Top 5 Most Beautiful Southern Cities During the Holidays
When you think of cities that go all out for the holidays, it probably looks more like an episode of a Rick Steve’s show than a trip across the American South. But just because the south doesn’t usually expect snow in December, it doesn’t mean they don’t know how to pull out all the stops. Here are the places on our short list of where to spend the holidays, especially if we can load our family up in a passenger van and see them together.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Gatlinburg and her neighbors – Pigeon Forge and Sevierville – are all gorgeous during the holidays, especially if you want to see a little snow in the mountains. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are just about four miles apart and a trip to see them will definitely raise the Christmas spirit. Pigeon Forge is packed with shows, shops and more than five million Christmas lights while Gatlinburg has the Winter Magic Lights Tour, Astra Lumina, Lights Over Gatlinburg and a New Year’s Fireworks show. Sevierville has outlets for a little shopping followed by theatres, shows, Christmas light walk throughs and more.
Asheville, North Carolina: You’ve probably heard about Christmas at Biltmore – and some dates are already sold out – but if you can get in to see this gorgeous estate all decked out for the holidays, it’s definitely worth the trip. If this isn’t your style, snag a cabin in the mountains and enjoy the views. What will you seeing? Likely one of the area’s many Christmas Tree farms! While you’re there, swing into Banner Elk or Hendersonville for a small-town Christmas evening that feels just like a Hallmark movie.
Austin, Texas: Peppermint Parkway might sound like something out of Santa Claus, Indiana, but it’s actually a hotspot for Christmas lights in Austin, Texas! Set up at the Circuit of the Americas through December 30, this holiday event includes a drive-thru display, dancing characters, a holiday plaza and more. There’s also the Austin Trail of Lights, a Luminations walk, and a choreographed light display at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. The Alamo Draft House is even showing Christmas in Connecticut and Carol this year!
Andalusia, Alabama: Andalusia is home to Candyland, which boasts play cottages for kids, train rides, snow tubing, winter skating, lights, decorations, musical acts and snow shows. This attraction – and the surrounding town – have been ranked multiple times as one of the best places to celebrate the holidays. The best part? While you’re skating and enjoying the snow tubing, you also won’t be freezing. The average temperature in December is roughly 60 degrees.
Dahlonega, Georgia: If you’re filming a Christmas movie and you don’t want your cameras to freeze, head to Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas. The 2022 events include Christmas lights, carriage rides, visits with Santa, a festival of trees, the advent by Candleight, a Reindeer dash 5k, mulled wine, a kids’ paint and sip, a live nativity, musicals, and more. If you’d prefer a big city vibe, hit up the other end of the state to see Savannah in full Christmas bloom.
