10 Beautiful Southern Holiday Traditions
The American South is a treasure trove of holiday traditions – from the River Walk Holiday Lighting in San Antonio or the Bonfires in Louisiana to the Natchez Christmas Pilgrimage or the Graceland Lighting Ceremony in Louisiana. Here are 10 of our favorite Southern Holiday Traditions:
Charleston’s Yuletide Celebration: This annual festival features holiday parades, tours of historic homes filled with décor, performances by local musicians and much more. This is a beloved tradition that captures the charm and historic beauty of the city during the holiday season.
Appalachia’s Old Christmas: In some Appalachian regions, communities celebrate Christmas with a tradition called “Old Christmas” or “Twelfth Night.” Old Christmas traces its origins back to the time when the Julian calendar was in use and Christmas fell on January 6. The days between December 25 and January 6 are packed with folklore, spiritual reflections and expressions of faith.
Bonfires on the Levee: Along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, large bonfires are built on Christmas Eve to light the way for Santa, which creates a unique holiday special. Constructing the bonfires is a community endeavor, often involving families, friends, and neighbors who come together to build and decorate them. It is a time-honored tradition that fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie.
The Lighting of the Trees: The city of Montgomery, Alabama, kicks off the holiday season with a traditions where thousands gather to watch the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. In addition of lighting the trees, there are performances, caroling, activities for families and more.
Festival of Lights: Atlanta’s Botanical Garden hosts a stunning light display during the holidays, which features giant illuminated sculptures and a festive atmosphere right in the middle of the city. There are also themed-nights and activities throughout the event.
Natchez Christmas Pilgrimage: In Natchez, Mississippi, grand antebellum homes open their doors for visitors during the holiday season, showcasing beautifully decorates interiors that reflect the city’s history. There are candlelit tours, costumed guides, caroling and more.
Graceland Lighting Ceremony: Elvis’ Graceland mansion in Memphis hosts a lighting ceremony with live performances and holiday lights that decorate the estate. This celebration is hot for celebrity appearances, musical appearances and, of course, the lighting of the mansion.
San Antonio’s River Walk Holiday Lighting: The River Walk in San Antonio is covered in twinkling lights during the holiday season and a festive lighting ceremony. This ceremony is the only one on our list that truly extends out into the water – there’s a parade of illuminated boats!
Eureka Springs’ Christmas Festival: This month-long Christmas festival includes a parade of lights, living nativity scenes, carriage rides and a tour of the local Victoria homes, all decorated for the season. This month-long celebration also had parades, a Santa’s workshop and some small town holiday shopping.
Vicksburg’s Christmas in the Park: The National Military Park in Mississippi organizes a holiday event featuring thousands of luminaries along with caroling, storytelling and holiday-themed activities. This nightly event includes music, entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and carousel and trolley rides.
Although some of these are over for the year – and others definitely require some planning – we are excited to celebrate the holidays with these traditions this year and for many years to come!
