Through Dec. 30 CHRISTMAS IN ROSWELL An array of tours, activities, events, theatrical performances, music, dance, high teas, and candlelight tours offers a variety of things to do in historic Roswell, Ga. 770/640-3253. visitroswellga.com.
Through Dec. 30 SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL For seasonal holiday fun, Dollywood offers an array of shows, activities and more for great family fun with something for all ages. Transformed into a winter wonderland, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival features festive stage shows, festival foods, thrilling rides and over 4 million sparkling lights. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. dollywood.com.
Through Dec.31 CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY Knoxville's most anticipated winter festival dresses for the holidays with lighted trees and decorations - including the popular and growing Up on the Rooftops displays - plus dozens of events guaranteed to bring holiday cheer. Knoxville, Tenn. 865/215-4248. ci.knoxville.tn.us/christmas/.
Through Dec. 31 GALAXY OF LIGHTS Don't miss North Alabama's favorite holiday tradition at Huntsville Botanical Garden. See Santa soaring over a delightful winter village. Nursery rhyme characters dance and frolic among traditional scenes of the season. And, best of all, experience the magic of the twinkling icicle forest. Huntsville, Ala. 256/830-4447. hsvbg.org.
Through Jan. 1 A STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS Georgia’s most popular attraction offers festive fun for all ages during the annual holiday celebration. More than 2 million Christmas lights twinkle in the reproduction 1870s town of Crossroads. Traditional favorites include The Polar Express 4D™, laser show, stage shows, sing-along Christmas train, fireworks, snowfall celebration, Crossroads Christmas parade and visits with Santa. Stone Mountain, Ga. stonemountainpark.com.
Through Jan. 1 CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE The magnificent Biltmore Estate features close to 100 decorated Christmas trees, more than 1,000 wreaths and bows, 1,450 poinsettias, miles of garland and thousands of ornaments. To add to the sparkle, holiday music performed by ensembles fills the halls with seasonal cheer. Asheville, N.C. biltmore.com.
Through Jan. 30 GATLINBURG WINTER MAGIC Winterfest Celebration transforms the mountain resort town of Gatlinburg into a spectacular winter wonderland. A holiday craft show, Christmas parade, Winter Magic Tunes & Tales, and the popular New Year's Ball Drop combine with millions of LED lighting displays and attractions to make Winterfest an activity filled season in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg, Tenn. 865/436-0509. eventsgatlinburg.com.
Nov. 18-Dec. 30 FANTASY IN LIGHTS Features over six miles of more than a dozen larger-than-life holiday scenes illuminated with 8 million twinkling lights. Scenes include Snowflake Valley, a winter wonderland of snowflakes and white lights, a Magical Christmas Garden and Santa’s Workshop, complete with animated versions of Santa’s elves busy at work. The Christmas Village, an indoor shopping and dining area, features roaming Fantasy in Lights characters and the chance to visit Santa. Pine Mountain, Ga. callawaygardens.com.
Nov. 18-Dec. 31 ROCK CITY'S ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS Award-winning event features more than 30 holiday scenes and a million blinking bulbs throughout the winter wonderland! Fun for all benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities. Lookout Mountain, Ga. 706/419-4004. seerockcity.com.
Nov. 18-Jan. 3 A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS® Radio City Christmas Spectacular® starring the Radio City Rockettes®! Plus, ICE! – featuring the classic holiday special Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town™ and interactive ice sculptures, cruises aboard the General Jackson Showboat and more. Nashville, Tenn. 615/458-2877. christmasatgaylordopryland.com.
Nov. 18-Jan. 9 WINTER AT GRACELAND During the holidays, Graceland features many traditional decorations that Elvis enjoyed for Christmas at his beloved Memphis home. On the front lawn, a festive display welcomes visitors with a replica of the greeting from Elvis' first Christmas at Graceland in 1957, “Merry Christmas to All, Elvis.”In the mansion, Elvis’s traditional Christmas decorations include Presley family Christmas gifts and artifacts, red draperies at the windows of the front rooms, changed from the usual blue draperies each year for the holidays. Seasonal events usually include a tree lighting ceremony, nighttime tours and special exhibits, and Elvis-Santa and more. Memphis, Tenn. winter.elvis.com.
Nov 19-20 PLANTATION WILDLIFE ARTS FESTIVAL Celebrating 15 years, the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival has become one of the premier wildlife and sporting arts festivals featuring local artists, children's art contest, junior wildlife art exhibition, lectures and demonstrations and more. Explore room after room of sculpture, paintings, photography, master crafts, carvings and jewelry. Thomasville, Ga. 229/226-0588. pwaf.org.
