41 Destinations to Celebrate the Holiday Season
- Apryl Thomas
- Nov 19
- 21 min read
Whether it's enjoying Christmas at Biltmore (through Jan. 4, 2026) during the day or at night with the Candlelight Christmas Evenings (through Jan. 3, 2026) at America's largest home, admiring the creative creations at the National Gingerbread House Competition (Nov. 18 - Jan. 4, 2026), the largest display of gingerbread in the nation, at the Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa, or taking in the Winter Lights (through Jan. 4, 2026), along with six of the towering whimsical troll sculptures from world-renowned recycle artist Thomas Dumbo, at the North Carolina Arboretum, there isn't a lack of things to enjoy in Asheville during this season.
Along with the city's variety of holiday markets, ice skating at the Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards (Nov. 26 - Jan. 19, 2026), and the Winter Window Display Contest (Nov. 22 - Jan. 1, 2026), among other festivities, the magic of the holidays transforms Asheville into a dazzling, mountain-chic getaway.
Twinkling lights, jolly decorations and festive activities are some of the many delights that make up the holiday season.
Many cities and towns across the South go above and beyond to capture the holiday spirit and share it with you so that you, in turn, can make some very merry memories.
Branson, Missouri
One look at America's Christmas Tree City Trail, and you'll understand why Branson is nicknamed "America's Christmas Tree City." Discover over 700 colorful and creative trees in all shapes and sizes, separate from those on display at Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas (through Jan. 4, 2026).
The city also shines brightly with various drive-through Christmas light displays, including the two-and-a-half-mile Trail of Lights (through Jan. 3, 2026) at Shepherd Hills, Branson's longest-running holiday lights, celebrating over 30 years.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The eclectic historic town turns up the charm during the holiday season with such festivities as the drive-thru light display (Nov. 27 - Jan. 1, 2026) at the Great Passion Play and the attraction's Snow Train Village (Nov. 28 - Dec. 31),said to be the largest train village display in the South.
As for Eureka Springs itself, there's the Hot Cocoa and Cookie Crawl (Dec. 12), where you can sip and savor from different businesses, and the Holiday Living Windows (Dec. 13), an evening filled with holiday magic and the chance to shop from the Living Christmas Card.
Accommodations also participate in the fun. There's Christmas at the Inns (Dec. 6), with bed-and-breakfasts, boutique inns and historic hotels opening their doors for a tour. Individually, properties such as the Crescent Hotel host Santa's Village (Dec. 13-14), complete with holiday activities, photos with Santa, and more.
San Antonio, Texas
Discover the heart of the city's holiday spirit on the River Walk as over 100,000 lights drape the bald cypress trees, shining from sundown to sunrise (Nov. 28 - Jan. 11, 2026). Don't miss the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling (Dec. 12 -23) and Reach River of Lights (Dec. 13) at the San Antonio River Museum Reach.
San Antonio glows citywide from SeaWorld San Antonio's Christmas Celebration (through Jan. 4, 2026) to Zoo Lights Powered by CPS Energy at San Antonio Zoo (through Jan. 4, 2026) to Light the Way Holiday Festival (Nov. 22) at the University of the Incarnate Word to illuminate at San Antonio Botanical Gardens (Nov. 21 - Jan. 11, 2026) to Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns (Dec. 7- 8, 14-15 and 20-23). Oh, and speaking of the caverns, don't miss the caroling in the chambers of Texas' largest underground cavern.
Grapevine, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including celebrations. With 40 days of Christmas events throughout Grapevine, it is easy to understand why the city is designated the "Christmas Capital of Texas."
Merriment ranges from shopping at the Christmas in Grapevine Craft Show (Nov. 29- 30) to the whimsical with classic Christmas cartoons and a craft (various dates, Dec. 2 -23) at Lancaster Theater and the shimmering with Carol of Lights (Nov. 24) and Merry and Bright Drone Show (Dec. 1, 8). And, of course, there are lights and decorations throughout the city.
Gaylord Texan Resort and Great Wolf Lodge get into the seasonal thrills as well. Gaylord Texan offers ICE! (through Jan. 4, 2026), featuring scenes from Elf™ in ice sculpture forms, holiday shows, treats and much more. At Great Wolf Lodge's Snowland (Nov. 24 - Jan. 6, 2026), enjoy seasonally themed crafts, a dance party, visit with Santa and more.
