12 Southern US Christmas Destinations Worth Visiting
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Dreaming of a Southern-style Christmas? Whether you’re drawn to twinkling light displays, cozy small towns, or warm-weather escapes, the South knows how to celebrate the season with charm and heart. From festive mountain towns to waterfront cities glowing with lights, these destinations offer everything from classic holiday parades to historic home tours and Christmas markets.
If you’re planning a Christmas vacation below the Mason-Dixon line, these Southern US destinations are worth putting at the top of your holiday travel list.
Grapevine, TX
Nicknamed the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine goes all out for the holidays with more than 1,400 festive events packed into just 40 days.
Wander the historic Main Street to see it draped in twinkling lights and vintage-style decorations, or hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express for a magical ride with Santa.
Don’t miss the Peace Plaza Ice Rink, the Parade of Lights, and holiday-themed wine tastings at local wineries.
Natchitoches, LA
Famous for one of the oldest and most dazzling holiday festivals in the South, Natchitoches transforms into a glowing wonderland each Christmas. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival has been lighting up the historic district since 1927, with over 300,000 lights and 100+ set pieces along the Cane River.
Stroll the brick-lined Front Street to enjoy carriage rides, fireworks shows, and a festive boat parade. With its French Creole architecture and warm Southern hospitality, Natchitoches offers a holiday experience that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
McAdenville, NC
Nicknamed “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville is a small town with a big holiday reputation. Each December, nearly every home and tree in this charming North Carolina village is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, drawing visitors from all over the South.
A walk or drive through town reveals festive displays, a lit-up lake fountain, and classic Southern charm wrapped in Christmas cheer. With over 65 years of tradition and free admission, McAdenville is a must-see for anyone craving small-town magic during the holidays.
Savannah, GA
Savannah’s moss-draped oaks and cobblestone streets take on a storybook quality during the holidays. The city blends Southern charm with festive elegance—think holiday lights strung along historic mansions, carolers in the squares, and Christmas markets along the riverfront.
Don’t miss the holiday tours of historic homes, the festive lights at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, and the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade.
Williamsburg, VA
Christmas in Williamsburg is like stepping into a living holiday postcard—especially in Colonial Williamsburg, where 18th-century traditions come to life. Expect flickering lanterns, hand-crafted wreaths on historic doorways, and reenactments of early American holiday customs.
The Grand Illumination event lights up the town with fireworks, music, and candlelit streets. Nearby Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town also dazzles with over 10 million lights and festive shows, making Williamsburg one of the South’s most magical Christmas destinations for families and history lovers alike.
St. Augustine, FL
America’s oldest city takes holiday spirit seriously—especially during its iconic Nights of Lights. From mid-November through January, the entire historic district glows under millions of white lights, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.
Horse-drawn carriage rides, bayfront strolls, and holiday boat tours add extra magic. Pair that with Spanish colonial architecture and mild winter weather, and you’ve got one of the South’s most memorable Christmas getaways.
Charleston, SC
With its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and harbor views, Charleston offers a charming backdrop for Christmas celebrations. The city sparkles with seasonal décor, from the twinkling lights along King Street to the elaborate displays at the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island.
Historic house museums host special holiday tours, and the mild Lowcountry temperatures make it easy to enjoy carriage rides, waterfront walks, and outdoor markets well into December.
Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, TN
Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg turn into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
In Pigeon Forge, Winterfest transforms the town with over five million dazzling lights, creating a magical drive-through experience. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas adds even more cheer, with award-winning shows, seasonal treats, and a massive Christmas tree that lights up the park.
Just a short drive away, Gatlinburg charms visitors with its Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, festive decorations along the Parkway, and the SkyLift Park’s light-covered SkyBridge offering sweeping mountain views.
Together, these two towns deliver the perfect mix of small-town charm, big holiday displays, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Helen, GA
With its Bavarian-style architecture and cobblestone streets, Helen feels like a fairytale village year-round—but at Christmas, it becomes downright magical.
The town’s Christkindlmarkt brings German holiday traditions to life with handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and festive music. Stroll through the twinkling streets to see shop windows adorned with garlands and lights, or take in the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains dusted with winter frost.
The annual Lighting of the Village kicks off the season in late November, and horse-drawn carriage rides add to the old-world charm.
Fredericksburg, TX
This charming Hill Country town blends Texas hospitality with deep German heritage, creating a unique holiday experience. Fredericksburg’s Marktplatz transforms into a winter wonderland with its 26-foot-tall German Christmas Pyramid, twinkling lights, and an ice-skating rink.
The town’s Christmas Nights of Lights show fills the square with music and synchronized illumination each evening, while Main Street’s boutiques overflow with holiday décor and gifts.
Add in nearby wineries offering seasonal tastings and you’ve got a perfect mix of small-town charm, old-world tradition, and Texas flavor.
Asheville, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a magical mix of mountain scenery and holiday splendor. The city’s crown jewel is the Biltmore Estate, which dazzles with miles of garland, more than 60 elaborately decorated trees, and evening candlelight tours that feel like stepping into a Gilded Age Christmas.
Downtown Asheville hums with holiday markets, street performances, and local craft shops perfect for unique gifts. The nearby Winter Lights display at the North Carolina Arboretum adds another layer of sparkle, making Asheville a warm and welcoming seasonal escape.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio blends its rich history with plenty of holiday magic. The famous River Walk glows with more than 100,000 twinkling lights draped over cypress trees, creating a romantic and picturesque setting for evening strolls or boat rides.
Visitors can enjoy the Ford Holiday River Parade, festive mariachi performances, and seasonal markets filled with handmade crafts. The historic Alamo Plaza also joins in the celebration, featuring colorful decorations and a towering Christmas tree, making San Antonio a uniquely Texan holiday destination.
Natchez, MS
Perched on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Natchez offers a charming Southern Christmas steeped in history. The town’s beautifully preserved antebellum mansions open their doors for special holiday tours, showcasing lavish decorations and period traditions.
Downtown Natchez glitters with lights, wreaths, and garlands, while the annual Christmas parade and tree-lighting ceremony bring the community together. Visitors can also enjoy the Natchez Christmas Market and carriage rides through the historic district, creating a warm, nostalgic holiday experience.
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