While visions of snow-covered landscapes might dance in the heads of those in colder climates, the Southeast U.S. offers a unique and vibrant take on the holiday season. Here, the Christmas spirit thrives even under potentially warm skies, with a dazzling array of festive destinations and seasonal events. The region transforms into a holiday wonderland, perfect for a memorable getaway. From cherished traditions like breathtaking Christmas lights and heartwarming visits with Santa to enchanting Christmas markets and serene candlelit gardens, the Southeast provides a diverse range of experiences. Best of all, many of these events offer accessible entry prices, ranging from free to moderate, ensuring options for every travel budget.
If you’re dreaming of a holiday escape to the Southeast this year, prepare to be captivated by the magic that awaits. This guide highlights some of the most enchanting Christmas and holiday events across the region, promising an unforgettable experience.
Alabama: Southern Charm and Holiday Lights
Alabama blends Southern hospitality with holiday cheer, offering spectacular light displays, festive decorations, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus in Huntsville and Theodore.
Huntsville Botanical Garden Galaxy of Lights: Prepare to be transported to a magical realm at the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Galaxy of Lights. From November 25th to December 24th, 2022, this beloved event illuminates the garden with a breathtaking display of lights and creatively illuminated figures. Witness Santa soaring over a charming winter village, encounter beloved nursery rhyme characters brought to life, and marvel at the imaginative holiday scenes that adorn the landscape. This year, guests can enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their own vehicles with a drive-through experience.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home: Magic Christmas in Lights: Venture to Theodore and immerse yourself in the enchanting Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Running from November 25th to January 4th, 2023, this award-winning display transforms the 65-acre estate into a dazzling spectacle. Stroll through a mesmerizing landscape adorned with over 3 million twinkling lights, more than 1,100 lighted pieces, and 15 captivating holiday scenes. Don’t miss the chance to explore the exquisitely decorated Bellingrath Home, brimming with vibrant poinsettias that add a touch of festive elegance. This is a must-see Christmas event.
Florida: A Sunshine State Holiday Extravaganza
Florida truly embraces the holiday spirit, pulling out all the stops to create unforgettable experiences at its world-renowned theme parks and beyond. Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, or other destinations, Florida offers a holiday celebration like no other.
Walt Disney World Resort Holiday: The Walt Disney World Resort Holiday festivities are a feast for the senses, encompassing enchanting parades, breathtaking decorations, a moving candlelight processional, and spectacular fireworks displays. Events take place across all four parks, each offering a unique and immersive holiday experience. From the iconic Cinderella Castle adorned with shimmering lights to the festive atmosphere of Main Street, U.S.A., Disney World transforms into a magical holiday wonderland.
Universal Orlando Resort: At Universal Orlando Resort, the holiday spirit comes alive with the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a dazzling spectacle that brings beloved characters and festive floats to the streets. Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Grinchmas, a heartwarming show that captures the spirit of the season. And don’t miss the chance to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed with Christmas magic. Universal’s holiday season runs from November 12th, 2022, to January 1st, 2023.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration brings the wonder of the season to life with over 3 million twinkling lights, transforming the park into a dazzling winter wonderland from November 11th, 2022, to January 3rd, 2023. Carols fill the air, and a sea of lighted trees sparkles over the lake, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Watch professional skaters glide across the ice, indulge in festive food and treats, enjoy live shows, and marvel at the Sesame Street Christmas Parade. Don’t forget to browse the Christmas Market for unique holiday gifts and souvenirs.
Georgia: A Peach State Holiday
Georgia offers a diverse range of holiday experiences, from the bustling city of Atlanta to the serene mountains and charming historic towns. Visitors can enjoy everything from ice-skating and viewing stunning decorations to meeting beloved holiday characters.
Atlanta Holiday Lights and Tree Lightings: Enjoy a diverse array of holiday lights and tree-lighting ceremonies from November through January at parks, farms, and other venues throughout the Atlanta area. From the grand lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree to smaller, community-focused events, there’s a festive celebration for everyone.
Callaway Resort & Gardens Fantasy in Lights: Callaway Resort & Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights, an annual tradition held from November 18th, 2022, through January 2nd, 2023, is a must-see event. Explore the charming Christmas Village, capture memorable photos with holiday characters, and embark on a delightful ride through the beautifully lit forest. With 2,500 acres of stunning natural landscape to explore during the day, and overnight accommodations available at the resort in Pine Mountain, this is the perfect destination for a festive getaway.
