October 2020
October 1-31, 2020 (Thursdays-Saturdays), Ghost Train at Pine Mountain Gold Museum, Villa Rica, GA, www.pinemountaingoldmuseum.com
In its 4th year, the Ghost Train at Pine Mountain Gold Museum is donning the theme “Spirits of Darkness, The Beginning.” Enjoy at your own risk and come prepared to be scared as you take the train around the Stockmar Farm ruins. This year brings bigger and better special effects along with a totally new cast of characters, a new layout and a new storyline. Take the ride if you dare!
October 2-3, 2020, Natchitoches Car Show, Natchitoches, LA, https://natchitochescarshow.com/
Natchitoches Classics Car Show is held annually on the first weekend in October. This popular event will draw 400+ cars, and line and fill the riverbank as well as Front Street, Church Street and part of Second Street (about 11 blocks). There will be tasty food vendors and 10 locally owned restaurants. This is a major event hosted by HDBA and the winning car will receive a cash prize.
October 2-4, 2020, The North Carolina Seafood Festival, Morehead City, NC, www.ncseafoodfestival.org
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Come enjoy delicious seafood and great fun at the North Carolina Seafood Festival held annually in Morehead City. The seafood industry is important to eastern North Carolina and this festival is a fun and fabulous opportunity to share that with visitors. Join with other seafood lovers as they make a large economic impact while boosting both tourism and recreation in the non-summer months. Festival proceeds benefit community non-profit, civic, church and educational organizations.
October 3-November 1 (Saturdays & Sundays), Rocktoberfest, Lookout Mountain, GA, www.seerockcity.com/rocktoberfest
COVID Guidelines can be found on the website.
Looking for a fun outside opportunity? Make plans to come and enjoy the German Heritage of Rock City during the 15th annual Rocktoberfest. Join locals and other visitors when Rock City Square is transformed for a celebration of harvests and fall foliage. You’ll find live German music, polka lessons, German food, specialty beer, costumed characters and a whole lot of fun honoring the founder, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter. Also, don’t miss the Birds of Prey Shows in action at one of Rock City’s most popular events.
October 3-November 22, 2020 (Saturdays & Sundays), Carolina Renaissance Festival, Huntersville, NC, https://www.carolina.renfestinfo.com/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Bring the kiddos and head to the Carolina Renaissance Festival—a 16th century European-style art and entertainment festival with outdoor theater, circus entertainment, an arts and crafts marketplace, jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty and so much more! Twenty-five aces of exhibits including cottages and castles plus kitchens and pubs offers something for everyone.
October 6, 2020, Roswell Wine Festival, Roswell, GA, www.roswellwinefestival.com
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Roswell Wine Festival, in its 7th year, showcases picturesque Canton Street in historic Roswell and features more than 300 wines, 80 business sponsors, 20 local artists and four bands. Co-founders Peggy Robinson and Dwight Cunningham have continued to bring more excitement to the venue year after year with highlights like the Brown & Company VIP tent with local foodie favorites Table & Main and Osteria Mattone alongside ultra-premium, luxury wines. Roswell Wine Festival is the perfect place to sip and stroll.
October 8-11, 2020, Annual National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, AL, http://www.myshrimpfest.com/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
A Gulf Shores tradition for almost 50 years, the National Shrimp Festival is made possible with the help of over 600 volunteers. Fabulous food, music and art attract almost 250,000 visitors each year. Check out more than 200 vendors displaying fine arts, arts and crafts, and retail merchandise while noshing on everything from shrimp to snow cones.
October 9-10, 2020, Big Creek Fall ATV Festival, LaFollette, TN, www.lafollettetn.gov
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Come and enjoy the City of Lafollette’s 6th annual Big Creek Fall ATV Festival with vendors, music, food, arts and crafts, fireworks and organized drives. Since 2014, this festival, named after Big Creek which runs through the middle of town, celebrates the beautiful changing of the seasons with an organized ride on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Trails of the Appalachian Mountains known for foliage, waterfalls, grazing elk and the gorgeous views. When finished, ride that ATV into town and grab a hot dog, funnel cake or some BBQ. There will also be a kids’ zone and guided tour rides for your enjoyment.
October 9-11, 2020, Epic Rides, Bentonville, AR, https://epicrides.com/events/oz-trails-off-road/event-guide/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Enjoy three days of event festivities all the while being immersed in the mountain bike industry. Meet like-minded folks and enjoy southern hospitality as participants take part in a neutral rollout from downtown Bentonville into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Also, look for an award in the form of a custom-designed mason jar, fantastic live music, a cold Finisher Beer and the loveliest downtown area of Bentonville waiting at the finish line.
