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, Mo.
Branson, Mo.
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, 2025.)
The city also shines brightly with various drive-through Christmas light displays, including the two-and-a-half-mile Trail of Lights (through Jan. 4, 2025) at Shepherd Hills, Branson's longest-running holiday lights, celebrating over 30 years.
Eureka Springs, Ark.
The eclectic historic town turns up the charm during the holiday season with such festivities as the drive-thru light display (Nov. 28 - Jan. 1, 2025) at the Great Passion Play and the attraction's Snow Train Village, said to be the largest train village display in the South. There's also the Holiday Home Decoration Contest, with a winner announced on Dec. 6, where locals are encouraged to go all out (or not) when decking their homes in festive finery.
Hotel properties also participate in the fun. For example, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa hosts the East Lawn Christmas Tree Forest (through December), which features decorated trees and other activities throughout the season.
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 tree, shining from sundown to sunrise every day until the first weekend following in January. And then there's the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling (Dec. 4 -23) and Ford Fiesta de las Luminaries (Dec. 6 -9, 13-15 and 20-22), featuring over 2,000 luminaries.
San Antonio glows citywide from Twinkling Tides (Nov. 22 - Jan. 5, 2025) at SEA LIFE San Antonio to Light the Way at the University of Incarnate Word Festival (Nov. 23) to illuminate at San Antonio Botanical Gardens (Nov. 29 - Jan. 12, 2025) 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 Grapevine Christmas Market (Nov. 30; Dec. 1, 7-23) to historic activities at the Elf Adventure to the whimsical with classic Christmas cartoons and Carol of Lights (Nov. 25.) And, of course, there are lights and decorations throughout.
Gaylord Texan Resort and Great Wolf Lodge are also participating in the holiday fun. Gaylord Texan offers Christmas at Gaylord Texas (through Jan. 5, 2025) with light shows, trees, themed entertainment, and more. During Great Wolf Lodge's Snowland (Nov. 25 - Jan. 6, 2025), guests can frolic in the daily indoor snow showers. Seasonally themed crafts, holiday stories and much more are also available.
Natchitoches, La.
The oldest city in Louisiana is home to the Christmas Festival of Lights (Nov. 23 - Jan. 6, 2025), 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 everything from tours to 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.
Natchitoches and the Christmas Festival of Lights are stops along the Holiday Trail of Lights, which showcases seven of the state's jolliest cities.
New Orleans
Whether it's coming off the illumination from the light displays at the Celebration in the Oaks (Nov. 29 - Jan. 3, 2025) in City Park or the shine from the elaborate decor in hotel lobbies, New Orleans shimmers during the holiday season.
The Crescent City goes all out for the holidays with activities and events. Check out neighborhoods' festive decorations, enjoy a concert at St. Louis Cathedral (various dates), 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 - 30.)
Baton Rouge, La.
Louisiana's Capital City shimmers this 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. 23 - Dec. 31), BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo Lights (Nov. 29 - Dec. 30), and the Festival of Lights Baton Rouge (Dec. 6), but this year, a new display is Louisiana Lights: Where Holidays Shine (Nov. 29 - Dec. 29) 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. 18 - Jan. 2, 2025) at Raising Cane's River Center and The Magnolia Mound Creole Christmas & Holiday Fair (Dec. 15), among other events for the complete holiday experience.
Lafayette, La.
Traditions are a big deal in Lafayette and throughout Lafayette Parish, and that's reflected in the area's holiday celebrations, from the Old Time Winter Traditions at Vermilionville (Dec. 11 - 23), where artisans demonstrate winter traditions of the Acadian, Creole and Native American to The Creole Nutcracker (Dec. 21) that includes Creole food, language and music.
More merriment can be found with Christmas at Bridge Point Farms drive-thru Christmas Light Display (Nov. 15 - Dec. 22) and Noel Acadien au Village (Dec. 1 - 23) with half a million lights, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides and more. Get into the holiday spirit with local pop-up shops, kids' activities and more at Christmas at West Village (Dec. 7) in Scott or at Noel a Broussard (Dec. 7), which offers Papa's Noel Market, reindeer games and other festivities.
Natchez, Miss.
Perched 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.
Find a gift or two or three at the new European Christmas Shopping Village and tour stately historic homes warmly decorated for the season, like the Linden Historic Bed and Breakfast. 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.
Oxford, Miss.
