October
October 5-6, 2018, Beaufort Shrimp Festival, Beaufort, SC, www.beaufortshrimpfestival.com
Come celebrate Lowcountry cuisine with the best local restaurants offering samples of shrimp dishes while enjoying a stroll through Beaufort’s historic waterfront park. The 23rd annual event is perfect for the whole family and offers a Friday evening park concert, good food and a lovely view of lighted boats docked in the Beaufort River. Saturday features a Run Forest Run 5K Run/Walk, arts and crafts, live entertainment, a Popcorn Shrimp Race for kids, food and a Rubber Shrimp Race (adopt a rubber shrimp for a chance to win $5,000 or a car or boat).
October 5-7, 2018, Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, Cashiers, NC, http://www.villagegreencashiersnc.com/events/cashiers-valley-leaf-festival.php
The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is a celebration of the summer transition to autumn with brilliant fall foliage. Ten years old, this three-day event takes place over the long Columbus Day holiday weekend. Shop for unique handcrafted treasures from the more than 100 artisans and merchants throughout The Village Green’s 13+ acre park. There will be products like wood, pottery, jewelry and photography along with food and beverage vendors. Also enjoy live music on two stages during the event.
October 5-7, 2018, The 32nd North Carolina Seafood Festival, Morehead City, NC, www.ncseafoodfestival.org
A landmark year implementing some new areas with more intimate events, the award-winning North Carolina Seafood Festival continues to be one of the most highly attended seafood celebrations in the country. This three-day event offers a hometown feel with Morehead’s waterfront beckoning visitors to come eat and play. There will be live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, a Blessing of the Fleet (on Sunday), an 8K Twin Bridges Road Race, a sailing Regatta, Flounder Fling, a fishing tournament, a boat show, amusement rides, arts and crafts vendors and more.
October 5-31, 2018, The Lost Hollows Haunted Attraction, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
The Lost Hollows, a locally-owned and family-operated attraction, is the largest and most terrifying outdoor haunt in Lake Charles. From hayrides to getting lost on the Deadly Pines trail, guests return year after year for frightful entertainment. October is national bullying prevention month and The Lost Hollows Trail has partnered with the Calcasieu Parish school board to launch the “Don’t Be a Monster” campaign, a national non-profit organization that combines an anti-bullying presentation with a Halloween twist. Proceeds from this local attraction go to support this campaign.
October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 2018, Rocktoberfest at Rock City, Lookout Mountain, GA, www.seerockcity.com/events/entry/rocktoberfest
Celebrate Rock City’s German Heritage during the 12th annual Rocktoberfest. Rock City Square will be transformed for harvests and fall foliage celebrations. Enjoy live German music, polka lessons, German food, specialty beer, costumed characters and fun for the entire family Saturdays and Sundays throughout October.
October 12-13, 2018, Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival, Alpharetta, GA, http://wireandwoodalpharetta.com
Music will flow through the streets of Awesome Alpharetta as some 25 nationally-recognized singer-songwriters perform their originals offering a fabulous behind-the-scenes look at the stories that inspired many songs across the genres. This two-day festival takes place on multiple stages throughout the downtown area including Alpharetta streets, restaurants and Brook Street Park.
October 12-14, 2018, Autumn Leaves Festival, Mount Airy, NC, www.autumnleavesfestival.com
Held in Mount Airy each fall, the Autumn Leaves Festival showcases the rich musical heritage of the area including Old-Time, Blue Grass and Gospel performed by local musicians on local stages. Enjoy unique arts and crafts, food for the soul (ham biscuits, collards and cornbread, barbeque, hamburgers, etc.) and more in this three-day festival celebrating the end of tobacco and apple harvesting.
October 12-14, 2018, Fall for Greenville, Greenville, SC, www.fallforgreenville.net
Fall for Greenville showcases area restaurants (more than 40 eateries with almost 200 menu items) and the downtown area of Greenville. The largest free admission food street festival in South Carolina and one of the largest in the Southeast, this event attracts between 150,000 and 200,000 folks from across the state and beyond. Expect to enjoy live musical entertainment, children’s activities, culinary demonstrations, wine tasting, a beer garden with 20 craft breweries and various competitions.
