GDEcD

Discover the Magic of the Season in Georgia
Unique holiday traditions abound across the state

ATLANTA, December 6, 2007 – Come to Georgia and discover the magic of the season. Our mild winter temperatures offer opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities including holiday lights displays and festivals. Explore our decorated town squares, take in a holiday performance, or enjoy one of our many unique traditions that have become so popular among locals and visitors. Grab your friends, family and significant others and spend some time in Georgia this holiday season.

The ideas below are just a snapshot of all Georgia has to offer. Visit www.georgia.org/Travel for more information on these and many more happenings around the state.

Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? In Georgia, the possibilities are endless to support Georgia Made, Georgia Grown artists, growers, and craftsmen. Celebrate the holidays with Georgia grown food items by using our world famous pecans, peaches or Vidalia onions in your favorite holiday recipes. Enjoy a day trip or a weekend getaway to the North Georgia Mountains, Metro Atlanta or the Coast and discover the perfect gift.

Take a trip to Santa Claus, Georgia located 72 miles west of Savannah. Give your friends and family a treat and have your Christmas cards postmarked at the Santa Claus City Hall. The city of Santa Claus boasts Christmas themed streets such as Candy Cane Lane, December Drive and Reindeer Street.

Head to the North Georgia Mountains and check out Tallulah Falls’ Floating Christmas Tree on Tallulah Lake. Finish up your Christmas shopping along the way in our mountain towns or visit a local winery for special gift items. www.tallulahfallsgeorgia.org

Take a ride on the Pink Pig at Macy’s Lenox Square. From its 1952 debut as a children’s ride at the downtown Rich’s store to its brief stint at the Egleston Children’s Hospital Festival of trees, four generations of Atlantans have ridden Priscilla into the holiday season. Millions more have worn “I Rode the Pink Pig” stickers with pride! Now, an all-new Priscilla will carry on the family tradition beneath a 170-foot, 1950’s-themed Pink Pig tent at the Lenox Square upper-level parking deck. www1.macys.com/campaign/pinkpig/index.jsp

Marvel at the 2007 Festival of Trees at the Atlanta History Center from December 1 – 19. New to the Atlanta History Center this year is a boutique version of Atlanta’s beloved holiday tradition the Festival of Trees. More than 60 designer trees and wreaths will be on display and for sale, and an on-site holiday gift shop also provides the opportunity to purchase gifts. A portion of admission proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. www.atlantahistorycenter.com/template.cfm?cid=853

Take the kids to the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville and let them experience a Cowboy Christmas. This annual event to take place on December 8 allows children to experience through storytelling what Christmas was like for kids who lived out on the prairie. A Prairie Angel ornament made by the children will complete this holiday program. Take photos with Cowboy Santa who will be on hand to make the visit even more memorable. www.BoothMuseum.org

Ring in the New Year at the 19th Annual Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta with country superstar Miranda Lambert and Atlanta’s own 800 lb. peach! The Peach Drop is the largest New Year’s Eve Countdown celebration in the entire southeast and this year’s celebration is set to be the best one yet! The festivities will kick off at 12 noon with family friendly activities throughout the day including face painting, basketball throw, moon walk and balloon art on Upper Alabama Street. The party will continue well into the morning hours with various live performances on multiple stages at one of the many bars and nightclubs in Kenny’s Alley. www.underground-atlanta.com

What better way to kick off 2008 then at the annual Possum Drop in Tallapoosa. This New Year’s Eve celebration including live entertainment will take place in downtown Tallapoosa on December 31. www.TallapoosaGA.gov

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

For more information, visit www.georgia.org/Travel or call (404) 962-4075

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