New Years In North Georgia: 2020
Are you enjoying an extended holiday retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Or maybe just a secluded getaway NYE celebration? No matter what brings you to the North Georgia Mountains—we’re happy to have you.
Blue Ridge visitors are often pleasantly surprised to find an array of New Year’s Eve activities. Though Gilmer County, Georgia certainly doesn’t offer the glamour of Atlanta, the Georgia Mountains offer something more sacred and special.
Check out these 10 New Year’s Eve activities in North Georgia that fit any budget or lifestyle.
---
Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards
Address: 5704 Clear Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536
Phone: (706) 698-9463
Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Daily
Website: http://www.cartecayvineyards.com/
One of the local vineyards, Cartecay Vineyards, is kicking off the New Year from 1:30 to 5:00 on New Years Eve. Sample local North Georgia wines and listen to live music from Miles Landrum.
Live Music and Food Truck at Chateau Meichtry
Address: 1862 Orchard Ln, Talking Rock, GA 30175
Phone: (706) 502-1608
Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Daily
Website: https://www.chateaumeichtry.co
Looking for a family-friendly vineyard event? Chateau Meichtry is hosting a New Year’s Eve Celebration with live music and fantastic finger foods from Off Road Food Truck. Daisy Chain will be performing from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. and the winery will extend their normal business hours to 8 p.m.
Live Music at Bear Claw Vineyards
Address: 2281 Tennis Court Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Phone: (706) 223-3750
Hours: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Website: https://bearclawvineyards.com/
Lovers of great wines, great music, and great times will fit right in at the Bear Claw Vineyards New Year’s Eve event. This year’s celebration features live music from Hunter Flanagan and a souvenir vineyard glass. The party starts at 9 p.m. and rolls through 1 a.m.—one of the later winery events you’ll find in the area. Tickets are $25 per person or $45 for couples.
First Night Dahlonega
Website: https://dahlonegafirstnight.org/
Ring in the new year while supporting a great cause at the annual Dahlonega First Night soiree. From 6 p.m. to midnight, the town square will come to life with live music, festive holiday lights, a car show, an outdoor market, a family fun area, and late-night offerings from several local shops and restaurants. The night will conclude with the famous ‘Gold Nugget Drop’ on the square. Admission is $10 and proceeds support Jeremiah’s Place, a local operation that provides transitional housing for the homeless.
Dropping of the Edelweiss at Helen Festhalle
Address: 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: (706) 878-1908
Website: http://www.helenchamber.com/Helen/
Start the new year on a high note at the annual Edelweiss Drop in Helen, Georgia. This lively adult-only event features live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, and a champagne toast all included in the admission ticket ($20 per person, $35 per couple). A cash bar is also available on-site through the official drop. What is an ‘edelweiss’—you ask? It’s a native Georgia flower!
Black Bear Plunge at Fort Mountain State Park
Address: 181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 422-1932
Hours: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., Daily
Website: https://gastateparks.org/FortMountain
Visitors looking to ‘plunge’ into the new year will definitely want to partake in the annual Black Bear Plunge at Fort Mountain State Park. The event only $15 and open to the public. The first 200 registrants will receive a souvenir t-shirt, though pre-registration is not required to participate. Note—this event actually takes place on New Year’s Day, so plan accordingly!
New Year’s Eve Midnight Train
Address: 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Phone: (877) 413-8724
Hours: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Daily
Website: https://brscenic.com/
Ride into the new year in style aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This popular Blue Ridge attraction is hosting a ‘Roaring 20’s’ party that you don’t want to miss! The train departs promptly at 10 p.m. for an evening filled with live entertainment, beer and wine, party favors, and hors d’oeuvres. Be sure to snag your ticket early, and dress to impress!
New Years Eve Party at Grumpy Old Men Brewing
Address: 1315 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Phone: (706) 946-2739
Hours: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Daily
Website: https://grumpyoldmenbrewing.com/
Visitors seeking a casual, ‘no frills’ NYE experience will fit right in at Grumpy Old Men Brewing. For a flat fee of only $75, enjoy your fill of local craft beer, live entertainment from Travis Bowling, and plenty of snacks to power you through the night. Space is limited, so buy our tickets in advance!
Jorge Valenzuela at River Street Tavern
Address: 40 River St, Ellijay, GA 30540
Phone: (706) 635-6166
Hours: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Daily
Website: https://riverstreettavern.com/
Ellijay area guests aren’t left out of the fun! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with great food, cold drinks, and live entertainment by Jorge Valenzuela at River Street Tavern—an acoustic local performer. There’s no cost to attend, so come when you like and enjoy a hearty New
Year’s Eve dinner and an all-around great night out on the town.
Honorable Mention: Atlanta Peach Drop
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Atlanta’s most famous New Year’s Eve event—the annual Peach Drop. In prior years, this sprawling ‘ball drop’ festival was held at Underground Atlanta and then at Woodruff Park in 2018. The night featured national headliners with tons of great entertainment and fun for all. We are sad to report that the event in on hiatus for 2019—but stay tuned for details on next year’s event.
---