Madison
Experience the fun and festivities of everyone’s favorite shopping season by exploring during Madison’s “Shop, Sip & Stroll” Saturdays. This event transforms downtown Madison into a holiday shoppers wonderland! Warm up with free refreshments like hot chocolate, coffee, mulled wine, and even mimosas as you shop small at participating retailers and independent businesses, all while enjoying live music that fills the air with holiday cheer at select locations around town.
Start at the Welcome Center for a map of retailers and restaurants downtown before setting off to discover unique gifts – from art and home décor to fashion for all ages. And go ahead and take a sneak peek of special offers, sales and refreshments here. We won’t tell Santa you peeked!
Create a New Holiday Tradition with The Madison Trolley Co.'s Holiday Lights Tour
Select tours beginning December through the end of the year with Madison Trolley Co.
For more festive holiday fun in Madison, hop on “Maddie,” one of Madison’s very own trollies for a guided tour through the Madison Historic District. This festive ride offers a front-row seat to discover historic homes all decked out in their holiday best while learning the stories of Christmases past. Choose an evening tour to see the holiday lights or make it a family affair on the Merry Maddie Express tour, complete with games, carols, cocoa, and plenty of Christmas cheer that’s fun for the whole family.
Rutledge's Christmas in the Country and Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 11 a.m. – 3 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. Bring the whole family for a festive day packed with good food, sweet treats, a Christmas-themed Artisan Craft Market, and plenty of fun activities for the kids. Santa even has this small town on his list and will be stopping in to take in Christmas wishes and sit for free photos. While you’re enjoying the festivities, grab a tasting kit for the Chili Cook-Off. It’s a great way to sample local recipes while supporting the Morgan County Special Olympics, as all proceeds go directly to their programs.
Extend the festive adventure exploring Morgan County with a visit to Jack’s Creek Christmas Tree Farm. A family favorite for decades, here guests can choose and cut their own Christmas tree, ride a wagon through a tunnel of twinkling lights, browse handmade crafts and sweets at Grandma’s Christmas Shop, and even snap photos with Santa on select dates. The farm is open daily November 21 through December 18.
Madison's Holiday Tour of Homes
Friday, December 4 – Saturday, December 5, 2026
Day Tours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Candlelight Tours: 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 Holiday Tour of Homes in Madison! Now celebrating more than 75 years, this magical event presented by the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is not to be missed. With both daytime and candlelight itineraries, this signature holiday event sees visitors coming back year-after-year. Can’t make it for the tour? Madison’s historic house museums – Heritage Hall, Rogers House, and Rose Cottage – welcome visitors for tours Tuesday through Sunday and will be beautifully decorated for the season in historically inspired décor.
Holiday Parade & Caroling by Candlelight
Saturday, December 12, 2025, 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, many decorated to this year’s theme “A Colonial Christmas.”
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, and the Mayor will lead the lighting of the Christmas tree. 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! In addition to the musical show, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Elves will be on hand to hear Christmas wishes. Kids are invited to sit and chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus or leave a special letter for speedy delivery to the North Pole.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 8:00 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 and make sure to buy your ticket early as this event sells out year after year!
Can’t make it to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert? From a chance to meet and greet with Ebenezer Scrooge following Atlanta Shakespeare Company’s A Christmas Carol to commemorating the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center’s 50th Anniversary with local homemade cakes, champagne toasts and special guest stars – and free admission! – the Center offers plenty of holiday cheer to enjoy with friends and family.
Holiday Wagon Rides and Hot Cocoa
Select dates in November and December, 2026
12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Hard Labor Creek State Park
Get into the holiday spirit at Georgia’s second largest state park, just minutes from Madison! Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate by a roaring campfire as you take in the scenery. Then hop on on a ranger-led holiday ride around the cottages and campground in the Park’s Conestoga wagon, all decked out with lights and ornaments. Find out more events details from Hard Labor Creek State Park
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!