Legendary lights and colorful celebrations—discover nearby Southeast holiday towns dressed for the season
ATLANTA, GEORGIA—SEPTEMBER 2022—Instead of staying home for the holidays, many friends and families say that a vacation getaway during the November-December season is a perfect way to experience gratitude, joy and magic while creating lifetime memories. Whether your readers observe Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah or no specific religion, many are partial to the seasonal light shows and colorful events that occur around the South. From Florida beach quirky to Georgia’s mountain towns (and a German Christkindlmarkt!) to the bayous of Louisiana, the Southeast is full of driving-distance destinations that are legendary for their holiday vibe, their lavish or quirky décor, their family-friendly events and their warm hospitality. Pack the trunk with gifts and vacation gear and plan ahead, for these destinations put on legendary shows that draw visitors from far and wide.
* Please encourage your readers to check the websites for new updates, as some destinations may add or tweak events closer to the dates. When planning holiday vacations, also check each destination and attraction’s COVID announcements and follow any additional safety precautions you’d take at home. Some of these events draw crowds; for those who are unvaccinated they serve as a bucket-list for future trips.
GEORGIA
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Looking for a holiday getaway with mountain air and breathtaking scenery, along with refined in-town shopping, dining and entertainment? Just 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Interstate-575, Blue Ridge is a treasured town in the North Georgia Mountain, at once outdoorsy, earthy, upscale, contemporary and historic. Centered around the historic Blue Ridge Depot, downtown’s restored buildings blend perfectly with modern industrial and mountain architecture, showcasing the arts, galleries, antiques, unique shopping, dining, wineries and craft breweries. Yet 40 percent of Fannin County is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, sweeping visitors a million miles away and offering waterfalls, trout fishing, biking and some of the most notable hiking trails in the United States. Among its many accolades, Blue Ridge was named by Southern Living Magazine as one of “2021 South’s Best Mountain Towns.” Photo-ops and memory-making are all around, especially during the holidays.
In all of North Georgia, Blue Ridge has the largest array of specialty shops, boutiques and galleries for fine furnishings, art, antiques, clothing and jewelry. Looking for unique artisan-crafted items? Blue Ridge has been named one of the “Top Ten Towns for Craft Lovers” in the country and one of the “Top Five Art Towns in Georgia” by the Georgia Council for the Arts. The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Holiday Art Show and Sale runs from November 19 through December 17, with a multitude of artistic and handcrafted items for sale, from jewelry, pottery, paintings and everything in between, all made by member artists. From November 25 through December 23, climb aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Holiday Express for a festive one-hour train ride complete with holiday music, Christmas story readings and St. Nick himself. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane and activity packet while on board. This generation-bonding adventure starts at the historic 1905 depot in Downtown. Vintage climate- controlled and open-air rail cars wind alongside the Toccoa River. Delicious hot chocolate and other snacks are available for sale in the concession car. Blue Ridge’s Blue Friday, November 25, officially starts the season. Downtown is lavishly decked out in holiday finery; merchants offer store discounts; food vendors and strolling entertainment complete the scene. Don’t miss Gingerbread Village, with elaborately decorated houses, from November 25-December 11 at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association’s Arts Center (anytime the facility is open). On Saturday November 26, Light Up Blue Ridge is a full day of seasonal cheer, strolling entertainment, food vendors and more. Children can visit Santa Claus from noon to 5 p.m. in the park gazebo. The Christmas Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by the lighting of the Great Tree at 7 p.m. For more area events, go to www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/events.
If you go
Intown, unique overnight options are possible, ranging from chic lofts overlooking the town to an 1890s B&B or in the new lodge-like Hampton Inn Blue Ridge featuring balcony rooms and the city’s only rooftop bar/restaurant, Hook & Eye. In surrounding Fannin County choices include lodging with stunning mountain views, creekside retreats, riverfront lodges, cabins on the lake and much more. To search for the perfect in-town hideaway or mountain retreat, go to www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay. For dining and itinerary ideas, visit www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.
