You don’t have to travel all the way to the North Pole to experience holiday magic – the Southeast is home to many majestic winter wonderlands, filled with enchanting activities and celebrations for all. And the best part? They’re only a short drive away.
Less than 100 miles from home:
Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Friday and Light Up Blue Ridge
WHEN: Nov. 28, 29
WHERE: Downtown Blue Ridge
CONTACT: lightupblueridge.net or 706.258.8289
COST: FREE
Christmas tree lights and family fun abound in Downtown Blue Ridge. On Nov. 28, Blue Friday will include store discounts at downtown stores, food vendors, visits with Santa, and live entertainment from noon to 5 p.m. Light Up Blue Ridge will take place on Nov. 29, offering a variety of live entertainment, visits with Santa, a parade through downtown, and the Lighting of the Great Tree.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Holiday Express Train
WHEN: Nov. 28-Dec. 24
WHERE: 241 Depot Street
CONTACT: brscenic.com/holiday-special-rides/ or 877.413.8724
COST: $54.99/adults; $42.99/children 2-12; FREE/children under 2
Board the Holiday Express for a festive one-hour train ride and holiday magic! Passengers will enjoy festive music, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” and hot chocolate and snacks available for sale. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, a candy cane, and a chance to see Santa Claus.
Adairsville, GA
Light Up the Holidays at Barnsley Resort
WHEN: Nov. 30-Dec. 30
WHERE: Barnsley Resort
CONTACT: barnsleyresort.com or 770.773.7480
COST: $25/adults; $10/children 6-12; FREE/children under 6 (add-on special events offered for an additional fee)
The Barnsley Resort glows with over 1 million holiday lights – illuminating the Manor House Ruins, Gardens, and Village! Cozy up at the new Biergarten, then stroll to redesigned cottages. Enjoy festive train rides, cooking workshops, Santa visits, and holiday feasts at Jules restaurant. Book the “Light Up the Holidays” offer to receive a $50 resort activity credit and a hand-painted ornament. Christmas Eve and Day brunches and dinners await, so bundle up and book online for a magical escape.
Less than 150 miles from home:
Nashville, TN
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
WHEN: Nov. 7-Jan. 3
WHERE: Gaylord Opryland Resort
CONTACT: christmasatgaylordopryland.com or 615.889.1000
COST: Prices vary by event.
One of Nashville’s holiday traditions – Christmas at Gaylord Opryland – is right around the corner! Explore acres of indoor and outdoor twinkling lights and enjoy holiday activities including ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, visits with Santa, and POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance – a new musical and magical cirque holiday show. ICE!, the resort’s signature holiday attraction, will return this year for more winter magic featuring
A Charlie Brown Christmas™ and over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures.
Stone Mountain, GA
Stone Mountain Christmas
WHEN: Nov. 8-Jan. 4, select dates
WHERE: Stone Mountain Park
CONTACT: stonemountainpark.com or 478.478.6686
COST: $39.99/adults; $36.99/children 3-11
Stone Mountain Christmas is full of wonder this holiday season. Daytime attractions include the Summit Skyride and Scenic Railroad, and each evening, the park will dazzle with millions of lights. In addition, evening visitors will enjoy festive music, live performances, a magical Christmas parade, and a Christmas drone and light show. Purchase tickets online.
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood
WHEN: Nov. 21-Jan. 4
WHERE: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
CONTACT: cheekwood.org or 615.356.8000
COST: $26-$32/adults; $20-$26/youth; $17-$23/member adult; $13-19/member youth; FREE/children 2 and under
Bundle up for Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood! Embark on a magical one-mile walk through Cheekwood’s gardens – illuminated by more than 1 million lights. Experience Nashville’s classic holiday tradition, complete with s’mores, seasonal libations, and a holiday marketplace with fun for all ages. The Historic Mansion is specially decorated again this year by former White House florist Laura Dowling. Guests can tour the mansion during the day or evening and pair a daytime visit with holiday afternoon tea.