Holly Jolly Holiday (Nov. 23 - Jan. 5, 2025) takes over Oxford with an ice skating rink, a Walk of Lights and visits with Santa. There's also the Peppermint Trail (Nov. 23 - Jan. 5, 2025), 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.
Miss. Gulf Coast
🎶🎶 Gulfport Harbor Lights (Nov. 29 - Dec. 31), Christmas in the Pass (Dec. 6), and boat parades are just a few of 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, like the ones mentioned above and others like the Annual Biloxi Christmas in the City (Dec. 6) and the over 2 million lights and other festivities at TrainTastic's Holiday Lights (Dec. 5 -28) in Gulfport.
Places like Beau Rivage in Biloxi and the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport also host seasonal festivities. With so much to choose from, the area shines all holiday long.
Andalusia, Ala.
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 - 8, 12 - 15, 19 -22 and 27 - 29.)
Other seasonal festivities include horse-drawn carriage rides, characters and train rides. The Candyland Cottage Village has themed cottages built for children to explore and plenty of photo ops 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 (Nov. 22 - Jan. 4, 2025), Cullman's Christmas at the Grotto (Nov. 29 - 30; Dec. 5-7, 12 -14, 19 -23 and 26 - 28), and much more.
There are decorated trees galore found at the Downtown Huntsville Tinsel Trail (Nov. 29 - Dec. 31) and North Pole Stroll (Dec. 1 -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.
The merriment is also underground with Wonderland Under Warrior (Nov. 23 -30; Dec. 1, 4 -8, 11 - 15, 18 -23 and 26 -30) 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/yc74j5xt (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 Smoky Mountain Winterfest. 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 Dec. 31.)
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. 16, 2025) or checking out Shadrack's Snowy Mountain Village (through Jan. 5, 2024) 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. 5, 2024), 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. 5, 2025) with lights, shows, festive foods and more. Skyland's Festival of Lights (through Jan. 20, 2025) in Sevierville offers 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, Tenn.
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 walking among snowflakes on the city's pedestrian Walnut Bridge, taking in one of the city's largest Christmas trees inside Chattanooga Choo Choo's lobby or viewing EPB's Holiday Windows, a seasonal tradition dating back to World War II.
Chattanooga continues to radiate with drive-thru Noogalights (Nov. 22- Dec. 29) at Soddy-Daisy Park or the walk-thru (through Dec. 31) at Chattanooga Choo Choo, and the Festive Forest (Nov. 27 - Jan. 1, 2025), featuring decorated lit live trees.
Holidays in the "Scenic City" aren't complete without visiting Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights (through Jan. 4, 2025) with its six specialty-themed realms. Enjoy the new Christmas tree walk to visit Santa at Carter Cliffs.
Clarksville, Tenn.
Clarksville dazzles during the happiest season with festivities that include Christmas on the Cumberland (Nov. 23 - Jan. 2, 2025), featuring over one million lights illuminating the half-mile Riverwalk at McGregor Park and the Drive Thru Christmas Lights Show (Nov. 26—Dec. 31) 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. 29 - 30) with around 150 vendors, an open house event with gifts, live music, food and more at Noel Night at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center (Dec. 5), and 19th Century Christmas at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center (Dec. 14) that includes creating period ornaments and more.
Athens, Ga.
College football season may be winding down, but that doesn't mean Athens slows down, especially during the holiday. From performances at the Akins Ford Arena 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. 24 - Dec. 30), transforming a half-mile trail into a twinkling wonderland. Cap off the experience with s'mores and hot cocoa.
Athens is the place to go for unique gifts. You can find one-of-a-kind pieces at the Beechwood Holiday Market (Nov. 30; Dec. 13), Indie South Fair (Dec. 14 -15), and West Broad Holiday Market and Craft Fair (Dec. 15).
Helen, Ga.
Kick off Helen's holiday season with the Lighting of the Village (Nov. 29), 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 Holiday Market (Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, Dec. 7 - 8.) Enjoy Victorian Christmas (Dec. 6 -7, 13 - 14 and 20 - 21) at Hardman Farm.
Dahlonega, Ga.
Memories are waiting to be made at Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas (Nov. 29 - Dec. 31.) 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 light adorning the historic square and horse-drawn carriage rides around downtown.
Merry festivities vary from the Christmas Market (Dec. 6 -7, 13 -14), strolling carolers around the historic square, a Christmas cookie walk (Dec. 13 -14), and more. The joyful experience also extends to the outdoors with the Festival of Trees at Hancock Park (Nov. 29 - Dec. 31), featuring decorated trees.