October 9-11, 2020, Fall for Greenville, Greenville, SC, www.saturdaymarketlive.com
Fall for Greenville is a fabulous weekend full of flavor all along Greenville’s Main Street. Plan on a tasty experience with more than 45 restaurants offering over 250 menu items as well as free entertainment spread across six stages with more than 70 local, regional and national musical talents. Also, there will be ancillary events such as children’s activities, culinary demonstrations, wine tasting, a beer garden and various competitions. Come see why this is the Southeast’s most popular outdoor festival attracting 150,000-200,000 people each year.
October 9-17, 2020, Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee, GA, https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/fallfest
There is no place better than the North Georgia Mountains to enjoy a fun fall festival with mild temperatures and gorgeous scenery. The nine-day event features musical performances, arts and crafts vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show and more! This year brings the addition of new musical artists, daily demonstrations by the Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show and the Cowboy Circus.
October 10, 2020, Rouge et Blanc Food & Wine Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.rougeetblanc.us
This event has been postponed.
Each October the Rouge et Blanc Food and Wine Festival is held under the beautiful live oaks of McNeese State University in Lake Charles. Food and wine lovers gather for the main event—a four-hour tasting extravaganza where visitors can wander the campus. Community volunteers help make this annual event possible as the flagship fundraiser for Banners at McNeese State University, an organization dedicated to providing the community with access to exceptional arts and humanities programming and education, thereby creating lifelong appreciation of cultural diversity.
October 16-18, 2020, Camping with the Blues, Brooksville, FL, https://www.campingwiththeblues.com/
COVID Guidelines set forth by the CDC will be followed.
The 7th annual Camping with the Blues Festival offers a new line-up of some 15 bands performing over three days. Enjoy camping or coming for the day and hear tons of good music as you relax at the Sertoma Youth Ranch, a 62-acre property with a campground including RV and tent sites in addition to bathroom and shower facilities. There will also be food, craft vendors and activities for the children. Bring your furry friends and head to the festival organized by Mojoe Productions, Inc.
October 17, 2020, Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race, Cornelius, NC, http://www.charlottedragonboat.com/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
What a festival! The Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history through the experiences at the cultural heritage showcase, retail vendors, live music and dance performances, and exciting dragon boat races. Dragon boats will be coming from the greater Charlotte region as well as several states to compete along the banks of Lake Norman. Bystanders will get a glimpse of this unique race and what it takes to win while the rhythm of the drum keeps the rowers on beat. There will be plenty of vendors with signature dishes from various Asian countries and talented performers on stage during the Asian music and dance fest. This year the Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race will support a local charity or organization making a lasting impact on the community. This event is typically held in May but was postponed due to COVID.
October 17, 2020, Chuck Fest, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
This event has been canceled for 2020.
The 7th annual Chuck Fest is the premier live music festival in Lake Charles offering something for everyone in the family. Established to showcase the state’s musicians, artisans, restaurants and brews in fabulous downtown Lake Charles, plan to bring the gang and enjoy food, a kid zone, bounce houses from Big South inflatables and face painting.
October 17, 2020, Culture Fest Louisiana, Lake Charles, LA, www.culturefestla.com
This event venue is temporarily closed.
Culture Fest, in its 10th year, is a celebration honoring Southwest Louisiana’s diversity through food, music, fashion, art and performances which showcase the varying cultures and ethnicities in the Lake Charles area. The popular event is free and presented by Common Ground. All ages are welcome to enjoy a cultural display area, an international village for children, a world café and great lineup of entertainment.
October 17-18, 2020, 38th Annual Fall Festival, Orange Park, FL, www.opfallfestival.com
The Town of Orange Park Fall Festival is Clay County’s oldest and largest arts and crafts festival dating back to 1982. Look for 200+ artists and makers as well as two stages packed with regional and local entertainment, a Kids Zone with inflatables, pony rides, shopping, unique shopping and lots of food vendors. Admission is free so bring the family and enjoy the weekend.
