One-Tank Trips
‘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.
(Above) Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas; Photo Courtesy of Curtis Hilbun
WHEN: Nov. 26 – Dec. 23
WHERE: 241 Depot Street
CONTACT: brscenic.com or 877.413.8724
COST: $52/adults; $35/children 2-12; FREE/children under 2
Catch the Holiday Express for a festive one-hour train ride during which you can listen to holiday music, hear the story “The Night Before Christmas,” and enjoy hot chocolate and snacks available for sale. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane, and activity packet while on board.
WHEN: Nov. 27
WHERE: Downtown Blue Ridge
CONTACT: lightupblueridge.info or 706.258.8289
COST: FREE
A day full of Christmas cheer, Light Up Blue Ridge has something for the whole family – from strolling Christmas entertainment and food vendors to Santa in the park. The Gingerbread Village will be open to the public Nov. 26 through Dec. 12, while Nov. 29, Blue Friday, will feature store discounts at many downtown merchants.
Photo Courtesy of Barnsley Resort
WHEN: Nov. 28 – Jan. 2
WHERE: Barnsley Resort
CONTACT: barnsleyresort.com or 770.773.7480
COST: Nightly rates start at $315
Take a stroll through the historic Manor House Ruins, gardens, and entire Barnsley Resort village decorated with more than 1 million colorful holiday lights. The resort offers several holiday-themed events, from gingerbread house crafting and wreath crafting workshops to visits from Santa. A special “Light Up the Holidays” offer is also available for those wishing to stay overnight.
WHEN: Nov. 26 – Jan. 9
WHERE: Downtown Dahlonega
CONTACT: dahlonegachristmas.com or info@dahlonegachristmas.com
COST: FREE
Experience “the most wonderful time of the year” in historic Dahlonega, where an entire month of activities is prepared for visitors and residents alike. The magic begins on Nov. 26 with an afternoon of music and the Lighting of the Square and Tree. In addition to carriage rides and Santa visits, notable events include the Christmas Market on Dec. 3, 4, 10, and 11 and the Christmas Parade on Dec. 11.
WHEN: Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 4-5
WHERE: Downtown Marktplatz
CONTACT: helenchamber.com or 706.878.1908
COST: FREE
The Helen Chamber of Commerce will host its 14th Annual Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German event, over two weekends in 2021. 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. 13 – Jan. 2
WHERE: Stone Mountain Park
CONTACT: stonemountainpark.com or 800.401.2407
COST: Tickets start at $34.95/adults; $29.95/children
With old favorites and all-new experiences, Stone Mountain Christmas is fun for all. A delightful cast of characters makes up the Snow Angel’s Christmas Parade, while a Musical Frosted Forest mesmerizes with beautiful lights, sights, and sounds. Take part in a special visit with Santa, then check out one of several unique live shows to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Photos Courtesy of Gaylord Opryland
WHEN: Nov. 12 – Jan. 2
WHERE: Gaylord Opryland Resort
CONTACT: christmasatgaylordopryland.marriott.com or 615.889.1000
COST: Prices vary by event
A Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland is a beloved Nashville tradition. Guests can explore acres of twinkling lights, enjoy more than 17 hours of exciting activities, shows, and events, and for the first time ever, step into the world of Buddy the Elf in the all-new Gaylord Hotels Original Experience, Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™.
WHEN: Nov. 20 – Jan. 9
WHERE: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
CONTACT: cheekwood.org or 615.356.8000
COST: $16-$18/adult members; $12-$14/youth members; $19-$28/adult non-members; $12-$22/youth non-members (Advanced, timed-entry tickets are required for all guests.)
Savor the sights and sounds of the season at Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS. With more than a million lights glowing throughout the 55 acres of botanical gardens, along with a Reindeer Village, Children’s Wonderland, Nutcrackers in the Mansion, and holiday workshops, your family is sure to make lasting holiday memories.
WHEN: Nov. 19
WHERE: Ober Gatlinburg
CONTACT: obergatlinburg.com or 865.436.5423
COST: FREE for spectators
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area previews the ski season with an Ober Gatlinburg Freestyle Terrain Park Rail Jam in the Snow Tubing Park. The annual event – taking place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. – is open to anyone who wants to get the season started early. Spectators can look forward to prizes, music, and local vendors.
WHEN: Nov. 24 – 28
WHERE: Gatlinburg Convention Center
CONTACT: gatlinburgfestivaloftrees.com
COST: FREE
Dozens upon dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees await visitors in this winter wonderland at Gatlinburg Convention Center’s W.L. Mills Conference Center. Presented by Hospitality Solutions, Inc., the Festival of Trees benefits the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. The event begins daily at 10 a.m.
WHEN: Nov. 29 – Dec. 4
WHERE: Gatlinburg Convention Center
CONTACT: gatlinburg.com or 865.436.4178
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. Gorgeous quilts, old-fashioned straw brooms, woven baskets, hand-dipped scented candles, stuffed bears, leather vests, and handmade jewelry are just a few of the offerings that await!
Photo Courtesy of Gatlinburg CVB
WHEN: Dec. 3
WHERE: Downtown Gatlinburg
CONTACT: gatlinburg.com or 800.588.1817
COST: FREE
For more than 40 years, this popular Christmas parade has thrilled spectators with lighted floats, marching bands, walking units, balloons, and the jolly ole elf himself, Santa Claus. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. and goes through downtown Gatlinburg.
WHEN: Dec. 31
WHERE: Historic Nature Trail
CONTACT: gatlinburg.com or 800.588.1817
COST: FREE
Count down to 2022 in downtown Gatlinburg at the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. At the stroke of midnight, fireworks will blast off the rooftop of the 400-foot-tall Space Needle, accompanied by special music and a rhythmic LED light display. Many restaurants and businesses will be offering celebration specials in honor of the new year.
WHEN: Nov. 6 – Jan. 2
WHERE: Dollywood
CONTACT: dollywood.com or 800.365.5996
COST: Prices vary by event
Dollywood’s award-winning festival is home to millions of lights, heartwarming shows, and a winter wonderland featuring a 50-foot Christmas tree. Explore Wildwood Grove and Glacier Ridge, see holiday stories unfold on stage, and sip a mug of hot chocolate as you take in all that Dollywood has to offer.
