Best Places To Visit For Christmas In The South

The Southern United States offers a unique blend of holiday traditions, charming towns, and festive events that make it a perfect destination for Christmas travel. From historic cities adorned with twinkling lights to cozy mountain retreats, the South has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit for Christmas in the South, each offering its own special brand of holiday magic.

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a picturesque city that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.

• Biltmore Estate: The largest privately-owned home in the United States, the Biltmore Estate is a must-visit during Christmas. The estate is beautifully decorated with thousands of lights, dozens of Christmas trees, and festive ornaments. Don’t miss the Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where the estate glows with candlelight and live music fills the air.
• Downtown Asheville: Stroll through the charming streets of downtown Asheville, where you’ll find local shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. The annual Asheville Holiday Parade is a highlight, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself.
• Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum: Experience a dazzling display of lights at the North Carolina Arboretum. The Winter Lights event features over half a million lights, interactive exhibits, and holiday-themed activities for the whole family.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is known for its historic charm and Southern hospitality, making it a delightful destination for a Christmas getaway.

• Holiday Festival of Lights: Held at James Island County Park, this festival features over two million lights spread across three miles. Visitors can enjoy a train ride, roast marshmallows, and even visit Santa’s Village.
• Historic District: Explore Charleston’s historic district, where cobblestone streets and antebellum homes are adorned with holiday decorations. The annual Christmas Parade and the Holiday Market at Marion Square are not to be missed.
• Plantation Christmas: Visit one of Charleston’s historic plantations, such as Middleton Place or Magnolia Plantation, for a glimpse into Christmas past. These estates offer special holiday tours and events that showcase traditional Southern holiday customs.

3. Savannah, Georgia

With its moss-draped oaks and historic squares, Savannah exudes Southern charm and elegance, especially during the holiday season.

• Savannah Christmas Market: Located at Plant Riverside District, this European-style market features artisan vendors, live music, and festive food and drinks. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and enjoy the holiday spirit.
• Holiday Tours of Homes: Take a tour of Savannah’s historic homes, beautifully decorated for the holidays. These tours offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural beauty.
• River Street Celebrations: Head to River Street for holiday festivities, including the annual Lighted Christmas Parade and the New Year’s Eve fireworks show over the Savannah River.

4. Nashville, Tennessee

Known as Music City, Nashville offers a lively and festive atmosphere for Christmas celebrations.

• Gaylord Opryland Resort: The Gaylord Opryland Resort is famous for its extravagant holiday displays, featuring over three million lights, a stunning Christmas tree, and an indoor ice skating rink. ICE!, an interactive ice sculpture exhibit, is a highlight of the season.
• Music City Winterfest: Held in Centennial Park, this festival includes live music performances, holiday markets, and a variety of family-friendly activities. It’s a great way to experience Nashville’s vibrant music scene during the holidays.
• Cheekwood Holiday Lights: Visit Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for a magical evening of holiday lights. The gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland, with over a million lights illuminating the grounds.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is known for its lively culture and festive spirit, making it a unique destination for Christmas celebrations.

• Celebration in the Oaks: Held in City Park, this event features a stunning display of lights and holiday-themed exhibits. Visitors can enjoy a train ride through the park and explore the magical Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
• Reveillon Dinners: Experience a traditional New Orleans holiday meal with a Reveillon dinner. Many of the city’s top restaurants offer special holiday menus inspired by this Creole tradition.
• Caroling in Jackson Square: Join locals and visitors alike for an evening of caroling in historic Jackson Square. This beloved tradition brings the community together to sing holiday classics in a beautiful setting.

6. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio offers a unique blend of Texan and Mexican holiday traditions, creating a festive and colorful Christmas experience.

• River Walk Holiday Lights: The San Antonio River Walk is transformed into a twinkling wonderland with over 100,000 lights adorning the trees and walkways. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or take a riverboat ride to fully appreciate the festive atmosphere.
• La Gran Tamalada: Celebrate the holiday season with a traditional tamale-making event at the Historic Pearl. This family-friendly event includes live music, cultural performances, and plenty of delicious tamales to enjoy.
• Ford Holiday River Parade: Kick off the holiday season with this spectacular parade featuring illuminated floats, live music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The parade takes place on the San Antonio River and is a beloved local tradition.

7. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a cozy and picturesque setting for a Christmas getaway.

• Winterfest: Gatlinburg’s Winterfest features millions of lights and holiday displays throughout the town. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events, including the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade and the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show.
• Ober Gatlinburg: Hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort offering skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The resort also hosts a variety of holiday events and activities for the whole family.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with a winter hike or scenic drive. The park’s snow-covered landscapes provide a serene and stunning backdrop for the holiday season.

8. Williamsburg, Virginia

Step back in time and experience a colonial Christmas in Williamsburg, where history and holiday traditions come together.

• Colonial Williamsburg: During the holiday season, Colonial Williamsburg is adorned with wreaths, garlands, and candles. Visitors can enjoy traditional holiday events, including the Grand Illumination and the Christmas Parade.
• Busch Gardens Christmas Town: Experience the magic of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, where the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with over ten million lights, festive shows, and holiday-themed rides.
• Yorktown Christmas Market: Visit the Yorktown Christmas Market on Main Street for unique gifts, holiday treats, and live entertainment. The market is a charming and festive way to experience the holiday spirit.

Conclusion

The South offers a diverse array of destinations for a memorable Christmas getaway. Whether you’re seeking historic charm, vibrant city celebrations, or cozy mountain retreats, the South has something to offer every traveler. From the twinkling lights of Asheville to the festive spirit of New Orleans, these Southern destinations are sure to make your holiday season bright and joyful.