October 24, 2020, The Barbecue Festival, Lexington, NC, www.barbecuefestival.com
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Celebrating 37 years of quality entertainment, exhibits, attractions and the “Best” Barbecue in the world, the festival is looked forward to by many each year. Come ready for an authentic street festival in Uptown Lexington with seven stages of local, regional and national entertainment as well as some 300 artisans and craftsmen, car shows, bicycle stunt shows, rides, games and a wide variety of pig-themed activities. Bring the family and enjoy this fun-filled day that provides an economic impact of some $9 million to the Lexington community through lodging, dining, transportation, retail and entertainment.
October 31, 2020, Market Monster Mash, Danville, VA, https://www.danvilleva.gov/1847/Parks-and-Recreation
A spook-tacular event with trunk-or-treating and lots of Halloween-themed activities, families are in for a real treat! From prizes and contests to scarecrow stuffing and coloring monster murals, all family members will love the Market Monster Mash. (Note: there will also be sensory-friendly activities available.)
November 2020
November 6,-8, 2020, Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival, Pensacola, FL, http://www.ggaf.org/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
This year celebrates the 48th anniversary of the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival in downtown Pensacola. The free festival is open to the public, organized by volunteers and serves as a forum to educate the public regarding the value of the arts. Don’t miss the juried Fine Arts Show, an international guest artist, a Children’s Art Festival with hands-on experiences, a music stage, a performing arts stage and more.
November 6-8, 2020, Tennessee Showcase of Fine Artisans, Knoxville, TN, www.foothillscraftguild.org
This event has been canceled for 2020.
The oldest member guild in the state of Tennessee, Foothills Craft Guild artisans create fine, one-of-a-kind crafts offering superb craftsmanship and quality. All members have been juried to the highest standards of excellence including jewelry, clay, leather, wood, natural products, fiber, glass, metal, mixed media, paper, photography and printmaking.
November 7, 2020, Southport Wooden Boat Show, Southport, NC, https://southportwoodenboatshow.com/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
The 11th anniversary of the Southport Wooden Boat Show (SWBS) is a fun event planned to celebrate the region’s maritime and boatbuilding history. Every year the event grows bigger and bigger with more wooden boats, more education sessions, more exhibitors and, of course, more attendees. Come get a look at more than 40 wooden boats on land and water, historic wooden boats, taste the local fare and let the kiddos learn the ropes of building a wooden boat.
November 7, 2020, Townsend Grains & Grits Festival, Townsend, TN, www.grainsandgritsfest.com
Whiskey lovers and distillers unite to celebrate the culture of whiskey, spirits and distilling at the Grains and Grits Festival of southern spirits and gourmet grub. This premier TN Whiskey Trail festival is where all distilleries from across the state are represented and ready to talk about their craft. An added bonus is the emphasis on foods that showcase the culinary creations of the area as well as chefs from all across the South. This year the festival will feature James Beard awarded Chef Michael Sullivan for some open-air outdoor cooking and Master Distiller Jeff Arnett from Jack Daniels as one of the many Master and Head Distillers at the event.
November 7-8, 2020, Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, Ocean Springs, MS, www.peterandersonfestival.com
Blue Moon presents the 42nd Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival—the largest fine arts festival in the state drawing more than 400 artists, crafters and food vendors, a state-wide blue moon art contest and over 150,000 people to Ocean Springs. The festival was created to offer public awareness of local artists and businesses as well as to honor master potter, Peter Anderson. This year the festival has partnered with Galleria BMW to add another unique twist to the event. Pairing art and technology, Galleria BMW Interactive Discover Pavilion integrates art with engineering, with live paintings on BMW car hoods and a miniature BMW children’s racetrack. This year they will introduce Pepper the Japanese kinetic robot that will offer festival goers information regarding the festival or BMWs.
November 11-15, 2020, 36th Annual Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival, Perdido Bay, FL, https://www.frankbrownsongwriters.com/
The 36th annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival will follow an abbreviated schedule for 2020 running only five days. Please join locals in celebrating acclaimed songwriters across the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast in a dozen different venues. Both seasoned and aspiring songwriters and musicians from across the globe have opportunities to play their songs for a public longing to hear the stories behind the lyrics.
November 11-15, 2020, Cucalorus Festival, Wilmington, NC, http://www.cucalorus.org
The 26th annual Cucalorus Festival is held in downtown Wilmington bringing together filmmakers, performers and creative entrepreneurs for the screening of over 200 films alongside live performances, site-specific installations and a two-day series of discussions surrounding technology and social justice. Supporting over 300 professional filmmakers and performers from across the globe, Cucalorus focuses on gender equity and lifting up emerging voices. If COVID-19 related the hosting of events, Cucalorus will adjust the program to include virtual and outdoor screenings.