Nov. 19-Dec. 30 “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” AT BULLOCH HALL The historic 1839 childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, President Theodore Roosevelt’s mother, in Roswell will be decorated for the season. Roswell, Ga. 770/992-1731. bullochhall.org.
Nov. 19-Dec. 30 LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS Celebrating over 20 years of South Carolina’s largest and longest running holiday tradition, Lights Before Christmas presents dazzling light displays of almost one million lights, featuring everything from splashing elephants to a dancing tree and nightly snowfalls. A few highlights include: Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, The Polar Express™ 4D Experience, visits with Santa, roasted marshmallows at the cozy Jingle Bell Bonfire and warming hot chocolate or Starbucks coffee top off the experience. Columbia, S.C. riverbanks.org.
Nov. 19-Dec. 31 CHRISTMAS IN CHARLESTON Tours of historic homes and plantations decorated for the season rekindle visions of Christmas past. The Holiday Market features original designs and work from over 250 talented artists and craftsmen. Stroll through Santa’s Village and see the meticulously hand-crafted holiday sand sculpture constructed with 50-tons of sand and view sugary structures entered in the gingerbread house competition. Charleston, S.C. 800/774-0006. christmasincharleston.com.
Nov. 19-Dec. 31 CHRISTMAS AT HAY HOUSE “The Twelve Days of Christmas” will be reflected in the décor of each room of the historic Hay House. Children’s programs, luncheons and parties, in addition to daily tours ($5.50 to $9.50) also scheduled. Macon, Ga. HayHouse.org.478/742-8155.
Nov. 19-Jan. 1 TANGLEWOOD FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Tanglewood’s rolling countryside will be transformed into a winter wonderland of giant snowflakes and whimsical scenes. From storybook scenes to holiday themes, over one hundred displays and over a million lights fill Tanglewood Park with the entire splendor and joy of the Holiday season. Enjoy roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate at the Red Barn Holiday Gift Village, filled with custom-made items. Clemmons, N.C. 336/778-6300. tanglewoodpark.org.
Nov. 19-Jan. 31 NIGHTS OF LIGHTS Millions of tiny white lights will glow along the ancient streets and historic buildings of the Nation’s oldest city when the 16th Annual Nights of Lights celebration sparkles to life. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting in St. Augustine reflects the city’s 444-year history while creating a beautiful setting for the exciting events and tours. St. Augustine, Fla. 904/543-0785. getaway4florida.com/nights/.
Nov. 22-Jan. 1 CHRISTMAS ON THE CUMBERLAND Walk-thru holiday festival on the RiverWalk thrills all ages with traditional and fantasy creations twinkling with a millions lights. Santa visits, floats and charming children’s performances. Clarksville, Tenn. 931/645-7476. christmasonthecumberland.com.
Nov. 23-27 FANTASY OF TREES This special holiday event will showcase a theme of "A Holly Jolly Christmas, "highlighted with whimsical decorations and wintry designs that celebrate and showcase the fun and festive holiday season with reindeer at play, this year's "hot holiday colors" of lime green and bright reds, and twinkling snowflakes, glitter and lights. In addition, new children's activities and shops will also reflect this year's festive theme. All proceeds from admission ticket sales, children's activities, designer sales and holiday shop sales at the Fantasy of Trees benefit Children's Hospital. Knoxville, Tenn. 865/541-8385. fantasyoftrees.org.
Nov. 25-26 NORTH CAROLINA HOLIDAY FLOTILLA Start the holiday season beach-style. Tree lighting ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, illuminated flotilla, Captain’s Party, Festival in the Park and awesome fireworks. Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 910/256-2120. ncholidayflotilla.org.
Nov. 25-27 CRAFTSMEN'S CHRISTMAS CLASSIC ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Features original designs and work from hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople from across America. See the creative process in action as many exhibitors demonstrate throughout the weekend. There is something for every style, taste and budget with items from the most traditional to the most contemporary. Greensboro, N.C. 336/282-5550. christmasclassic.com.
Nov. 25-Dec. 31 "MUSIC, MIRTH, AND MERRIMENT" Experience Christmas customs that would have been familiar to New Bernians of the past. View an early settlement camp, tour the Grand Opening of Tryon's Palace, and experience traditions ranging from the 18th century through the middle of the 20th. Multiple historic homes will be decorated and interpreted for the various time periods. New Bern, N.C. 800/767-1560. www.tryonpalace.org.
DECEMBER
Through Dec. CHRISTMAS AT COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG Fragrant handmade decorations, the glow of candlelight, seasonal music and festive fireworks bring the magic of Christmases past to Colonial Williamsburg. Hundreds of special programs and events offer memorable fun for all ages. Advance reservations are necessary for many of the popular events. Williamsburg, Va. colonialwilliamsburg.com.