Natchitoches, Lousiana
The oldest city in Louisiana is home to the Christmas Festival of Lights (Nov. 22 - Jan. 6, 2026), ranked by Yahoo! Travel as the third "Best Holiday Light Show," behind Rockefeller Center and Disney Land.
It is one of the longest-running holiday celebrations in America, lasting six weeks. It offers a range of experiences, including tours, markets, and more.
Over 300,000 lights illuminate downtown Natchitoches, and over 100 lighted set pieces line the Cane River. Some of these lights also appeared in the 1989 movie "Steel Magnolias," which was filmed in Natchitoches.
New Orleans
Whether it's the illumination from the light displays at the Celebration in the Oaks (Nov. 28 - Jan. 1, 2026) in City Park or the shine from the elaborate décor in hotel lobbies, New Orleans sparkles during the holiday season.
The Crescent City goes all out for the holidays with a variety of activities and events. Check out neighborhoods' festive decorations, enjoy a concert at St. Louis Cathedral (Dec. 3, 21), and indulge in a Réveillon (REV-ee-on) Dinner, a New Orleans tradition dating back to the 19th century. Complete the holiday experience with ice skating (and more) at ChristmasFest NOLA (Dec. 20 - 29).
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana's Capital City glows during the holiday season.
Seriously.
Baton Rouge takes "making spirits bright" to a whole new level. Not only does the city have the BR General Lights (Nov. 22 - Dec. 31), BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo Lights (Nov. 28 - Dec. 30), and the Festival of Lights Baton Rouge (Dec. 5), but also Louisiana Lights: Where Holidays Shine (Nov. 28 - Dec. 30), returning for its second season at Windrush Gardens at Burden Museum & Gardens. The immersive light show utilizes the garden's natural beauty and surroundings to bring together art, lights and nature.
Not to be overlooked is ice skating (Dec. 11 - 30) at Raising Cane's River Center and The Magnolia Mound Creole Christmas and Holiday Fair (Dec. 14), among other events for the complete holiday experience.
Lafayette, Louisiana
Merriment can be found throughout Lafayette with Christmas at Bridge Point Farms drive-thru Christmas Light Display (Nov. 21 - Dec. 23) and Noël Acadien au Village (Dec. 1 - 23) with half a million lights, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides and more, and the unique Festival of Lights at the Oscher parking lot (Dec. 5).
Get into the holiday spirit at Noël a Broussard (Dec. 6), which offers Papa's Noël Market, reindeer games and other festivities, and wrap up (pun intended) last-minute holiday shopping at Lafayette Sugar Plum Market (Dec. 13).
A holiday seasonal without a performance of The Nutcracker, or in this case, The Creole Nutcracker (Dec. 20).
Natchez, Mississippi
PPerched on a bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, historic Natchez radiates small-town charm. Known as the "Little Easy," the idyllic destination delivers a merry holiday experience for all ages during Christmas in Natchez (Nov. 29 - Dec. 25).
Discover a gift or two at the European Christmas Shopping Village (Dec. 5 -20), and tour stately, historic homes, such as Linden Historic Bed and Breakfast, and Choctaw Hall, warmly decorated for the season.
For something different, check out The Towers Mansion's "Jeweled Christmas" tour, named by USA Today as one of the top 10 Most Unusual Christmas Displays in the U.S., and Christmas at Sunnyside's "Do You See What I See" tour, highlighting over 30 decorated Christmas trees.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
What was once President Abraham Lincoln's "key to the South" could now be considered the key to a joyful holiday experience.
Be dazzled by the glow of lights and decorations at Christmas in the Park (Nov. 28 - Dec. 21), and discover plenty of photo opportunities. For those who can't get enough lights, hop aboard the Vicksburg Holiday Lights Trolley Tour (Dec. 18 - 20) that goes into historic neighborhoods and more.
Take in the sights, sounds and scents of the holiday season at the Downtown Christmas Old-Fashioned Open House (Nov. 30) while checking off that all-important holiday gift list.
