A Downtown Dahlonega Christmas parade – classic Americana and even more classic Christmas -- complete with marching band, horses, antique cars and Santa Claus, of course, will make its way through downtown from 4-6 pm on Saturday, December 5, passing through the Historic Public Square and around Georgia’s oldest courthouse – now the Dahlonega Gold Museum -- dating to 1838. The parade will also be passing adjacent to, or close by, most of the delightful and charming 65+ retail shops downtown, within wafting distance of dozens of homegrown restaurants, and past Georgia’s second busiest Visitors Center, where Santa will hold forth each weekend throughout the holiday season. The massive 30-foot Christmas tree in front of the Visitors Center will also be lit, with considerable ceremony on Saturday, December 5.

After the 5 k Dahlonega Dash, the tree lighting and the parade on Saturday, a local musical favorite – the Kurt Thomas Band – will play on the Public Square, which is as it should be, since Dahlonega is widely recognized for its highly concentrated, top-quality live music scene. Throughout the holiday season there will be an extensive and impressive lineup of live music Fridays and Saturdays at music venues and on the Public Square. Even nationally-known local Amy Ray (one-half of the Indigo Girls), will help celebrate the season during Dahlonega’s first-ever First Night – a family-friendly event that will usher in the New Year on December 31.

So, there you have it -- If you’re looking for the charm of a historic North Georgia mountain town, plus a genuine and authentic celebration of the holidays – there’s nothing like Christmas in Dahlonega.