Alpine Helen-White County, Georgia
Have a Bavarian Christmas without leaving the Southeast in Alpine Helen, Georgia, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta in the Northeast Georgia mountains. The town’s alpine architecture and festive holiday décor, cobblestone alleyways and buildings laced in elaborate trim are so delightful that Lifetime Films’ Christmas movies “Christmas Love Letter” and “A Taste of Christmas” were filmed here. For a nighttime experience, don’t miss the Annual Lighting of the Village in Edelweiss River Park, 5-7 p.m., Friday, November 25, 2022. Decorated with 8,000 lights and 800+ ornaments, the 20-foot tall tree and the entire town is dressed up and illuminated every night until February 20th. The town’s shops and restaurants don’t close at 5 p.m. here! Visitors come from all over to see the festive shop windows and streets, savor authentic German beer and cuisine and to buy German Christmas tree ornaments.
Don’t miss the 14th Annual Christkindlmarkt at the Marktplatz on November 26-27 and December 3-4. This traditional German event offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats. Join in a Victorian Christmas in the historic settlements of Sautee-Nacoochee at two events. At the Hardman Farm State Historic Site see the manor dressed in period holiday décor while learning about traditions from docents in their finest 1870s garb. This open house from 4-7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, from December 2 -17, is highlighted by twinkling candlelight and live music. The Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center hosts its Victorian Christmas December 3-10 with carriage rides, carolers, dining and shopping in unique original cabins.
If You Go
Some head for the roads less traveled and quiet mountain cabin hideaways or Unicoi State Park and Lodge adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest. It offers on-site dining and nearly every outdoor activity possible, including a spectacular twin waterfall. Others flock to the lively Bavarian-themed town for whimsical Alpine lodgings within walking distance of the festivities. Serious and amateur outdoor lovers rave about the hiking, mountain biking, rafting, tubing, fly fishing, zip-lining and more in “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.” The Appalachian Trail runs through here, and Yonah Mountain is one of the top three rock climbing spots in Georgia. www.HelenGA.org
LOUISIANA
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches, the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase territory, is also home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in America. Now in its 96th year, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is a 45-night celebration that lights up the downtown National Historic Landmark District, the Cane River and its lake. It’s one of the most revered holiday light shows in the U.S., with top rankings from travel authorities, including “#1 Best Public Holiday Lights Display” in the USA TODAY’s “10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards and accolades from its peers in the Southeast Tourism Society. This walk-and drive-around event draws in visitors and locals for food, fun and entertainment from November 19, 2022-January 6, 2023. Natchitoches has preserved its charm and history, from brick-paved streets along the river, its double-galleried, wrought-iron-trimmed storefronts to its mix of Queen Anne, Italianate, Spanish Revival, Federal and Victorian architecture. It’s so cinematic that The Christmas Festival scene in the movie “Steel Magnolias” was filmed here. Named after an American Indian tribe, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is easy to access via I-49 which connects to I-20 to the north in Shreveport and to I-10 in Lafayette, to the south.
Saturday, November 19, is the official start to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, “Turn on the Holidays,” when Cane River first sparkles with more than 300,000 twinkling lights and 100 set pieces, or tableaux, illuminating and reflecting off the river, lake and bridges. The day includes music on the Riverbank Stage and culminates in a spectacular fireworks show. Saturday, December 3, is an all-day Christmas Festival with music, a Mistletoe Market and a Festival of Lights Parade reminiscent of Mardi Gras, with floats, a bevy of Parade Queens and marching bands.