November 12-15, 2020, Christmas Jubilee, Mobile, AL, https://www.juniorleaguemobile.org
Jumpstart your holiday shopping with the Junior League of Mobile’s largest fundraiser—Mobile’s Christmas Jubilee. Meander through the wares of some 100 merchants, enjoy beautiful holiday decorations, live entertainment, a food court area with a cash bar, a silent auction, an art walk and, of course, Santa! Held at the Mobile Convention Center, this holiday market offers Santa’s Workshop with activities for the children and televisions broadcasting football games.
November 12-15, 2020, Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals, Myrtle Beach, SC, www.dickenschristmasshow.com
Enjoy a walk down memory lane at the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals with an inspirational use of the world’s most beloved Christmas-themed novel, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Experiences include lots of Christmas shows at a variety of venues, Sherlock Holmes Murder Mysteries, Scrooge’s Hunt for the Missing Presents-Scavenger Hunt and the spectacular 19th Century Victorian Holiday Marketplace. Knock out that holiday shopping and enjoy some entertainment and other festival attractions (Festival of Tables, Festival of Trees, Festival of Wreaths, Festival of Stockings, Festival of Worlds and Santa’s Castle) at this 29th annual beach event.
November 12-15, 2020, Highlands Food & Wine, Highlands, NC, https://highlandsfoodandwine.com/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Highlands Food and Wine Festival is a lovely four-day event staged locally at various venues with a focus on food, wine, music and the culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy a fantastic lineup of musical talent, fabulous eats and sipping on some favorite vinos. Sunday Shindig is a special event you won’t want to miss as it’s a salute, of sorts, to Southern chefs and bluegrass music.
November 12-15, 2020, Riverhawk Music Festival, Brooksville, FL, https://lindentertainment.com/riverhawk-festival-home/
A multi-day family music event, Riverhawk Music Festival focuses on bringing an eclectic mix of music to fans. Sertoma Youth Ranch is home to the event where guests may enjoy four days filled with camping as well as three talent-filled stages nestled in a scenic area. The festival showcases a full youth program and Americana music including Newgrass, Alt-Country, Zydeco, Roots Rock and all new brands of acoustic energized music.
November 15, 2020-February 17, 2021, Pigeon Forge Winterfest, Pigeon Forge, TN,
Where can you find a winter wonderland in a Southern city draped with five million lights? Why, in Tennessee, of course—Pigeon Forge Winterfest, one of the area’s most popular events in the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains. An event some three decades old, Pigeon Forge joins with neighboring cities to fight the winter blahs and add some splendor to the most special time of year. Enjoy Dollywood theme park and their award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas festival, as well as other popular traditions, and be sure and bring the family for what’s sure to be your favorite vacation of the year!
November 19-22, 2020, Englewood Beach Waterfest, Englewood, FL, https://englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Folks love Englewood Beach Waterfest because it is a volunteer-driven celebration of everything water. Look for a block party with music, food and a display of race boats, interactive exhibits featuring the conservation of Southwest Florida’s marine life, coastal waterways, beaches, entertainment, vendors and the Offshores Powerboat Association’s World Championship Races.
November 20-21, 2020, 25th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration, Raleigh, NC, https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/events/festivals
Virtual Event Only for 2020
Now in year 25, the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh plays host to its largest event of the year, the American Indian Heritage Celebration. The entire family will enjoy over 100 event presenters including artists, dancers, musicians, craftspeople, drum groups, storytellers, scholars and authors. Each tribe processes onto Bicentennial Plaza in front of the museum for the roll call of tribes and organizations—a festival highlight—followed by dance celebrations. If you are inspired to learn more about the American Indians of North Carolina, past and present, this event is for you.
November 20-22, 2020, Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market, Lake Charles, LA, www.jllc.net
A Lake Area holiday season tradition, Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market is a great way to kick off your holiday shopping and find unique gifts. Shop over 80 merchants at the market featuring apparel, gifts, accessories, specialty foods, seasonal and year-round decorative items and home furnishings. And, that’s not all! Come for shopping, stay for the food! Join the Preview Party Gala for a taste of Lake Charles’ fabulous restaurants, cocktails, auction items and live entertainment. Other opportunities include the Preferred Shoppers Breakfast and Mistletoe & Moss’ Ladies Night with a wine tasting and appetizers from local caterers. Bring the kiddos for a visit with Santa.
