Holiday Magic
Celebrate a Nostalgic Christmas at Lake Oconee
It’s the kind of place they make Christmas movies about—a small town with twinkling lights, and friendly faces with warm smiles. There’s holiday magic around every corner. A Christmas tree shines on Main Street, shop bells tinkle as gift hunting begins, and children squeal with delight at the first sip of hot chocolate. Located just 75 miles outside of Atlanta,Greensboro, Georgia is the charming, Hallmark-holiday-card small town you’ve been dreaming of.
Though the town itself is full of holiday spirit, there’s no place with more Christmas cheer than The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. The resort turns into a winter wonderland each year, with thousands of twinkling lights and festive events for guests young and old. When guests book a few nights stay, it’s like stepping into a snowglobe—the outside world disappears as they celebrate the holiday season as it’s meant to be celebrated.
One of the resort’s most popular attractions is the 6,000-square-foot Ice Rink in The Forest. Sparkling lights and a glittering disco ball reflect off the ice as skaters glide along to cheery Christmas tunes. After a few laps around the rink, chilly friends and families can warm up with rich hot chocolate or steaming apple cider.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee gives guests an opportunity to make their own holiday magic with a Gingerbread House Workshop. Santa’s Elves supply pre-built gingerbread houses, along with sweet treats and icing for decorating. For those who may not be as crafty, there is still gingerbread magic to enjoy. In the resort lobby, culinary professionals put together a life-sized gingerbread creation—a one-of-a-kind piece of holiday magic you can’t find anywhere else!
Guests can spread joy on the Linger Longer Express, a train decked out for the holiday season. Twice a day, riders of all ages can hop aboard the train and sing classic Christmas carols together as they ride around the resort. Sometimes passersby even join in with the chorus!
Little ones will enjoy stopping by the concierge to write a letter to Santa Claus. The helpful elves make sure the notes make it to the North Pole—but there’s more holiday surprises already at the resort! Parents can create extra holiday magic for the kids by scheduling an Elf Special Delivery. The elves will deliver a personalized bag of hand-selected gifts, including a book signed by Santa himself, holiday crafts, trinkets, and an assortment of sweets.
This is just the beginning of all the festivities. There is daily fun available, such as vintage video game arcades, holiday movies, and Christmas crafts. The fun never ends, and the spirit of cheer is contagious. When you spend a holiday week at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, you will never stop smiling.
The holiday magic touches every part of town. Downtown Greensboro is full of shops and boutiques with unique gifts for everyone on your list. Chilly temperatures call for comfort food, such as rigatoni rustica from Da Corrado Ristorante, then end the evening with a beer from Oconee Brewing Company. At night, the Christmas tree on the Courthouse lawn twinkles with the stars. At Lake Oconee, there are laughs to be had, hugs to be given, and memories to be made. Plan your visit at www.visitlakeoconee.com.