Family Traditions & Festive Celebrations

The holiday season is almost here, and there’s no better place to celebrate cherished traditions than Barnsley Resort. The annual start to the season begins each year with the Village Lighting Celebration, with the countdown to the tree lighting hosted by Santa Claus himself. This year, the return of the Barnsley Resort Holiday Train hosted by Cartersville Museum City makes its seasonal debut at this event, kicking off Thanksgiving weekend. While complimentary to members, passengers are invited to make donations to Give Kids the World Village to make the season brighter for children and families in need this season. Thanksgiving weekend traditions continue to include the seasonal Turkey Trot around the resort’s Fazio Course and hiking trails, before an elaborate holiday buffet at Georgian Hall. Seasonal workshops including gingerbread houses and wreath-making allow guests to express their creative side.

Looking ahead to December, a host of festivities continues the merriment into 2026. A Merry Mahjong retreat hosted by the Steel Mahjnolias teaches the ins and outs of this popular game early in the month while Holly the Elf offers surprise deliveries and tuck-ins for children in their cottages. At Jules, special menus planned by celebrated Chef Shaun Doty are planned for Christmas Eve and Day along with New Year’s Eve. Of course, the best place to count down to 2026 is at the Biergarten where a champagne sabering ceremony invites guests to welcome the new year with fellow friends, guests and members. For a complete list of holiday festivities, activities, and celebrations, please visit the Calendar of Events.