And while thinking about gifts (to give or receive), find a few at the Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show (Dec. 6)
O Christmas Tree Historic Home Tours (Dec. 6- 7, 13- 14) highlights twelve architectural homes rarely open to the public, decorated for Christmas and ready to tour.
Oxford, Mississippi
Holly Jolly Holiday (Nov. 24 - Jan. 4, 2026) takes over Oxford with an ice skating rink, a Walk of Lights and visits with Santa.
There's also the Peppermint Trail, where participating restaurants and businesses offer peppermint drinks or items, sell peppermint ornaments, or even hand out peppermints to customers. Can't get any more holiday than that.
Mississippi Gulf Coast
🎶🎶Gulfport Harbor Lights (Nov. 28 - Dec. 31), Christmas in the Pass (Dec. 6), and boat parades are just a few of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's favorite things. 🎶🎶
Celebrating the holiday season in South Mississippi hits differently. The coastal cities transform into yuletide wonderlands through various events, including A Magical Mississippi Christmas (Nov. 28 - Dec. 23), featuring diving elves, festive chats and more at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, and Christmas on the Water (Dec. 6) in Biloxi.
And don't forget places like Beau Rivage in Biloxi, which also hosts seasonal festivities, such as “A Christmas Story: The Musical" (Dec. 12-27).
With so much to choose from, the area shines all holiday long.
Andalusia, Alabama
As everyone knows, snow is a rarity in the South, especially in the Deep South, like Andalusia. However, during most of December, snow shows and snow-related activities, such as tubing and ice skating, take place in the town during Christmas in Candyland (Dec. 5-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 27-28).
Other seasonal festivities include horse-drawn carriage rides, characters and train rides. The Candyland Cottage Village features themed cottages designed for children to explore, along with numerous photo opportunities for the perfect social media post.
North Alabama
The sixteen counties of North Alabama are merry and bright during the holiday season, with such festivities as Huntsville's Galaxy of Lights (through Dec. 31), Gadsen's Christmas at the Falls (through Jan. 3, 2026), Cullman's Christmas at the Grotto (Nov. 20- 23, Nov. 28- 30, Dec. 4- 7, and Dec. 11- 23), and much more.
There are decorated trees galore found at the Downtown Huntsville Tinsel Trail (Nov. 28 - Dec. 31) and the Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail (Nov. 20 - Dec. 31) in Athens, and some Santa sightings throughout the area, too. It's impossible not to be surrounded by the magic of the holidays in North Alabama. h
Holiday cheer is also underground with Wonderland Under Warrior (Nov. 22- 26, 28 -30; Dec. 3-7, 9 -14, 16 - 27, and 25 -29) at Rickwood Caverns State Park, where the cave is festooned with over 100,000 twinkling lights.
https://www.northalabama.org/blog/post/holiday-events-in-north-alabama; https://tinyurl.com/2vs2k3pv (Huntsville)
Great Smoky Mountains
While it's always a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains, there's something extra special about Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville during this season. Where else but here, well, in Gatlinburg, can one walk through a 300-tunnel of lights on the Skylift Park's SkyBridge at Lights Over Gatlinburg (through Jan. 31, 2026).
There's so much to see and enjoy, whether it's taking a stroll through Pigeon Forge's Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail (through Feb. 15, 2026) or checking out Shadrack's Snowy Mountain Village (through Jan. 4, 2026) at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, where over 15 million lights shine, glow and twinkle within a 25-mile span.
Theme parks get in on the merriment, too. Gatlinburg's Anakeesta hosts the Enchanted Winter Celebration (through Jan. 4, 2026), featuring over three million lights, daily entertainment, a hot chocolate trail, and visits from the man in red himself. Over at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, come home to Smoky Mountain Christmas (through Jan. 4, 2026) with lights, shows, festive foods and more. Skyland's Festival of Lights (through Jan. 3, 2026) in Sevierville features over half a million lights, an immersive Christmas projection light show and more.
https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/winter ; https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/winterfest ; https://visitsevierville.com/Winterfest
Chattanooga, Tennessee
The holidays are a big deal in Chattanooga, with various events and activities and plenty of lights to brighten everyone's holiday spirit. Discover the season's magic by taking in one of the city's largest Christmas trees in the Chattanooga Choo Choo's lobby, by attending the unveiling of the EPB Holiday Windows (Nov. 25), a seasonal tradition dating back to World War II, by admiring the Festive Forest (Nov. 26 - Jan. 1, 2026) in Miller Park, or by watching the SCUBA Claus Dives at the Tennessee Aquarium (Nov. 29 -30; Dec. 6 -7, 13- 14, and 20- 21).
