The Georgia Town With A Year-Round Christmas Store You Have To See

Tucked in the North Georgia mountains, Hiawassee is where Christmas never ends and cozy Southern charm sparkles year-round. This lakeside town pairs breezy mountain mornings with twinkling lights and joyful carols – yes, even in July. At the heart of the cheer is Always Christmas, a beloved two-story emporium brimming with ornaments, wreaths, and nostalgic wonder. Ready to find your next festive road-trip stop? These highlights will make Hiawassee your new holiday tradition.

Always Christmas: The Heart of It All

Step through the doors of Always Christmas and it feels like snow might start falling at any moment. Since 1993, this family-run treasure has charmed visitors with towering trees dressed in themes – from rustic cabin plaid to glimmering gold. Shelves sparkle with hand-blown glass ornaments, heirloom keepsakes, and nostalgic décor that tugs at childhood memories.

Carols hum softly while friendly staff guide you to that perfect stocking stuffer or personalized gift. The boutique wing adds candles, cozy tees, and Southern-inspired home accents, making it easy to leave with something for every season. Whether you’re planning a winter wonderland or refreshing your summer cabin mantle, the assortment inspires.

It’s more than a shop; it’s a mood-lifting ritual. You’ll linger longer than you meant to, then promise to return – because the magic here never packs away.

A Year-Round Wonderland of Themes

Always Christmas curates entire worlds on branches, inviting you to wander from one mood to the next. The woodland nook pairs pinecones and tartan ribbon with forest creatures that feel straight from Chattahoochee National Forest. Turn the corner and it’s coastal blues and shimmer, a nod to lake days on Chatuge.

Classicists will love the red-and-gold grandeur, while romantics gravitate to pastel vintage glass or Scandi simplicity. Each tree includes ribbons, garlands, ornaments, and toppers so you can visualize the look at home. Staff happily break down how to layer textures and balance shine. Even if you’re not decorating today, you’ll gather ideas for later.

Snap photos, compare finishes, and let your style settle. Christmas, after all, is a feeling – and here, there’s a theme to match every version of yours, any month of the year.

Boutique Finds Beyond Ornaments

Beyond the glitter, Hiawassee’s favorite emporium surprises with a boutique brimming with Southern-lovely essentials. Think small-batch candles that smell like pine and cinnamon, soft sweaters perfect for mountain evenings, and monogram-ready totes for weekend road trips. There’s farmhouse-chic décor, kitchen towels with witty holiday sayings, and giftable trinkets that feel personal.

Locals pop in for birthday presents; travelers find take-home souvenirs that last long after vacation ends. It’s the kind of spot where you discover a scarf you didn’t know you needed, or the perfect hostess gift. The boutique makes the shop a genuine year-round stop, not just a December dash.

Paired with attentive, cheerful staff, you’ll enjoy a relaxed browse with zero pressure. Leave with a bag that smells like cinnamon joy – and a list of friends you can’t wait to shop for next time.

Lake Chatuge: Festive Views in Any Season

Just minutes from the store, Lake Chatuge adds a dash of mountain-lakeside magic to your festive itinerary. Spend a bright morning paddling, rent a pontoon, or simply walk the shoreline trail with hot cocoa in hand – even in July, it feels perfectly right. Sunsets paint the water in pinks and golds, making ornament shopping and a lakeside picnic a match made in holiday heaven.

Families love the open spaces for photos; couples find quiet coves for lingering. In fall, color-drenched hills wrap the lake like a garland; in winter, crisp air sharpens the views. Bring a blanket, watch the light change, then head back into town for a cozy dinner.

It’s a serene counterpoint to twinkling aisles, reminding you that Hiawassee’s gifts include nature’s own kind of sparkle.

Downtown Hiawassee Strolls and Sips

Pair your ornament quest with a leisurely downtown wander. Hiawassee’s main drag blends friendly cafés, local bakeries, and mom-and-pop shops that echo the store’s warm hospitality. Grab a latte, browse artisan goods, and chat with locals who’ll gladly share seasonal tips. In the evenings, subtle string lights gleam against a mountain silhouette, lending a Hallmark glow.

You’ll find bookstores, antique corners, and casual bites that make lingering irresistible. It’s a compact, walkable scene – perfect for families and unhurried travelers. Between stops, snap storefront photos and sample regional favorites, from pimento cheese to fresh pies.