Visitors during the 45 days also enjoy a Christmas Treasures Art and Craft Show, a boat parade, a holiday tour of homes in the Historic District, Christmas performances and other events, including a Holiday Kids Fest and top bands on the Riverbank Stage. Santa Claus will be at his Santa House nightly from Sunday, December 4 through Friday, December 23, and the fireworks show over Cane River Lake is held each weekend through December 31. Restaurants and food vendors along the banks of the river, Front Street and downtown ensure that no one goes hungry. To snack like a local, try a refreshing eggnog daiquiri and a hot and savory meat pie, or dine in on classic Creole and flavorful Cajun cuisine, but save room to sample everything from Italian to sushi to scrumptious desserts and traditional festival food. For more details and the full schedule, visit www.NatchitochesChristmas.com.
If you go
Advance reservations for restaurants and accommodations are strongly suggested. Natchitoches is known as the Bed & Breakfast Capitol of Louisiana with more than 30 to choose from. Film buffs are attracted to the 1830s Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast, the centerpiece of the Southern classic movie of the same name. Hotels range from budget to flagship brands to the Chateau Saint Denis Hotel, the largest inn in downtown historic Natchitoches. To explore all the options, please visit www.Natchitoches.com.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina
Experience undiscovered South Carolina in Thoroughbred Country, just east of Augusta, Georgia, along I-20 and west of Columbia, South Carolina. Comprised of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties and bordered by Interstates 20, 26 and 95, this region showcases rolling countryside, equestrian events, wide open greenspaces, nature and history, in addition to picturesque downtowns with unique shops, restaurants, museums and lodging. November 26-27, see how colonists celebrated during Christmas in the Backcountry at the Living History Park in North Augusta. This free event includes tours of the building, demonstrations of daily life by re-enactors in period costume and appearances by Father Christmas. Shop the indoor/outdoor Christmas Craft Show December 2-3, where crafters from all over the Southeast sell handmade treasures. Home For the Holidays: For its annual holiday performance on December 11, the Aiken Symphony Orchestra and Aiken Civic Ballet will present time-honored favorites such as, “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Around the World at Christmas Time,” “The Christmas Song” and more.
Hopelands Gardens is a 14-acre former estate park featuring wetlands, an arboretum trail with cell phone tour and a labyrinth. December 10-22, the free, award-winning Christmas in Hopelands offers an enchanting walk-through exhibit with more than 100,000 twinkling lights, two miles of lighted pathways and holiday displays. The DuPont Planetarium at USC Aiken has not yet announced the dates, but plans to show “Christmas Star,” a five-time Telly Award-winning, 2,000-year journey to discover a scientific explanation for the star that the wise men followed to Bethlehem, including supernova, comets, planetary conjunctions and other celestial phenomena. “Elf, the Musical” will be playing at the Aiken Community Theatre starting December 9, and for gifts and goodies, the historic Aiken County Farmers Market is open year-round on Tuesdays Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
For unique shopping and gifts, plan a trip to the delightful rural towns in Thoroughbred Country. In Denmark, shop for original rural Americana paintings at the Jim Harrison Gallery which also features bronzes, etchings and a variety of limited and unlimited edition reproductions from his 40-plus year career. In Barnwell look up the Little Red Barn Pottery and Art Gallery along US-278. Formerly the Leigh Banana Case Company Commissary, this historic building now houses Master Potter Liz Ringus and her hand-turned Paw Print Pottery, South Carolina face jugs and items from other local artisans. Bamberg is also home to Main Street Garden and Gifts with handcrafted pottery, mosaics and paintings by local artist Angie Sandifer.
If you go
To rest and recharge, find a unique stay in historic antebellum homes, cozy cottages and unique boutiques, or a four-star historic hotel, all decorated for the season. In downtown Aiken is The Willcox, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and voted one of the best hotels in the world. Famous for its atmosphere, impeccable service and excellent cuisine, this white-columned, old-fashioned Southern hotel offers suites elegantly appointed with period antiques and deep soaking period antiques, cloud soft beds, deep soaking tubs and a serene intimate spa. For details on where to stay and dine, along with additional events, visit www.TbredCountry.org.