Stone Mountain Christmas: Stone Mountain Christmas offers the opportunity to experience beloved park attractions like the Summit Skyride and Scenic Railroad between November 12th, 2022, and January 2nd, 2023. Be mesmerized by millions of sparkling lights and enjoy enchanting music at night, as well as the Snow Angel’s Christmas Parade, featuring 40 characters, elaborate floats, and the chance to witness Santa Claus in flight.
Savannah Holiday Tours and Events: In historic Savannah, the holidays bring special Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Lights & Sights tours, providing a unique and festive way to experience the city’s charm. Indulge in delectable Christmas meals at the city’s renowned restaurants, savoring the flavors of the season. Holiday evening tours by candlelight at The Davenport House, led by skilled interpreters, offer a glimpse into the past as visitors explore the historic early 19th-century home from December 26th–29th, 2022.
Kentucky: Bluegrass State Holiday Cheer
Kentucky’s holiday celebrations include parades and maker’s markets in Berea, and spectacular light shows in Lexington and Louisville.
Berea Twilight Christmas Parade: Fill up with holiday cheer in Berea. In 2022, join the annual Twilight Christmas parade on Saturday, December 3rd, and discover handmade holiday decor and gifts in the Artisan Village and College Square. This year’s parade theme is "A Cartoon Christmas."
Southern Lights Holiday Festival: In Lexington, experience the highly-ranked Southern Lights Holiday Festival from November 25th through December 31st, 2022. Drive through three miles of dazzling lights, and park to enjoy mini train rides, visits with Santa, and an exotic petting zoo.
The Galt House Hotel: At The Galt House Hotel in Louisville in 2022, families can enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Walker’s Exchange on December 4th, 11th, and 18th, 2022.
Lights Under Louisville: Embark on a unique adventure at Lights Under Louisville at the MEGA Cavern, a 30-minute ride through portions of 17 miles of underground passageways, open from November 11th, 2022, to January 1st, 2023. Be amazed by over 850 lighted characters that adorn the cavern walls, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Louisiana: A Cajun Christmas Celebration
New Orleans’ mansions are not to be missed, especially when they are decked out in festive decor. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the vibrant festivals in Natchitoches and St. James Parish.
Celebration in the Oaks: In New Orleans, Celebration in the Oaks at City Park is a magical winter destination. The famous oaks are adorned with more than 1 million lights, and captivating light displays can be seen throughout 25 acres of the park, including Storyland, the Botanical Garden, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. The attraction is open from November 24th, 2022, to January 1st, 2023.
Reveillon Dinners: Experience the return of an old Creole holiday custom with Reveillon Dinners, updated for today’s culinary preferences. This family tradition has transformed into a city-wide production of tasty food and festive spirits at dozens of local restaurants.
Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights: The Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights, scheduled for November 23rd, 2022, through January 6th, 2023, features more than 300,000 lights and 100 lighted pieces illuminating downtown Natchitoches and the Cane River Lake each night. A whole slew of Christmas events takes place in downtown Natchitoches, including home tours and a daytime Christmas Festival with a parade, music, arts and crafts, a fireworks show, and food vendors.
Festival of the Bonfires: St. James Parish celebrates Cajun-style at the Festival of the Bonfires. On the nights of December 9-11, 2022, there will be a bonfire, carnival rides, food, live entertainment, Santa’s Very Merry Forest, and more. The spectacular Christmas Eve Bonfires take place at Lutcher Recreational Park.
North Carolina: A Christmas Wonderland
North Carolina offers everything from classic cookies and chocolate to estates filled with lovely decor and festive wines during the holidays.
Biltmore Estate: The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is stunning year-round, but especially during the holidays when lovely greenery and traditional decorations shine. The Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration from November 4th, 2022, through January 8th, 2023, gives you a chance to see beautiful decor, including ornaments on over 55 trees. You can also try holiday wines and special menus, and attend Antler Hill Village’s nighttime light display.
Asheville Celebrations: Other Asheville celebrations include light festivals and a Dickens-themed Christmas village in historic Biltmore Village, which falls on December 2-3, 2022.
The National Gingerbread House Competition: The National Gingerbread House Competition and Display at the Omni Grove Park Inn is a popular holiday event in Asheville. The competition this year takes place on November 28, 2022, with the winning houses on display through January 2, 2023 (certain dates are excluded, so view the website for details before heading out).