Dahlonega, GA
Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas
WHEN: Nov. 28-Jan. 6
WHERE: Downtown Dahlonega
CONTACT: dahlonegachristmas.com or info@dahlonegachristmas.com
COST: FREE
Historic Dahlonega has a month full of classic Christmas festivities in store! Beginning Nov. 28, the celebration will include live music and the Lighting of the Square and Christmas Tree. Visitors will also enjoy visiting Santa, food trucks, seasonal performances at the historic Holly Theater, as well as the Christmas Market on Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14 and the Dahlonega Christmas Parade on Dec. 13. New to the Christmas festivities is Candy Cane Kid’s Day – happening on Dec. 20 and packed full of kid-friendly activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Helen, GA
Helen’s Christmas Market
WHEN: Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 6, 7
WHERE: Downtown Markt Platz and Unicoi Hill Park
CONTACT: helenchamber.com or 706.878.1908
COST: FREE
The 18th Annual Helen’s Christmas market is set for two weekends in 2025! Hosted by the Helen Chamber of Commerce, the event offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks, and candied treats. Plenty of festive Alpine cheer awaits guests in the center of Helen, Georgia!
Less than 200 miles from home:
Gatlinburg, TN
Snow Tubing at Ober Mountain
WHEN: Nov. 22-Mar. 31
WHERE: Ober Mountain
CONTACT: obermountain.com or 865.436.5423
COST: $40/non-holidays; $45/Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday periods
Grab your gloves, ear muffs, and a racing buddy for snow tubing at Ober Mountain. Visitors will enjoy a 350-foot long snowy hill with a 50-foot total drop. With 90-minute sessions and a “Magic Carpet” to take you back up the hill over and over again, this popular winter activity is perfect for the whole family. New unlimited snow tubing is now available on select days, and don’t forget ski season, beginning on Nov. 22!
Great Smoky Thanksgiving and Christmas Arts & Crafts Shows
WHEN: Nov. 25-Dec. 7
WHERE: Gatlinburg Convention Center
CONTACT: greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com or 865.412.1012
COST: FREE
Unique and handcrafted gifts are guaranteed at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, attendees can shop handmade jewelry, pottery, woodcarvings, scented candles, bath and body products, photography, and hand-woven baskets. Stop by to see what unique offerings await!
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
WHEN: Nov. 26-30
WHERE: W. L. Mills Conference Center
CONTACT: gatlinburgfestivaloftrees.com
COST: FREE
Sparkle into the season at Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees, presented by Hospitality Solutions, Inc.! Enjoy a dazzling winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive trees. Kick off with Candy Canes & Cocktails on November 25, then join the fun when doors open at 10 a.m. on November 26. This magical tradition supports the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Boys & Girls Club – don’t miss the cheer, charm, and holiday heart!
Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
WHEN: Dec. 5
WHERE: Downtown Gatlinburg
CONTACT: gatlinburg.com or 865.436.4178
COST: FREE
Join your family and friends at the award-winning Christmas parade that thrills spectators each year! With lighted floats, marching bands, live music, balloons, Santa Claus, and more, the parade begins at 7:30 p.m. and goes through downtown Gatlinburg. Spectators are encouraged to wear Santa hats to spread the festive cheer.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show
WHEN: Dec. 31
WHERE: Gatlinburg Space Needle
CONTACT: gatlinburg.com or 865.436.4178
COST: FREE
Cheer for the New Year in downtown Gatlinburg at the 38th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and fireworks show. Witness the Smokies’ sky as it lights up with an exciting drone show, beginning at 11:50 p.m. Festivities and live music will begin at 10 p.m. at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, and visitors are encouraged to come early to take advantage of celebration offers with many local restaurants and businesses.
Pigeon Forge, TN
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
WHEN: Nov. 1-Jan. 4
WHERE: Dollywood
CONTACT: dollywood.com or 800.365.5996
COST: Prices vary by event.
Discover a winter wonderland twinkling with more than 6 million twinkling lights, dozens of towering Christmas trees and more at Dollywood’s award-winning holiday festival! While strolling through the park, visitors will enjoy heartwarming holiday shows, a delicious menu of Christmas foods, a chance to see Santa at work, as well as classic holiday music and decorated trees in Showstreet, Glacier Ridge, and Craftsman’s Valley.