FLORIDA
West Volusia County/DeLand, Florida
Between Orlando and Daytona Beach, West Volusia County includes fourteen communities along the St. Johns River, each with their own stories and an eclectic collection of accommodations, dining and attractions. The authenticity that travelers are looking for is here, from the top-rated main street Downtown DeLand, to the gentle-giant manatees at Blue Spring State Park to adventures on the St. Johns River.
Step into the grandeur of the 2022 Stetson Mansion “Christmas Spectacular!” in DeLand. Built in 1886 for famed hat maker and philanthropist John B. Stetson, this winter retreat was the only richly detailed “Gilded Age” mansion built in Florida. Now rescued, restored and updated, its current residents are carrying on the tradition of extravagant gatherings with an event that has been named among the “Top 10 Christmas Homes” by Bob Vila, “Best Holiday Home Tours in America” in the USA TODAY’s “10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards and among the “Top 10 Best Attractions in the US” by TripAdvisor. Self-guided Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular include 10 new room themes each year. Decorations are over-the-top examples of elegant and reverent displays which complement the mansion’s rich architectural details. Geared for adults, the 65-minute tours are held multiple times a day from November 1, 2022, through January 21, 2023. Tickets are $28 adults, $15 youth, plus tax and booking fee; Longer evening guided tours in December, $38. Advance reservations required; booking is available online. www.StetsonMansion.com
The Athens Theatre in the heart of downtown DeLand joins in the holiday celebrations with its presentation of “Scrooge, The Musical,” a big Broadway version that is perfect for kids of all ages. This historic gem of a theatre opened in 1922 and became the centerpiece of this Central Florida region. Shows run November 26 through December 18. (124 North Florida Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32720; 386-736-1500; Tickets $12-32 plus VIP packages). Additional tours of homes, concerts and a lighted boat parade, add to the reasons to visit for the season.
If you go
Downtown DeLand, an award-winning Main Street community, is home to shops, boutiques, galleries and nine museums, complete with a series of murals and one of the incredibly popular #WingsOfTheWest photo ops. Microbreweries, brew pubs and wine bars dot the map and complement an array of fabulous restaurants. Authentic Florida outdoor experiences and plenty of lodging options can be found at www.VisitWestVolusia.com.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Often called home of the world’s most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, is a holiday standout that sets the stage for a season of magical memories and warm weather along 23 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline and inland fun. It’s located on Florida’s east coast, midway between St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center (only an hour’s drive from each) and just an hour east of Orlando.
Between November 18, 2022-January 1, 2023, Daytona International Speedway is transformed into Magic of Lights®—a slow ride through a dazzling display of over a million holiday lights. At the “World Center of Racing,” Magic of Lights is a slow drive in the fast lane, a dazzling display of twinkling, sparkling lights and magical scenes with the latest LED technology and digital animation, all viewed within the comfort and safety of the guest’s vehicle. Check the website for dates, hours and pricing. Walk across the pedestrian bridge or drive across the boulevard for a million square feet of world-class shopping, restaurants, entertainment and hotel accommodations at ONE DAYTONA. Each weekend brings family-friendly events. Stay on-site at Fairfield Inn & Suites Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport or the Daytona Autograph Collection Hotel for an immersive race-fan and festive holiday experience. Built in the late 1800s as an ornate bed and breakfast, the exquisite Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar puts on a stunning decorative display that lights up historic downtown Ormond Beach. From November 18, 2022, through January 5, 2023 in the Granada Boulevard district, Rose Villa Gingerbread Fantasy invites visitors to the one-of-a-kind Victorian jewel and explore its rich history along with a delicious dining experience, gingerbread snacks and signature cocktails. Make reservations well in advance. None needed to view the colorful lights reaching from the ground to the top of the two and a half story rooftop, larger-than-life Gingerbread men, towering lollipops, unique topiary snowmen, the “dogs of Rose Villa,” stained glass windows reflecting gingerbread men, gold bells, candy canes and candied fruit. December 3rd is the Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where spectators line the Halifax River and take in the serene and magical displays. For more events and accommodations details, visit www.DaytonaBeach.com.