Savannah and Jekyll Island, Ga.
While one could argue that any time is a good time to visit Savannah, exploring the city during the holiday season is extra special. Festive festivities include the Festival of Trees (Nov. 21 -Dec. 31) and the Savannah Christmas Market (Nov. 21 - Dec. 31), a European-style outdoor market, both at Plant Riverside District. For a Savannah-only twist, there's the Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour (Nov. 29 - Dec. 24), filled with caroling, storytelling and stopping at locales for the complete Savannah holiday experience.
Over 35,000 colored twinkle lights decorate The Great Tree on Jekyll Island during Holly Jolly Jekyll (Nov. 29 - Jan. 5, 2025.) 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 with life-sized candies 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.
https://visitsavannah.com/savannah-holly-days; https://www.jekyllisland.com/signature-events/holly-jolly-jekyll
Pensacola, Fla.
Holiday merriment abounds during Pensacola Winterfest (Nov. 22-24, 29-30; Dec. 1, 6-8, 13, 15, 20 -24.) The multi-week celebration has something for all, from the Winterfest Elf Parade (Nov. 29) to live performances like the Great Christmas Tree Heist and more. Other events throughout the city include Jingle Bells on the Bay Holiday Market (Nov. 30), Season Your Holidays Lighted Boat Parade (Dec. 6) in Pensacola Beach and the quirky Flora-Bama Santa Drop (Dec. 7) in Perdido Key.
South Walton/30 A
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, the Seaside Holiday Parade (Nov. 30), visits with Santa and plenty of photo ops, there's the Festival of Trees (Nov. 28 - Dec. 25) at Grand Boulevard, the Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market (Nov. 30) featuring carriage rides, s'mores and a gift market and Nights of Lights (Dec. 1 - 31) at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach.
St. Augustine, Fla.
Over three million white lights brighten 20 blocks of the historic district of the Nation's Oldest City during Nights of Lights (Nov. 23 - Jan. 26, 2025.) This isn't any light display, either; National Geographic magazine recognized the multi-month event as "one of 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 tour on foot, other options include a 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 (various dates.)
Orlando and Surrounding Area
In addition to Orlando's theme park's grand holiday celebrations, joyful events abound throughout the city and neighboring areas. Enjoy the lights at Henry P. Leu Gardens' Dazzling Nights (Nov. 29 - Jan. 5, 2025.) Wekiva Island hosts its Winter Wonderland event (Dec. 2 – 25) featuring daily "snow" flurries, a Christmas tree forest, Santa's workshop and more.
Among the festivities in downtown Winter Garden include A Merry Winter Garden Light Show (select nights Dec. 6-22) at city hall. Over at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the Holidays in Space (Dec. 20-30) with Starflake's Holiday Voyage, a nightly projected show on the exterior of Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, festive holiday décor, Rocket Tree Trail, astronaut nutcrackers and more.
Key West, Fla.
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 (Nov. 27 - Jan. 1, 2025). The set-up, 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, S.C.
The holiday season is a magical time in Aiken. The city glows with holiday festivities, such as Night of a 1,000 Lights (Dec. 12), when luminaries warmly illuminate downtown. Shoppers and strollers can enjoy carolers, elves and even a Santa sighting. Christmas in Hopelands (Dec. 14 -23) features two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays.
And then there are events like the Christmas Craft Show (Dec. 6- 7), an indoor/outdoor craft show highlighting crafters from the Southeast, and the Festival of Trees (Dec. 6 - Jan. 4, 2025) at the Center for African American History, Art & Culture that add to the overall holiday feel.
Greenville, S.C.
Holiday cheer is found throughout Greenville. On Main Street, it's a 30-foot Christmas tree embellished with 25,550 LED lights and merchants' holiday-themed windows.
It's discovered in festive festivities such as the Bon Secours Festival of Trees (Nov. 22 - Dec. 25), with its decorated trees, the twinkling lights and displays at Greenville Zoo's Holidays at the Zoo (Dec. 13 -23, 26-30), and the many gingerbread creations at Winter in the Woods (Dec. 4 - 26.)
Merriment abounds in Greenville during the season.