Chattanooga continues to radiate with drive-thru Noogalights (Nov. 21- Dec. 31) at Soddy-Daisy Park or the walk-thru (Nov. 23-25, 30; Dec. 1-2, 7 -9), and with the classics like Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights (through Jan. 4, 2026), with its six specialty-themed realms and Holidays at Ruby Falls (Nov. 28 - Dec. 24) that includes the Forest of Wishes.
Granville, Tennessee
Referred to as "Tennessee's Mayberry Town," holiday time in Granville is as quaint as the town itself.
During Treasured Christmas Traditions (through Dec. 31), enjoy everything from Festival of Trees to an Antique Toy Show and more.
There's the Country Christmas and Parade (Dec. 13), which includes music, activities and Santa.
Treat yourself to a performance at the Mayberry Theater, presenting "Ellie Comes to Town" and "Citizens Arrest" (Dec. 4 -5, and 10 -12), or an afternoon holiday tea (through Dec. 31) at Lovely Find Tea Room.
Clarksville, Tennessee
Clarksville dazzles during the happiest season with festivities that include Christmas on the Cumberland (Nov. 22 - Jan. 3, 2026), featuring over one million lights illuminating the half-mile Riverwalk at McGregor Park and the Drive Thru Christmas Lights Show (Nov. 25 - Jan. 4, 2026) at Clarksville Speedway, offering 3 million lights in an over-a-mile drive.
Rounding out the city's holiday merrymaking includes Clarksville Christmas Market (Nov. 28 - 29) with around 150 vendors, an open house event with gifts, live music, food and more at Noël Night at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center (Dec. 4), and A 19th Century Christmas at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center (Dec. 13) that includes creating period ornaments and more.
Athens, Georgia
College football season may be winding down, but that doesn't mean Athens slows down, especially during the holidays. From performances at The Classic Center Theatre to ice skating at The Classic Center, there's much to do during the merry season in the Classic City.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia hosts Winter Wonderlights (Nov. 21 - Dec. 30; Wonderlights Disco Nights, Jan. 2-3, 9-10, 2026), transforming a half-mile trail into a twinkling wonderland. Cap off the experience with s'mores and hot cocoa.
Athens is the perfect destination for unique gifts. You can find one-of-a-kind pieces at the Beechwood Holiday Market (Nov. 29; Dec. 12), Indie South Fair: Holiday Hooray! (Dec. 13 -14), and Athens Holiday Market (Dec. 11- 12) at Big City Bread
Helen, Georgia
Kick off Helen's holiday season with the Lighting of the Village (Nov. 28), featuring a 20-foot-tall tree adorned with 8,000 lights and over 800 ornaments.
Discover that one-of-a-kind handmade gift at Helen's Christmas Market
(Nov. 29 -30; Dec. 6 -7). Enjoy Victorian Christmas (Dec. 5- 6, 12 - 13, and 19 - 20) at Hardman Farm.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Memories are waiting to be made at Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas (Nov. 28 - Jan. 6, 2026). The North Georgia mountain town, which served as the backdrop for the Hallmark movie "Christmas in Homestead" (2016), transforms into a holiday vision, with shimmering lights adorning the historic square and horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown.
Merry festivities vary from the Christmas Market (Dec. 6 -7, 13- 14) to the Dahlonega Christmas Historic Home Tour (Nov. 30; Dec. 5, 7, and 12) and more. The joyful experience also extends to the outdoors with the Festival of Trees at Hancock Park (Nov. 28 - Dec. 31), featuring decorated trees.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah outdoes itself when it comes to festive festivities. During the city's Holly Days, there's so much to enjoy, like the Savannah Christmas Market (Nov. 20 - Dec. 31), a European-style outdoor market, and the Festival of Trees (Nov. 20 - Jan. 1, 2026), both located at Plant Riverside District.