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights: Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights from November 11th, 2022 through January 1st, 2023, is worth seeing: The rolling countryside in Clemmons is transformed into a winter wonderland of giant, twinkling snowflakes and whimsical scenes. Expect long waits Thursdays through Sundays.
Christmas Town USA: You can drive or walk through Christmas Town USA and its famous light display in McAdenville for free.
Old Salem Museums & Gardens: And at the Old Salem Museums & Gardens in Winston-Salem, you can celebrate an evening of holiday cheer at Salem Night taking place on December 17, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
South Carolina: Sparkling Southern Holidays
From holiday markets to sparkling light displays, you’ll find many fun things to do in South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach Holiday Events: Myrtle Beach makes for a great family vacation because it is home to some of the state’s best holiday events, such as The Great Christmas Light Show, taking place from November 21st through December 30th, 2022.
Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles: In 2022, Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles in Murrells Inlet features over 2,700 candles and numerous sparkling lights, holiday music, and carolers on select dates from November 26th, 2022 through January 1st, 2023. South Carolina boasts additional light displays that locals and visitors can stroll through or drive by.
Tennessee: A Holiday Melody
Tennessee’s celebrations include ice caves, shows, and celebrity attractions like Elvis Presley’s decorated Graceland Mansion in Memphis, which features decorations, concerts, and a holiday lighting ceremony.
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas: Also check out Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas through January 1, 2023, in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood visitors can look forward to Glacier Ridge, the winter wonderland filled with bright displays and a 50-foot video motion Christmas tree.
Pinnacle Speedway in Lights: The Bristol Motor Speedway hosts the Pinnacle Speedway in Lights, a display with 2 million lights, from November 18th, 2022 through January 7, 2022, where visitors can take a lap around "The World’s Fastest Half-Mile."
Christmas Underground: If you are in Chattanooga, go on a Christmas Underground adventure to see an ice cave and Santa Claus in the North Pole. The event takes place in Ruby Falls from November 25th through January 1, 2023.
Christmas on the Cumberland: Clarksville hosts the free Christmas on the Cumberland, with over 1 million lights and live entertainment at McGregor Park every night from November 22, 2022 through January 2, 2023.
Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas and ICE! Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas and ICE! in Nashville spans from Nov. 20 through December 31, 2022, bringing lavish displays, more than 3 million twinkling lights, and festive décor. Special Christmas packages help you save on a holiday getaway.
Virginia: A Historical Holiday
From holiday sing-alongs and miles of cheery (and sometimes tacky) lights to Victorian and Colonial celebrations, Virginia is for Christmas-lovers.
Christmas at Mount Vernon: In 2022, celebrate at George Washington’s estate by heading to Alexandria’s Christmas at Mount Vernon between November and December.
Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade: Enjoy a variety of holiday happenings during Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade on December 3, 2022.
Monticello Holiday Events: At Thomas Jefferson’s estate in Charlottesville, Monticello Holiday Events range from visiting the decorated home to wreath workshops and Christmas shopping.
Dominion Energy Garden of Lights: The Dominion Energy Garden of Lights takes place nightly from December 15–31, 2019, at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, where you can listen to holiday music in your car and drive through the striking displays.
Dominion GardenFest of Lights: Richmond’s lighting display is the Dominion GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, open November 21, 2022, through January 8, 2023, with closures on Thanksgiving and December 24–25.
Richmond Tacky Lights Tours: Those with a sense of humor may prefer the Richmond Tacky Lights Tours, offered between December 3 and 23, 2022. Also in Richmond, take in the Holiday Merriment at Maymont, taking place on December 2-3, 2022, which includes festive decor, wreath workshops, and more.
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long: In Vienna, celebrate the holidays at the Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long at Filene Center on December 3, 2022. This unique event includes a U.S. Marine Band performance and a Christmas carol and Hanukkah song Sing-A-Long with choir and vocal groups.
Colonial Williamsburg Christmas: Always a favorite holiday destination, Williamsburg offers a look at Christmas in days past through illuminations, caroling, and more during the annual Colonial Williamsburg Christmas.
Busch Gardens Christmas Town: Also, on certain days between Nov. 11, 2022 and January 8, 2023, the city’s Busch Gardens Christmas Town shows off one of the biggest Christmas light displays in North America, plus offers food, shows, and shopping.