November 20-January 2, 2020, Enchanted Garden of Lights, Lookout Mountain, GA, www.seerockcity.com/lights
For 26 years, Rock City has put on a holiday light extravaganza that has grown into one of the attraction’s most popular events. Enchanted Garden of Lights features more than 30 holiday scenes with over a million LED lights that transforms the gardens into a fantasyland with four realms of wonder: Yule Town, Arctic Kingdom, Magic Forest and North Pole Village. Bring the family and plan to enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa and entertainment each evening. Visitor favorites include dinner with Santa, Jack Frost and Inara the Ice Queen.
November 26-December 26, 2020, Mountain Country Christmas in Lights, Hiawassee, GA, https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/christmas
Have some family-friendly winter fun at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds with thousands of lights and exhibits. There’s much to do visiting Poinsettia Place, Candy Cane Lane, Santa’s Workshop, Toyland, Frosty’s Trail and more. There will live music, arts and crafts vendors, food and Santa! This year COWTOWN is a new addition—a live exhibit with an old-time creamery offering the opportunity for patrons to participate in preparing a cow for milking by hand. Kids love the hands-on experience plus they get an education in the processes of making butter, ice cream and soap.
November 27-29, 2020, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Holiday Show, Young Harris, GA, https://www.brasstownvalleyresortandspaholidayshow.com/
Holiday shows and events are the best and Brasstown Valley has a three-day, family-friendly fine craft and art show in the beautiful rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy visiting the Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa where tourists love not only the lodging, but also the food, pool, hiking, golf, horseback riding and other activities. Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons showcase the Resort decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, gingerbread houses and an electric train running through a miniature town. Come take a peek at the Cherokee heritage and find a unique gift for someone special on your holiday list.
November 27-December 31, 2020, Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Mobile, AL, https://bellingrath.org/experiences/events/magic-christmas-in-lights-2020/
Magic Christmas in Lights is a Gulf Coast holiday tradition with a dazzling display filled with three million lights spread over 15 scenes throughout the 65-acre estate. This holiday walking tour is perfect for the whole family. Put it on your calendar and join Magic Christmas in Lights as they celebrate 25 years at the Bellingrath Gardens and Home.
November 30-December 23, 2020, Christmas at the Library, Charlotte, NC, https://billygrahamlibrary.org/christmas-at-the-library/
Remind your family of the wonder of Christmas with a live nativity, carolers, horse-drawn carriage ridges through fabulous light displays, tours of the Library’s exhibits and other equally special activities.
December 2020
December 1-31, 2020, Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival, Lake Charles/Sulphur, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
You’ll be in the Christmas spirit in no time with parades, performances, concerts and festivities going on throughout the Lake Charles area during the holiday season. Join the fun for Light Up the Lake, where the entire family will enjoy making gingerbread houses, seeing parades by land and sea, plus spectacular fireworks over beautiful Lake Charles. For those dreaming of a white Christmas, head over to Sulphur’s Christmas Under the Oaks Festival where it snows every year! Located at the Brimstone Museum complex, Heritage Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holly wreaths and, of course, snow. Knock out some shopping at The Holiday House where you’ll find more than 25 different shops with holiday decorations, gifts, ornaments and more to help deck your halls.
December 3, 2020, Hometown Holidays Parade, Forsyth, GA, https://www.forsyth-monroechamber.com/hometown-holidays-parade
Bring the family and jumpstart the holiday season with Forsyth’s Hometown Holidays Parade including sparkling light-covered floats, tractors, animals and music. The parade begins in front of historic Tift College and continues around three sides of the downtown square. In the parade you’ll see local officials, civic organizations, businesses, cheerleaders, marching bands, the Citizen of the Year, dance troupes, pageant winners, carolers, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and more! This event is typically well-attended with downtown shops and restaurants staying open late to accommodate guests. Mark your calendar as this is one of the oldest and most awarded holiday parades in Middle Georgia.
December 3-5, 2020, Christmas in Davidson, Davidson, NC, http://www.christmasindavidson.com/
Christmas in Davidson offers something for absolutely everyone. Ride the trolley, stroll down Main Street, get an early start on your holiday shopping with lots of fun specialty shops, meander through the Holiday Village of vendors and enjoy a myriad of entertainment on the Library stage. Visit Ten Thousand Villages at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House for goods from more than 30 developing countries. The little ones can visit with Santa and pick up some very necessary reindeer food. There will also be food and beverages in addition to a live nativity.