For a Savannah-only twist, there's the Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour (Dec. 1 - 24), filled with caroling, storytelling and stopping at locales for the complete Savannah holiday experience.
And don't forget about SCAD's Holiday Spectacular concert (Dec. 5 -6), featuring old and new holiday favorites.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Over 35,000 colored twinkle lights decorate The Great Tree on Jekyll Island during Holly Jolly Jekyll (Nov. 28 - Jan. 4, 2026). At first glance, that might not seem like a big deal for the holidays, but it's said to be more lights per square foot than the Rockefeller Center Tree in New York City.
Hop on the trolley for a guided Holly Jolly Light Tour to see the coastal Georgia gem illuminated in holiday splendor. Other festive events include Peppermint Land, a mini-golf experience featuring life-sized candy and gingerbread characters, carols at Faith Chapel and more. During Holly Jolly Jekyll, indulge in hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and other goodies.
Don't overlook the more island-specific seasonal magic, such as horseback riding or creating well-wishes for Georgia Sea Turtle Center patients to place in their stockings.
Pensacola, Florida
Holiday merriment abounds during Pensacola Winterfest (Nov. 21, 23, and 28-30; Dec. 5 -7, 12, 14, 19 -24). The multi-week celebration has something for all, from the Winterfest Elf Parade (Nov. 28) to the Scrooge Tour (Dec. 21 -24), and more.
Other events throughout the city include Jingle Bells on the Bay Indoor Holiday Market (Nov. 29), Season Your Holidays Lighted Boat Parade (Dec. 5) in Pensacola Beach and the quirky Flora-Bama Santa Drop (Dec. 6) in Perdido Key.
South Walton/30 A, Florida
In addition to enjoying the beach and the individualistic atmosphere of the 16 communities that make up South Walton, more commonly known as 30A, the area hosts a handful of holiday events that'll bring joy to everyone's spirit.
Amongst the tree-lighting ceremonies in Rosemary (Nov. 28), the SEASIDE® Holiday Parade and Turn on the Town (Nov. 29) and along the other communities, there is also the Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market (Nov. 29), Nights of Lights (Dec. 1 - 31) at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach and the Wesley House Candlelight Tour (Dec. 6) at Eden State Park.
St. Augustine, Florida
Over three million white lights brighten 20 blocks of the historic district of the Nation's Oldest City during Nights of Lights (through Jan. 11, 2026). It isn't just any light display; National Geographic magazine recognized the multi-month event as "one of the 10 best places in the world to see holiday lights."
Brilliance aside, one aspect that makes the event unique is the many ways to experience the lights. In addition to a self-guided walking tour, other options include trolley, train, water and guided tours.
Holiday cheer in St. Augustine continues with Lighthouse Illuminations (various dates) with decorated trees and holiday tours of Villa Zorayda Museum (multiple dates).
Orlando and Surrounding Area
In addition to Orlando's theme parks' grand holiday celebrations, joyful events abound throughout the city and neighboring areas. Enjoy the lights at Henry P. Leu Gardens' Dazzling Nights (Nov. 28 - Jan. 4, 2026), and check out festivities at Oh, What Fun! A Holiday Festival (Dec. 5 - 21) at Lake Nona. Wekiva Island hosts its Winter Wonderland event (Nov. 30 – Dec. 22) featuring daily "snow" flurries, a Christmas tree forest, Santa's workshop and more.
Among the festivities in downtown Winter Garden are A Merry Winter Garden Light Show (select nights Dec. 5- 27) at city hall. Over at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Holidays in Space (Dec. 21 -30) features holiday decorations and an all-new Holidays in Space Drone Show Spectacular, highlighting Starflake's journey through NASA's programs, from Apollo and Shuttle to Artemis, culminating in the creation of a glowing cosmic tree.
Key West, Florida
Cool or cold weather isn't always needed to enjoy the holidays; Key Weather's balmy temperatures work just as well. From lights to decorations, the southernmost city celebrates the holidays with its unique touch.
View the not-to-be-missed Key West Lobster Trap Tree at Harbor Walk of Lights (through Dec. 31). The setup, which includes bright light displays of anchors and tropical fish, reflects and honors the area's rich maritime history.
