Day-Trip Getaways
(Above) Photo Courtesy of Dollywood
‘Tis the season to be jolly, so grab your loved ones and spread some holiday cheer at festive events throughout the Southeast! These majestic winter wonderlands offer enchanting activities and celebrations for all. The best part? They’re only a short drive away.
WHEN: Nov. 29 – Nov. 30
WHERE: Downtown Blue Ridge
CONTACT: lightupblueridge.info or 706.258.8289
COST: FREE
Welcome in the Christmas season with Christmas tree lights and family fun in Downtown Blue Ridge. On Nov. 29, 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. 30, offering a variety of live entertainment, visits with Santa, a parade through downtown, and the Lighting of the Great Tree.
WHEN: Nov. 29 – 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
Climb aboard the Holiday Express for a festive one-hour train ride. Passengers will enjoy holiday 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.
Photo Courtesy of Barnsley Resort
WHEN: Nov. 27 – Jan.1
WHERE: Barnsley Resort
CONTACT: barnsleyresort.com or 770.773.7480
COST: $25/adults; $10/children 6-12; FREE/children under 6
Over 1 million lights will illuminate the historic manor house ruins, gardens, and the entire Barnsley Resort Village for the holiday season. In addition, the resort offers several holiday-themed events, from gingerbread house and wreath crafting workshops to visits with Santa and Christmas Eve/Day brunches and dinners. A special “Light Up the Holidays” offer is also available for those wishing to stay overnight.
Less than 150 miles from home:
WHEN: Nov. 29 – Jan. 7
WHERE: Downtown Dahlonega
CONTACT: dahlonegachristmas.com or info@dahlonegachristmas.com
COST: FREE
Enjoy a full month of classic Christmas festivities in historic Dahlonega. The celebration begins on Nov. 29 with 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. 14.
WHEN: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8
WHERE: Downtown Markt Platz and Unicoi Hill Park
CONTACT: helenchamber.com or 706.878.1619
COST: FREE
The Helen Chamber of Commerce will host its 17th Annual Helen’s Christmas Market over two weekends in 2024. Offering everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks, and candied treats, this event promises plenty of festive Alpine cheer in the center of Helen, Georgia.
WHEN: Nov. 9 – Jan. 5, select dates
WHERE: Stone Mountain Park
CONTACT: stonemountainpark.com or 478.478.6686 COST: $39.99/adults; $34.99/children 3-11 Experience
the wonder of the holiday season during Stone Mountain Christmas. 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, visits from some classic holiday characters, and a Christmas drone and light show.
WHEN: Nov. 8 – Jan. 4
WHERE: Gaylord Opryland Resort
CONTACT: christmasatgaylordopryland.com or 615.889.1000
COST: Prices vary by event.
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland is a Nashville holiday tradition. Guests can explore acres of indoor and outdoor twinkling lights and enjoy holiday activities including ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and visits with Santa. ICE!, the resort’s signature holiday attraction, will return this year for more winter magic featuring The Polar Express™ and over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures.
Photo Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
WHEN: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
WHERE: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
CONTACT: cheekwood.org or 615.356.8000
COST: $26-$32/adults; $20-$26/youth; $16-$22 member adult; $12-18/member youth; FREE/children 2 and under
Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood is celebrating 10 years! Experience Nashville’s classic holiday tradition as you embark on a magical one-mile walk through Cheekwood’s gardens illuminated by more than a million lights. A delightful experience for all ages awaits, complete with s’mores, seasonal libations, and a Holiday Marketplace. Tour the Historic Mansion, specially decorated this year by former White House florist Laura Dowling.
Less Than 200 Miles From Home:
WHEN: Nov. 2 – Mar. 31, select dates
WHERE: Ober Mountain
CONTACT: obergatlinburg.com/snow-tubing/ or 865.436.5423
COST: $40/non-holidays; $45/Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday periods
Visitors will enjoy racing down a 350-foot long snowy hill with a 50-foot total drop. Offering 90-minute sessions with 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. 23!
WHEN: Nov. 26 – Dec. 1
WHERE: W. L. Mills Conference Center
CONTACT: gatlinburgfestivaloftrees.com
COST: FREE
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees will ring in the holiday season with beautiful Christmas trees and family fun. The event will kick off with a Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception on the evening of Nov. 26. Presented by Hospitality Solutions, Inc., the festival begins daily at 10 a.m. and benefits the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.
WHEN: Nov. 26 – Dec. 8
WHERE: Gatlinburg Convention Center
CONTACT: greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com or 865.412.1012
COST: FREE
Find unique handcrafted gifts made by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community at this annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handmade jewelry, pottery, woodcarvings, scented candles, bath and body products, photography, and hand-woven baskets are just a few of the offerings that await.
WHEN: Dec. 6
WHERE: Downtown Gatlinburg
CONTACT: gatlinburg.com or 865.436.4178
COST: FREE
This award-winning Christmas parade 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.
WHEN: Dec. 31
WHERE: Gatlinburg Space Needle
CONTACT: gatlinburg.com or 865.436.4178
COST: FREE
Ring in the New Year in downtown Gatlinburg at the 37th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and fireworks show. Newly added, festivalgoers can also view an exciting drone show lighting up the Smokies sky, 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.
Photo Courtesy of Dollywood
WHEN: Nov. 1 – Jan. 5
WHERE: Dollywood
CONTACT: dollywood.com or 800.365.5996
COST: Prices vary by event.
Dollywood’s award-winning Christmas festival is set to dazzle visitors with over 6 million lights, heartwarming holiday shows, and a chance to see Santa at work! While strolling through the park, visitors will enjoy classic holiday music and decorated trees in Santa’s Village, Glacier Ridge, and Craftsman’s Valley.
