If you are looking for the perfect place to spend Christmas in the South, we have some truly enchanting locations to share with you. Enjoy the Christmas of your dreams – with all the Southern charm you need to make the season merry and bright!
Best Places to Spend Christmas in the South
Are you looking for the perfect location for a Christmas vacation in the South? After all, the southern states are a wonderful place to visit during the winter holidays. When much of the rest of the country is shivering and shoveling snow, the weather down south is a lot milder in the winter.
In fact, it is usually warm enough during the day that in many places – if you really want to – you can pretend that it isn’t really Christmas at all.
But if you aren’t looking to avoid the holiday, but rather, to actually completely immerse yourself in it, there are some places where you can spend Christmas in the South where you may feel like you stepped right into a Hallmark movie. If you dream of a town filled with Christmas lights, wandering carolers, and everything else that makes the holiday special, here are nine Southern places where Christmas comes to life!
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Table of Contents
- Best Places to Spend Christmas in the South
- The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- The Charm of Christmas in the South
- More Places To Visit in the South
Andalusia, Alabama
When the people of Andalusia celebrate Christmas, they go all out. Visit pretty much anytime during the month of December to enjoy Christmas in Candyland, an annual holiday event.
There are all kinds of fun winter events happening for Christmas. Custom-built, kid-sized Candyland Cottages create a magical experience. And these people don’t let a little thing like “no snow” stop them from snow tubing, ice skating, and even enjoying a good snowfall for a while on the weekends. And of course, the little ones will be happy to see Santa Claus in attendance, too!
Saint Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine has so much to offer throughout the year. This historical city is filled with charm and beauty everywhere you turn, but it becomes downright magical during the holidays.
From late November until the end of January, St. Augustine celebrates the holiday season every evening with their annual Night of Lights.
This stunningly beautiful event truly must be seen in person to be properly appreciated. If you are a fan of Christmas lights, it is well worth the effort to get to St. Augustine during the holidays.
But wait, there is so much more going on in St. Augustine during the Christmas season. Spend a weekend and make your reservations early. This is a hot spot for a fun family holiday weekend trip.
- Christmas on the Farm at Sykes Family Farm
- Lighthouse & Maritime Museum Lighthouse Illuminations
- St. Augustine Trolley Tours
- Ripley’s Red Train Tours
- and more
Dahlonega, Georgia
If you dream of spending Christmas in the perfect little country town from your favorite Hallmark movie, start making your travel plans now for Christmas in Dahlonega, Georgia.
This pretty little town has been featured in not one, but TWO Hallmark Christmas Movies. 2015’s Christmas in the Smokies, and 2016’s Christmas in Homestead were both filmed in Dahlonega. So, if you are looking to step into a Hallmark movie for Christmas, here is your chance.
In this small town, the holiday spirit is so strong with special events, live music, light displays and fun for the whole family.
- Carriage Rides
- Christmas Parade
- Arts in the Park Christmas Shopping
- Food Trucks
- Visit with Santa
- and more
McAdenville, NC
Imagine a place where everything is decorated for the season – every shop, every building, every tree. And you can enjoy their beauty from horse-drawn carriages as you sip cocoa to take the chill off the evening.
Imagine strolling along down streets that seem so magical and bright with cheerful people, a Yule Log Parade, carolers, a tree lighting ceremony, and more.
The folks of McAdenville are so confident of their Christmas cheer that they have dubbed their town to keep up with all the cool happenings during the month of December. And if you’re the athletic type, you can even join up for the Christmas Town 5K!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
When you visit the Grand Strand, you will see that when it comes to spending Christmas in the South, the folks of Myrtle Beach really want to spend Christmas with you.
This beautiful city on the beach is a fun vacation getaway for so many reasons. But this city goes above and beyond to give you everything you need for the family Christmas vacation of your dreams. In fact, there are so many seasonal activities happening that the holiday event calendar gets off to a strong start on November 1st.
You may have to tell the boss you need two months off!
- Winter Wonderland at the Beach
- Lots of Holiday Shows
- Amusements
- Attractions
- Grand Strand Shopping
- more
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Winter is a beautiful time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. I have narrowed it down to three of the most popular destinations in the Smokies where lots of excitement is happening during the holiday season.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The city of Gatlinburg believes in really celebrating the holidays. There are all kinds of events going on from the first of November through the end of February, and you definitely need to check out their events calendar just to keep track of it all and make your plans.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are only about 4 short miles apart down a picturesque road. The Winterfest celebration begins before the last leaf can fall in November. The city will be draped in more than 5 million colorful Christmas lights. It is sincerely a magical time.
Also, See 16 Things To Do in The Smoky Mountains
Dollywood
And as if all the happenings going on in town aren’t keeping you too busy, you definitely need to pay a Christmas visit to Dollywood! There you will find over 5 million more Christmas lights to make you feel as if you are walking through your own Hallmark movie.
You’ll feel like you’ve found a special little Christmas village where carolers sing in perfect harmony and there is hot cocoa around every corner. And if you need a little thrill, you can always enjoy a roller coaster ride or two before continuing your stroll. Does it get any merrier than that?
Sevierville, Tennessee
Did you know that Sevierville is Dolly Parton’s hometown? Yep. But there is so much more. We enter Sevierville on 441 Parkway and always make a trip to the Tanger Outlets with 100+ stores.
Attractions in Sevierville include indoor and outdoor family fun. Theatres and Shows for entertainment and so much more.
Williamsburg, Virginia
The City of Williamsburg is such a rich and important part of American History, it is a great place to visit any time of year. And when you head there for Christmas, you will experience all the best of the old world – and the new.
The special holiday events get started during the latter half of November and continue all season long. But even if you just spend time hanging out in Colonial Williamsburg, you will be swept back to Christmases long ago.
Delicious aromas and glittering store displays will tempt you along the way as holiday music dazzles your ears. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or go ice skating for a while, and then go relax at one of the many great live shows they have going on.
So, if you’ve wanted to party for Christmas where our forefathers walked, here’s your chance!
The Charm of Christmas in the South
These are just a few of the wonderful and charming places where you can spend Christmas in the South. From friendly people to delicious foods, Southern hospitality feels a lot like Christmas, even in the middle of June!
Andalusia, Alabama
St. Augustine, Florida
Dahlonega, Georgia
McAdenville, North Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Sevierville, Tennesseee
Williamsburg, Virginia
More Places To Visit in the South
- Great Places To Go Camping in Alabama
- 7 Unique Places To Stay In South Carolina
- Baywatch Beach Resort Review at Myrtle Beach
- 40+ Museums & Sites with Free Admission in Georgia
- Big List of Festivals in Tennessee
- 7 Best Southeastern Beaches For Families
