A winter getaway to the Southeast promises holiday
gatherings that sparkle with the magic of the season and downtowns that are transformed into winter wonderlands.
Experience the rich history and charm of the South in historic Charleston. Cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved architecture and friendly faces welcome you to this coastal city. Charleston’s Festival of Lights (Nov. 12 – Jan. 2) is a low-country tradition perfect for the whole family. Discover dazzling light displays, stroll through Santa’s Village, shop for hand-crafted goodies from local artisans in Santa’s Attic and the Incredible Gift Shoppe and sample fresh baked temptations in Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. The South Carolina
Aquarium’s extraordinary holiday adventure includes a fantastical trip on The Polar Express 4-D Experience, a special guest diver
from the North Pole in the Great Ocean Tank and the family-favorite Camp Carolina decked out in holiday finery.
The shimmering emerald waters and white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast glitter even more with twinkling lights and festive celebrations throughout the season. The Gulf Shores 30th Annual Tree Lighting and Open House celebration are a family friendly tradition, and Orange Beach’s Christmas Parade at the wharf ushers in the holidays in true seaside fashion.
Discover the warmth of the holiday spirit in downtown Chattanooga where the Winter Days and Lights celebration features festive events including the Grand Illumination on the River, breakfast with Santa and the Holiday Starlight Parade. Experience a traditional Appalachian folk and bluegrass Christmas celebration, go on a tropical adventure with coral reef Santa divers at the Tennessee Aquarium or spend an evening on nearby Lookout Mountain with nearly one million sparkling lights.
Sevierville kicks off their annual Winterfest event with a traditional hometown parade (December 4th) featuring live music, hayrides with Santa and the illumination of thousands of lights. Enjoy candlelight shopping in quaint shops filled with seasonal delights, an evening of dinner and theatre, and a visit with old St. Nick himself on the turn-of-the-century Marietta town square, just 15 miles northwest of Atlanta.
Make Savannah your home for the holidays with its charming historic district dressed up for the season, setting the stage for a variety of special holiday-themed tours, events and activities. Enjoy caroling aboard the Holly Jolly Trolley, wander through a gingerbread village, marvel at the Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights and more.
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