Also, see the historic inns and other buildings festively adorned. But, of course, the best (and the most fun) way to experience jolly Key West and not miss anything is aboard a Conch Tour Train: Holiday Sights and Festive Lights or Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights & Sights Tours.
Aiken, South Carolina
The holiday season is a magical time in Aiken. The city glows with holiday festivities, such as the Night of a 1,000 Lights (Dec. 11), when luminaries warmly illuminate downtown. Shoppers and strollers can enjoy carolers, elves and even a Santa sighting. Christmas in Hopelands (Dec. 13 -23) features two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays.
And then there are events like the Christmas Craft Show (Dec. 5- 6), an indoor/outdoor craft show highlighting crafters from the Southeast, and the Festival of Trees (Dec. 5 - Jan. 3, 2026) at the Center for African American History, Art and Culture that add to the overall holiday feel.
Greenville, South Carolina
Holiday cheer is found throughout Greenville. On Main Street, a 30-foot Christmas tree is adorned with 25,550 LED lights and features holiday-themed windows from local merchants.
It's discovered in festive festivities such as the Bon Secours Festival of Trees (Nov. 21 - Dec. 25), with its decorated trees, the twinkling lights and displays at Greenville Zoo's Holidays at the Zoo (Dec. 12 - Jan. 3, 2026), and the many gingerbread creations at Winter in the Woods (Dec. 3 - 25).
Merriment abounds in Greenville during the season.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Over 100,000 lights stretch close to one mile with Winter Wonderland at the Beach (Nov. 28 - Jan. 4, 2026) along Myrtle Beach's Boardwalk, while two million lights dazzle and awe on a 1.5-mile drive at The Great Christmas Light Show (Nov. 24 - Dec. 30) in North Myrtle Beach. Even the grandly decorated trees at Ripley's Aquarium Festival of Trees (through Jan. 4, 2026) shine with seasonal pride.
Undoubtedly, Myrtle Beach brings all the sparkles for the holidays.
The luminosity and festivities aren't limited to Myrtle Beach, either. With 14 towns stretching along 60 miles of coastline, there are plenty of lighted Christmas trees and more to see. For example, Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet glows warmly from the lights of 2,700 hand-lit candles and sparkling lights during Nights of a Thousand Candles (various dates). In addition, Conway offers the Celebration of Lights (Dec. 4-7, 11 -14, and 18 -21), a drive-thru-themed light show.
McAdenville, North Carolina
What began in 1956 as decorating the McAdenville Community Center's trees with simple red, white, and green lights grew into a townwide tradition, transforming into Christmas Town U.S.A. each December to the delight of many.
Even today, red, white and green lights dress the common areas and town center. Homes are decorated, creating an evening holiday spectacle that can be enjoyed on foot or in the car.
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Feel the warmth of the season during Hendersonville's Home for the Holiday.
Events range from A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas (Nov. 28 -Dec. 21), featuring seasonal classics, new adaptations and medleys to get everyone in the spirit, Olde Fashion Christmas (Dec. 5) with hot cocoa, games and more, including Santa, the Holiday Tour of Inns and Cookie Caper (Dec. 7) that includes touring six properties and sampling their cookies, and the WNC Wonderland (Dec. 14) at Horse Shoe Farm, showcasing over 40 artisans, all with wares to complete everyone's holiday lists.
Oh, and for the adults, be sure to make your way to Hendersonville's Cheers! Trail.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Holidays at Old Salem (through Dec. 28), with a visit to Winkler's Bakery and the Tanglewood Festival of Lights (through Jan. 1, 2026), are just a few of the many ways to enjoy the holiday season in Winston-Salem.
The gracious Reynolda offers a variety of holiday programming, from caroling to decorating classes. Afterward, visit Reynolda Village to do some holiday shopping.
Stop by Korner's Folly in nearby Kernersville for a tour. Known as "the Strangest Home in America," it's dressed in seasonal Victorian-inspired splendor (Nov. 25 - Jan. 3, 2026). While in town, check out Spectacular Holiday Blooms (Nov. 29; Dec. 5 -7, 12 -14, and 19 -21) at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, featuring works of art created from plastic bottles.