December 4, 2020, Christmas on Limestone, Gaffney, SC, www.facebook.com/GaffneySCEvents/
If small town charm is what you’re digging this holiday season, look to celebrate Christmas in Gaffney where you can experience the spirit of the season on every corner throughout the downtown area. Enjoy a night-time parade as it travels through historic downtown, and as it ends, Christmas on Limestone begins. There’s plenty for the whole family to be involved with from lights and trees to shopping and food, inflatables, singing and much more! Visit Santa and share your wish list. Don’t miss the Christmas Laser Light Show at Jolly Park with 3D aerial laser beams choreographed to family-friendly holiday songs.
December 4, 2020, Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, Gatlinburg, TN, https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/fantasy-of-lights-christmas-parade/
This year will mark the 45th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Downtown Gatlinburg celebrating the holiday season and beginning of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. There will be beautiful floats fully decorated with one-of-a-kind displays including LED lights. Marching bands will add to the fun as well as large balloons, dancers and holiday characters.
December 4, 2020, Lighted Boat Parade of Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City, NC, https://www.facebook.com/events/531187187482640/
The Lighted Boat Parade of Elizabeth City is an evening of festively lighted and decorated boats meandering around the wharfs on the downtown waterfront. You’ll see skiffs, sailboats and pontoons along with costumed crews circling the area while cheering crowds enjoy the ambiance, holiday music and all! The perfect combo package of both land- and water-based holiday celebrations, there are free cookies and hot cocoa, a wandering Santa, glow sticks for the kiddos, shopping, restaurants and pubs, music and artists selling their crafts.
December 4-5 and 11-12, 2020, Christmas Village at Heritage Farm, Huntington, WV, http://www.heritagefarmmuseum.com
Award-winning Heritage Farm offers a collection of some 25,000 square feet of Appalachian artifacts spread across seven museums and dedicated to Progress, Industry, Transportation, Children’s Activity, Bowe’s Doll & Carriage, Country Store and Heritage Museum. The property (recently named the state’s first Smithsonian Affiliate Institution) pulls all of their facets together during December to create Christmas notions resonating with the Appalachian Frontier. Artisans and re-enactors bring Appalachian history to life as they feature woodworking, spinning, soap making, pottery and blacksmithing. Other noteworthy activities include A Live Nativity Story, an old-fashioned visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Jingle Wagon Rides, the chance to be an elf and make toys in Santa’s Frontier Workshop, dancing with Frosty the Snow Man, live holiday music, S’mores making, cookie decorating, hot cocoa and other Appalachian Frontier Christmas traditions.
December 4-5 and 11-12, 2020, Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries, Dillsboro, NC, https://www.romanticasheville.com/dillsboro_festival_luminaries.htm
Enjoy this beautiful festival in the artsy mountain village of Dillsboro. A throwback of sorts, Dillsboro’s celebration is adapted from a Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ child. More than 2,500 candles in white bags line the streets where there are a dozen or more galleries and artist studios to experience. The local town merchants a/k/a elves, trim their buildings, many of which date to the late 1800s, in traditional white lights. During these two weekends, shopkeepers stay open late and serve coffee and other warm drinks along with homemade treats to their guests. Other fun amenities to look for include a variety of entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, a Santa letter-writing station and a live nativity at the church. The festivities begin at dusk each evening and end about 9 p.m. Admission is free.
December 4-18, 2020, Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, Marietta, GA, http://www.mariettapilgrimage.com/
This year, in light of the current COVID conditions, the Marietta Visitors Bureau and Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, organizers of the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, have decided to transition this year’s tour to a self-guided walking tour featuring historic homes located in the Church-Cherokee Historic District. Anyone can enjoy the self-guided tour from December 4-18 and vote for homes in different categories such as “Best Traditional Décor,” “Most Over-the-Top Décor,” and “Best Light Display.” Purchase a Marietta Pilgrimage Walking Tour Book for $25 at the Marietta Welcome Center or the William Root House beginning November 28th and it will include a walking tour map, photos and information about the participating homes. Younger tour-goers will enjoy the scavenger hunt which is also included.