The rhythm here is gentle, inviting you to slow down. By the time you circle back to your car, your day feels fuller – like you’ve unwrapped a little piece of small-town joy.

Brasstown Bald: High-Altitude Holiday Mood

A short, scenic drive from Hiawassee, Brasstown Bald sets the stage for goosebump views. Georgia’s highest peak rises above rolling blue ridges, and on clear days you can see multiple states glowing at the horizon. Visit in the morning, let the chill wake you up, and imagine snowflakes while the sun warms the boardwalk.

The observation deck and museum offer context, but it’s the feeling – vast, quiet, timeless – that lingers. Bring a thermos, a scarf, and your favorite holiday playlist. Afterward, descend to town with rosy cheeks and renewed appetite for cozy shopping.

Pairing mountaintop wonder with Always Christmas creates a perfect contrast: big-sky awe followed by intimate sparkle. It’s the North Georgia way to refresh your spirit, any month, no sleigh required.

Holiday Craftsmanship and Local Makers

Look closely among the ornaments and you’ll find stories: hand-painted baubles, carved wooden angels, and Appalachian textiles that carry the touch of local makers. Hiawassee’s festive culture thrives on craftsmanship, and the shop highlights quality pieces meant to last. Ask about artist collections and you may discover limited runs or regional specialties you won’t see elsewhere.

These items make meaningful souvenirs – gifts with a sense of place. Beyond the store, check small markets and pop-ups for jams, pottery, and fiber arts. Supporting artisans turns your trip into a chain of good cheer, echoing the season’s spirit.

You’ll head home with treasures that don’t just decorate but connect you to North Georgia’s creative heart. That’s the kind of holiday magic that keeps giving, year after year.

Seasonal Events and Small-Town Cheer

While Hiawassee shines every season, winter layers on extra sparkle. Expect town lights, wreath-trimmed lamp posts, and community gatherings that feel wonderfully old-fashioned. Pop into local markets for hot cider and handmade goods, then stroll to see storefront displays.

Even outside December, you’ll find festivals and lakefront events that pair perfectly with a visit to Always Christmas. Ask merchants for the latest happenings; they’ll happily point you to family-friendly fun. The atmosphere blends Southern hospitality with storybook charm, making memories for kids and nostalgia for adults.

Whether it’s a quiet weekday or a lively weekend, you’ll feel welcomed – like the town’s been saving a seat for you by the fire.

Road-Trip Ready: Easy Hours and Access

Planning a North Georgia road trip? Always Christmas makes timing easy with visitor-friendly hours and straightforward access from town. There’s convenient parking, helpful signage, and a relaxed pace that works for families. Drop in after a morning at Lake Chatuge or swing by en route to Brasstown Bald.

Weekdays offer extra browsing room; weekends bring a lively buzz. If you’re on a tight schedule, call ahead to confirm hours or ask about seasonal specials. The shop’s layout keeps navigation simple, and staff can quickly guide you to themes, personalization, or gift-wrapping.

It’s a stress-free stop that fits neatly into mountain itineraries – no matter when your holiday mood strikes.

Online Cheer When You Can’t Visit

Can’t make it to the mountains just yet? Bring Hiawassee’s sparkle home with online shopping. Browse ornaments by theme, snag ribbons and garlands, or ship a thoughtful gift straight to a friend. It’s ideal for topping off your tree or planning décor long before the first cold front arrives.

Many items mirror in-store collections, so you can recreate that curated look. Add a candle to set the mood, queue your favorite carols, and make an evening of it. Online or in person, the joy feels the same: cozy, nostalgic, and delightfully contagious.

When the time is right, the brick-and-mortar awaits – twinkle lights on, doors open, and cheer ready to greet you.

Make It a Perfect Day in Hiawassee

Design your Hiawassee day like a gift you’re excited to unwrap. Start at Brasstown Bald for sunrise vistas, then drift to Lake Chatuge for a gentle paddle or shoreline walk. Refuel with a lakeside lunch before stepping into Always Christmas, where an afternoon of twinkling discovery awaits.

Finish downtown with coffee, pie, and a slow stroll past glowing windows. Along the way, collect keepsakes and snapshots that feel like holiday cards come to life. This itinerary balances nature and nostalgia, ensuring your trip feels full yet unhurried.

You’ll leave with a lighter heart, a bag of festive finds, and plans to return – because in Hiawassee, the holidays aren’t a date on the calendar. They’re a feeling you can visit anytime.