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Over 100,000 lights stretch close to one mile with Winter Wonderland at the Beach (Nov. 29 - Jan. 4, 2025) 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. 25 - Dec. 30) in North Myrtle Beach. Even the grandly decorated trees at Ripley's Aquarium Festival Of Trees (through Jan. 5, 2025) 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. 5 -8, 12 -15, 19 -22 and 24 -25), a drive-thru-themed light show.
McAdenville, N.C.
What began in 1956 as decorating McAdenville Community Center's trees with simple red, white and green lights grew into the town, 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 also decorated, creating an evening holiday spectacle enjoyed on foot or in the car.
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Holidays at Old Salem (through Dec. 28), with a visit to Winkler's Bakery and the Tanglewood Festival of Lights (through Jan. 1, 2025), are the many ways to enjoy the holiday season in Winston-Salem.
The gracious Reynolda offers various 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. While in town, check out Spectacular Holiday Blooms (Nov. 25 - Dec. 30) at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, featuring works of art created from plastic bottles.
Fayetteville, N.C.
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. 29), complete with shopping, carolers, street performers and holiday activities, and the Fayetteville Holiday Lights (Nov. 29 - Dec. 23) at Segra Stadium, featuring the largest light-up Christmas tree in the city, at 40 feet.
There is also the Holiday Lights (Dec. 6 -22) at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, an immersive walk-through with thousands of twinkling lights, sparkling displays and other surprises. Discover a new artisan or two at Dirtbag Ales' Christmas Market (Dec. 13 -15), offering 80 holiday-inspired food vendors and local makers, along with food trucks and performances. Oh, and their beer, too.
Wilmington, N.C.
Unwrap the magic of the holiday season in Wilmington and the Beaches. Meander through the grandly decorated trees at the Cape Fear Festival of Trees (Nov. 22 - Dec. 30) at NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher in Kure Beach. Bask in the glow of lights at Enchanted Airlie (Nov. 29 -Dec. 21.) Find gifts and more at the Really Cool Stuff Holiday Market (Nov. 30.) Take in the colorful sparkle and shine coming from fishing boats and pleasure crafts during the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla (Dec. 7) in Carolina Beach. Tour select homes and churches with the Old Wilmington by Candlelight Walking Tour (Dec. 7 - 8.)
Bardstown, Ky.
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 Santa on the Square (Nov. 29 - Dec. 21), enabling everyone to meet with the Big Guy, take a photo and get that gift list in early. The Christmas Carnival (Dec. 7 - 8) at My Old Kentucky Home offers a snowboard experience, photo ops, scenic rides on a trackless train and more. For adults only, enjoy the Holiday Sip n Shop at Maker's Mark (Dec. 5 -7, 12 -14, 19-21 and 27-29) with a warm cocktail. Take part in a Prohibition-era Christmas celebration during Holiday on the Hill (Dec. 12) at Heaven Hill Distillery.
Louisville, Ky.
The holiday season in Louisville is magical. The city is filled with unique events like Louisville Mega Caverns' Lights Under Louisville (through Jan. 4, 2025), allowing guests to drive their vehicle through the cavern to enjoy over 40 themed displays, 900 lit characters, over 6,000,000 points of light and more.
Yuletide at Yew Dell (Nov. 29 - 30; Dec. 6- 7, 13 -14 and 20 -21) features light and décor displays, plenty of photo ops and more. Giant flowers, snowflakes and a multicolor tunnel of lights are just some things to see at Gardens Aglimmer (Nov. 29 -30; Dec. 5 - 8, 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.
Abingdon, Va.
Abingdon brings a hometown feel with its holiday season events. There's the Festival of Trees (Nov. 23 - Dec. 30) and the Christmas Parade (Dec. 7.) The city also hosts the Holston Mountain Artisans Pop-Up Market (Nov. 23) at the Martha Washington Inn and Abingdon Vineyards' Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market (Nov. 30.) Cozy up to a live performance of a Christmas Carol (Nov. 20 - Dec. 29) or Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Nov. 26 - Dec. 23) at Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia.
Bluefield, WVa.
West Virginia's official Christmas City, Bluefield, is home to the Holiday of Lights (Nov. 28 - Jan. 5, 2025), a drive-thru experience with over 1.5 million lights. The city also hosts the Hometown Christmas Festival (Nov. 29 - Dec. 21) featuring trolley rides, photo ops and, of course, Santa. Also included is the Mistletoe Market (Nov. 29 - Dec. 21) with local craft vendors, food and live entertainment.
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