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Seasonal treats aren't only edible; they can also be festivities like those in Fayetteville. The city starts the holiday season with A Dickens Holiday (Nov. 28), complete with shopping, carolers, street performers and holiday activities, and the Fayetteville Holiday Lights (Nov. 28 - Dec. 31) at Segra Stadium, featuring the largest light-up Christmas tree in the city, at 40 feet.
There is also the Holiday Lights (Dec. 5-22) at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, an immersive walk-through featuring thousands of twinkling lights, sparkling displays, and other surprises. At Sweet Valley Ranch, see over a million lights and more than 350 animals during the Festival of Lights (Nov. 28 - 29; Dec. 5 -6, 12 -14, 19 -23, and 26 -27). Admission also includes Tiny's Winter Wonderland, which offers Christmas movies, a fire pit, and more. Discover a new artisan or two at Dirtbag Ales' Christmas Market (Dec. 12 -13), offering 80 holiday-inspired food vendors and local makers, along with food trucks and performances. Oh, and there's beer, too.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Unwrap the magic of the holiday season in Wilmington and the Beaches. Bask in the glow of lights at Enchanted Airlie (Nov. 28- 29; Dec. 1 - 21), and meander through the grandly decorated trees at the Cape Fear Festival of Trees (Dec. 9 - Jan. 4, 2026) at The Davis Community in Porters Neck.
Find gifts and more at the Really Cool Stuff Holiday Market (Nov. 29). Take in the colorful sparkle and shine coming from fishing boats and pleasure crafts during the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla (Dec. 6) in Carolina Beach. Tour select homes and churches with the Old Wilmington by Candlelight Walking Tour (Dec. 6 - 7).
Bardstown, Kentucky
Bardstown may be the Bourbon Capital of the World, but during the holiday season, the city also transforms into a Christmas Town USA that would make a Hallmark movie proud. Families can discover activities like Light Up Bardstown (Nov. 28), where everyone can meet the Big Guy, take a photo, and get that gift list in early.
And speaking of gifts, definitely head to Bernheim Forest & Arboretum in nearby Clermont for the Holiday Open House (Dec. 6), featuring a selection of handcrafted gifts from Kentucky artisans, live music and more.
The Christmas Carnival in the Park (Dec. 6 -7) at My Old Kentucky Home offers over 15 attractions and activities for all ages to enjoy. For adults only, Deck the Row at Lux Row Distillers (Dec. 13) includes cocktails, tours and more.
Louisville, Kentucky
The holiday season in Louisville is magical. The city is filled with unique events, such as Louisville Mega Caverns' Lights Under Louisville (through Jan. 3, 2026), which allows guests to drive their vehicle through the cavern to enjoy over 40 themed displays, 900 lit characters, more than 6,000,000 points of light, and more.
Yuletide at Yew Dell (Nov. 28 -29; Dec. 5- 6, 12 -13, and 19- 20) features light and décor displays, plenty of photo opportunities, and more. Giant flowers, snowflakes and a multicolored tunnel of lights are just some things to see at Gardens AGlimmer (Nov. 28 -29; Dec. 4 - 7, 11 - 23 and 26 - 30) at Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
Head to Paristown for Fête De Noël. Go ice skating in their outdoor rink, find something special in the Winter Holiday Village and more.
Williamsburg, Virginia
In addition to Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town (various dates), with its millions of twinkling lights and (most importantly) holiday-inspired eats, Colonial Williamsburg hosts festive period events, including a Celebration of a Yule Log (Dec. 5) and Grand Illumination (Dec. 6, 13 and 20) with firing of guns and lighting of fireworks.
There's also the Williamsburg Christmas Market (Nov. 28 -30; Dec. 4 -7, 11-14, and 18 -21), and Holiday Light Weekends (Dec. 6 – 27) at Anvil Campground.
Don't miss the Winter Lantern Festival (through Jan. 4, 2026) at Jamestown Settlement, and An Enchanted Evening on Main Street (Dec. 12) in Yorktown.
Bluefield, West Virginia
West Virginia's official Christmas City, Bluefield, is home to the Holiday of Lights (Nov. 27 - Jan. 4, 2025), a drive-thru experience with over 1.5 million lights. Plenty of activities take place inside the Holiday of Lights, including the Mistletoe Market (Nov. 28 - Dec. 21), featuring local craft vendors, food and live entertainment.