Holiday Markets in Georgia
Georgia's holiday market season builds from September through December, fed by the state's strong fall craft fair circuit. The Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park in September — 400+ exhibitors since 1968 — and Dahlonega Gold Rush Days in October — 200,000+ visitors and 300+ art and craft exhibitors — set the stage for dedicated holiday markets that fill metro Atlanta venues and mountain town squares through the end of the year.
Atlanta's metro population of 6.3 million supports a dense holiday market circuit, while Savannah's coastal tourism and the North Georgia mountains' fall foliage season extend the holiday shopping calendar into settings where craft and travel overlap naturally. Appalachian craft heritage in Blue Ridge and Dahlonega, Lowcountry traditions in Savannah, and Athens's indie maker community each contribute distinctive character to the state's holiday market landscape.
Top Holiday Market Events in Georgia
- Yellow Daisy Festival — Stone Mountain Park, September. Founded in 1968, featuring 400+ exhibitors in one of the Southeast's most recognized juried craft shows. While technically a fall event, it serves as the start of holiday shopping season.
- Dahlonega Gold Rush Days — Downtown Dahlonega, third weekend of October. Over 200,000 visitors and 300+ art and craft exhibitors celebrating the 1828 gold discovery. Recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as a top-20 event.
- Indie South Holiday Market — Athens. A curated handmade market from the indie maker community driven by UGA's creative population, featuring local artists and makers with holiday gift selections.
- Blue Ridge Holiday Market — Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Blue Ridge. Holiday-season artisan events in a town designated among the top ten craft towns in the country.
What to Expect
Georgia holiday markets feature pottery and ceramics from the Appalachian tradition, textile arts including quilting, woodworking, jewelry, folk art, gourd art, and basket weaving. The North Georgia mountains produce a craft aesthetic shaped by Appalachian heritage and mountain tourism. Metro Atlanta events range from large venue shows to neighborhood boutique pop-ups. Savannah's coastal setting brings sweetgrass baskets and coastal-themed art.
Fall foliage drives significant tourist traffic to Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Helen between October and November, meaning holiday craft events in these towns often coincide with peak lodging occupancy. Book accommodations early for Dahlonega Gold Rush Days and Helen's Oktoberfest season. Atlanta metro events are typically indoor from November on, while mountain town markets may still run outdoors through October.
Popular Cities for Holiday Markets in Georgia
- Atlanta — Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain and numerous metro holiday craft markets
- Savannah — Coastal holiday markets with Lowcountry artisan traditions along the Riverfront
- Blue Ridge — Top-ten craft town with mountain artisan holiday markets
- Athens — Indie South holiday markets and UGA-driven creative community
For a full overview of craft events across the state, visit our Georgia craft shows page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do holiday markets start in Georgia?
Georgia's holiday market season starts in September with the Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park and builds through October with Dahlonega Gold Rush Days. November and December bring dedicated holiday craft markets across metro Atlanta, Savannah, and the mountain communities.
What is the Yellow Daisy Festival?
The Yellow Daisy Festival has been held at Stone Mountain Park since 1968, named for the yellow daisies blooming on the mountain's hiking trails each fall. It features 400+ exhibitors in a juried craft show format and is one of the most recognized artisan events in the Southeast.
Are there holiday markets in the North Georgia mountains?
Yes. Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Helen all host holiday-season craft events. Dahlonega Gold Rush Days in October draws 200,000+ visitors. Blue Ridge is designated among the top ten craft towns in the country and hosts events through the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Helen books out during its Oktoberfest season, which overlaps with early holiday craft shopping.