As 2025 comes to a close, some folks may be looking to celebrate the arrival of ‘26. Luckily, there are a few events going on locally that can help ring in the new year with a good, fun start.
Fireworks are a classic choice for revelers, and one of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds’ many claims to fame is its free-to-attend annual New Year’s Eve Celebration with plenty of dazzling displays to light up the night sky over Hiawassee on Dec. 31.
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This year’s festivities will be staged entirely at the front of the Fairgrounds, near the entrance and lower parking lot in front of the office, and while the bathrooms just inside the gates will be available, sawhorses will be used to block any would-be walkthroughs.
“We’ll have the lights on, but we don’t have enough staff to manage them in there,” Thomason explained, adding that staff and volunteers are, for the most part, enjoying Christmastime with their families.
On top of that, all the vendors from the holiday-favorite Mountain Country Christmas in Lights are gone, and most of the businesses that left items in booths for photo opportunities have already packed up.
Still, families can expect to have fun at the celebration. Parking opens at 6 p.m., and plenty of food will be sold at the event, including hot dogs, chili, soups, sandwiches, Mexican cornbread and fresh donuts. Beer and wine will also be available. The fireworks start at 8 p.m.
“Our whole purpose for being in business is to promote tourism and help all the businesses and the county and the city here in the community,” Thomason said.
Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris will hold its annual New Year’s Eve Gala with a luau theme. Music and dancing can be enjoyed throughout the evening, and both the open bar and gourmet dinner buffet begin at 7:30 p.m. Rather than fireworks, guests can enjoy a balloon drop at midnight.
The buffet itself welcomes guests of all ages, and seating will be available from 5-9 p.m. The menu features a variety of options, including salads, seafood, steak, and several entrees and desserts to choose from. Adult attendance is $65.95, with children 6 to 12 $29.95 and 5 and under $10.95.
Anyone who wants to attend the party only can do so for $350 per couple. For $699 per couple, their party ticket can be upgraded to a guest package, which includes accommodations and champagne and chocolates. Of course, guests must be 21 and older to attend the party, and formal attire is required.
Meanwhile, The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge will present “A Jazzy Night on the Water.” With a jazz quartet for entertainment, the lobby opens at 8:30 p.m. and the party lasts until 12:30. The event promises fireworks, and refreshments include a charcuterie selection. Attendance is $105 per person, although the business encourages interested parties to call 706-896-2262 to find out more about room deals for the new year.
The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen, next door, will offer a four-course dinner on New Year’s Eve, with the first available reservations starting at 6:15 p.m. for $89 per person. Alternatively, consider attending Lace n’ Lines’ line dancing at Hiawassee’s Marina Station from 7-9 p.m.
Finally, the Towns County Recreation Department will host a New Year’s Resolution Run at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. The 5K run also allows for fitness walking, encouraging everyone of all speeds to get out and chase their health goals for the new year. For more details, call 706-896-2600.