Dec. 1 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS PARADE Forsyth ushers in the holiday season in grand style with its annual nighttime holiday parade, a brilliant spectacle of lights and music promenading through Forsyth's historic commercial district. The parade features marching bands, dance troupes, floats lit with colorful, sparkling lights, horses, and more. Forsyth, Ga. 888/642-4628. themiddleofeverywhere.com.
Dec. 1-4 CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER People travel from coast to coast to see the floats that really float. As in years past, visitors will gather to hear the reading of the Christmas Story, enjoy candlelight tours of our antebellum homes, see the crowning of St. Nick, and the famous championship BBQ cook-off. Demopolis, Ala. 334/289-0270. christmasontheriver.com.
Dec. 2 FANTASY OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS PARADE Bundle up and generate a healthy dose of holiday cheer at the 35th annual Christmas Parade festival in Gatlinburg with more than 100 parade entries including dozens of floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, lots of lights and helium balloons as well as special guest Santa Claus Gatlinburg, Tenn. 865/436-0509. eventsgatlinburg.com.
Dec. 2-3 DECATUR HOLIDAY CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES Take a look inside some of Decatur's most interesting homes decorated for the holidays. This year’s home tour highlights the 100th year of Oakhurst becoming a city. Proceeds benefit the Decatur Youth Fund and the Decatur Preservation Alliance. Decatur, Ga. 678/553-6573. decaturtourofhomes.com.
Dec. 2-4 THE WOODSTOCK MARKET & SHOW An Outdoor Market and Antique Show will feature an eclectic mix of goods ranging from plants and flowers to fresh produce, antiques to vintage, architectural salvage to metal art, and unique and one-of-a-kind items. Woodstock, Ga. 770/517-7771. woodstockmarketshow.com.
Dec. 2-31 CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Experience the ultimate high voltage holiday as Stephen Foster State Park is filled with over 4 million lights. Drive through the park to see unique holiday light displays, including the majestic oak trees adorned with thousands of lights, an antebellum museum dressed in full holiday splendor, a gingerbread village located at the gift shop and craft square, candy cane forest, Santa’s runway and much more. The centerpiece of the park’s light display is the Carillon Tower which illuminates the night sky standing more than 200 feet tall dressed from head to toe in lights as holiday music rings from its bells. White Springs, Fla. 877/635-3655. floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster.
Dec. 2-3, 9-10,16-17, 23, 30-31 RUBY FALLS’ RUBY RED CHRISTMAS Enjoy beautifully decorated grounds and falling snow outside the Cavern Castle and listen to Mrs. Claus read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Finish the evening off with a horse and carriage ride by Down South Carriage. Chattanooga, Tenn. 706/419-4004. rubyfalls.com/christmas.
Dec. 3, 9-11, 16-23, 26-30 WILD WONDERLAND Celebrate the season with family and friends in the unique setting of the Lowry Park Zoo at night. See more than a million twinkling lights, real reindeer and elaborate holiday displays. Enjoy free rides, and of course, meet the jolly old elf himself. Tampa, Fla. 813/935-8552. lowryparkzoo.com.
Dec. 8-9 VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Let the cool December evening, brick lined streets bathed in lamp light, and the quaint historic shops of Thomasville take you back to a Christmas in a bygone era. Enjoy horse drawn carriages, strolling carolers, holiday shopping, dancers, musicians, museums, food and holiday delicacies, and of course, St. Nicholas. Thomasville, Ga. 229/228-7977. thomasvillega.com.
Dec. 10 CHRISTMAS ON THE BAYOU Boats are elaborately decorated for this lighted boat parade that encompasses the entire coastal waterway and ends with a huge party. Gulfport, Miss. 228/324-2724. christmasonthebayou.org.
Dec. 10 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN Festivities include a movie, crafts, treats, horse and buggy rides, train rides and a photo with Santa. Santa comes to Winchester every second Saturday in December. Winchester, Tenn. 931/967-2532. winchester-tn.com.
Dec. 10-11 HOLIDAY TOUR OF HISTORIC INNS 17th annual two-day holiday tour of St. Augustine Bed and Breakfasts. The inns, decked out in holiday finery, open their doors to hundreds of visitors who enjoy refreshments and food from St. Augustine's finest restaurants, who partner with the inns for the festive open house. Many inns on the tour also offer art displays and musical entertainment. A portion of the proceeds go to charity. St. Augustine, Fla. 904/347-6260. staugustineinns.com.
Dec. 17-19 THE LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE This two-hour play incorporates a Biblical story, animals and special events as the choir transforms into a custom-built 49-foot-tall 'tree' that holds thousands of lights synchronized to the music lights. Knoxville, Tenn. 865/577-4222. knoxtree.org.