December 6-31, 2020, Sparkle Sandy Springs, Sandy Springs, GA, https://www.visitsandysprings.org/sparklesandysprings/
What a tradition in this little Georgia town as the City of Sandy Springs lights up with the Sparkle Sandy Springs holiday event in its 4th year. The multi-week extravaganza kicks off with the 2nd annual Sparkle Sandy Springs Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 6. The parade will run from the Heritage water tower, down Mount Vernon Road and all the way to City Springs. As the parade comes to an end, the city’s Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting will take over. Kids should be keeping watch as it’s rumored that jolly ole St. Nick could make an appearance. Don’t skip strolling the village to see the light displays—they are lovely.
December 7, 2020, Columbus Christmas Parade, Columbus, MS, www.columbusmainstreet.com
The first Monday of December is special in Downtown Columbus where you’ll find thousands of residents and visitors lining the streets ready to experience the Columbus Christmas Parade along with the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Each year a theme is chosen, and floats are judged on specific criteria. Past themes have been fun things like “A Super Hero’s Christmas” and “A Story Book Christmas,” so it’s a sure bet that this one will also be delightful. There’s a Grand Marshall leading the way riding in a decorated, lighted train pulled by a tractor followed by school bands, city officials and so many floats. New for this year, Columbus Main Street plans to add a “Hometown Heroes” float full of frontline workers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Come bring the family and see for yourself why Columbus is known for their Christmas parade.
December 9-25, 2020, Community Holiday Light Show, Danville, VA, https://www.danvilleva.gov/1847/Parks-and-Recreation
Come feel the community spirit in Danville as they deck the halls at one of the oldest civic-owned parks with thousands of dazzling lights. In year number seven, the 16-day Community Holiday Light Show promises to be the center of yuletide celebrations and traditions for residents in Southside. You’ll get your Christmas groove on with a drive-through light show complete with beautiful displays built by local families, organizations and businesses, as well as crafts, refreshments and complimentary Santa photos inside Children’s Village. This year, the event will add a special activity each weeknight of the show. It could be anything from a costume character to roasting s’mores at the fire pit. Also, one night will be designated as “sensory friendly” so be sure and look for that.
December 10-11, 2020, Victorian Christmas, Thomasville, GA, https://thomasvillega.com/
This event has been canceled for 2020.
Allow the quaint downtown of Thomasville to put you in the holiday spirit this year with their 34th annual Victorian Christmas. Enjoy performers, carolers and musicians while shopping and dining. Other offerings and adventures include carriage rides, train rides for children, lots of photo opps, a live nativity, Santa visits, food vendors and live reindeer.
December 10-13, 2020, Dickens on Centre, Fernandine Beach, FL, https://www.ameliaisland.com/landing-pages/Dickens-on-Centre-Christmas-Festival
In its 6th year, Dickens on Centre is a free festival in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach on beautiful Amelia Island. The Victorian-inspired holiday event is perfect for the entire family with costumed characters, themed entertainment and performances, Santa visits and a variety of vendors selling seasonal gifts and wares. You’ll immediately recognize the inspiration of Charles Dickens’ novel “A Christmas Carol,” as it comes to life throughout the downtown area’s classic English transformation.
December 12 , 2020, Christmas Candlelight Tour, Beaufort, NC, https://beauforthistoricsite.org/
The Beaufort Historical Association will host the 13th Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour showcasing the town’s holiday hospitality and offering a glimpse into private historic homes, inns, bed and breakfasts, and churches, all dressed in their holiday best. Come and admire the different, unique architectural styles spanning the decades. There is also a narrated history tour of the town available earlier in the day aboard an English double-decker bus. Stop by the Beaufort Historic Site Visitors Center for tickets or purchase online at www.beauforthistoricsite.org.
December 12, 2020, Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale, FL, https://winterfestparade.com/
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is aptly dubbed the “Greatest Show on H2O” and is the traditional kickoff to the holiday season in South Florida. This one-of-a-kind parade of beautifully decorated boats in all sizes is a wonderful way to bring community together. More than a million viewers take in the 12-mile parade route and impact Broward County by over $50 million. What a unique way to add to your holiday celebrations.
December 24, 2020, Lighting of The Bonfires, Gramercy, LA, www.festivalofthebonfires.org
Bonfires on the Levee is the culmination of the Festival of Bonfire with the festivities continuing through Christmas Eve. Bonfires will be built along the Mississippi River Levee and then set ablaze. A fireworks show will follow, dazzling guests. Before, during and after the lightings, the residents of the communities will serve gumbo, jambalaya, Andouille, and other popular Cajun foods as well as hot cocoa and eggnog. This is a great family-friendly event with amazing food!