October 12-14, 2018, Fall Pilgrimage/Tour of Homes, Natchitoches, LA, https://www.natchitoches.com/fall-pilgrimagetour-homes
The annual Fall Pilgrimage/Tour of Homes is an opportunity to visit the loveliest historic homes in Natchitoches Parish. Guests may visit several homes over three days in a choice of tours: Candlelight, Town, and Plantation.
October 13, 2018, Big Creek Fall ATV Festival, LaFollette, TN, www.lafollettetn.gov
Hosted by The City of LaFollette and Ride Royal Blue, the 4th annual Big Creek Fall ATV Festival offers a fun day of ATV riding, guided trail tours, a music concert, food, vendors, activities for kids, drag racing competitions, door prizes and fireworks. New musical entertainment has been added for 2018 as well as new guided trails. See waterfalls, grazing elk and enjoy a scenic overlook of the Appalachian Mountains.
October 13, 2018, Bowling Green Bourbon and Brewfest, Bowling Green, KY, https://bgbrewfest.com/
This event offers select regional craft brews, hand-picked Kentucky bourbons, live entertainment and more. Held annually at the Bowling Green Ballpark, the outfield will be lined with yummy food trucks and craft breweries. Distilleries will take over the concourse. This year’s event will benefit the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society and the Center for Courageous Kids.
October 13, 2018, Taste of Our Towns, Lewisburg, WV, www.carnegiehallwv.com/special-events/taste-of-our-towns
Taste of Our Towns, affectionately called TOOT, is a regular event in the Greenbrier Valley since 1984. Event attendees meander the Lewisburg streets sampling fine foods from local eateries, shops and civic groups, all as a benefit for Carnegie Hall. This year adds a food truck to the mix for grab-and-go offerings.
October 18-21, 2018, LEAF Festival, Black Mountain, NC, www.theLEAF.org
Each May and October an intergenerational family of 12,000 people gather at Lake Eden grounds to experience the power music, art and culture has to transform lives, strengthen community and foster unity. LEAF Festival is celebrating 23 years with a theme this year of trailblazing and a thematic statement: What defines the human spirit? LEAF Festival will be held on the site of the beautiful old Historic Black Mountain College.
October 20, 2018, Deep Roots Festival, Milledgeville, GA, www.deeprootsfestival.com
Deep Roots Festival is a cultural arts and music festival in historic downtown Milledgeville. Festival goers can find events throughout the day showcasing local, regional and national artists, talents and vendors. There is a car show with some 100 classic cars and an artist market with more than 90 vendors offering hand-made, hand-crafted items for sale. KidZone offers rides, inflatables and activities for the younger ones. Festival favorite, community stage, will offer entertainment of all types and Music Main Stage starts in the afternoon with live entertainment as well. In its 15th year, Deep Roots Festival is bigger than ever with more vendors and expanded KidZone and stage areas. Also look for helicopter rides this year.
October 20, 2018, Up, Up and Away, The Rock, GA, www.therockranch.com
A family-friendly event, experience seven-story tall hot air balloons, take a tethered ride (weather permitting), see trampoline acrobats perform, try out the bungee trampolines and more than 35 additional attractions across the farm.
October 20-21, 2018, 29th Annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, Georgetown, SC, www.woodenboatshow.com
One of the Southeast’s best wooden boat shows with more than 140 classic wooden boats displayed on a combination of land and water, the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show enters its 29th year. There are lots of fun opportunities like children’s model boatbuilding, knot tying, maritime arts and crafts, food and music. Saturday’s Wooden Boat Challenge is a fun attraction when teams of two race to build a rowing skiff with a four-hour time limit, followed by the true test of a rowing relay on the Sampit River. Sunday brings family fun all day long with a Cardboard Boat Regatta. All of the events are on the waterfront and along Front Street in Historic Downtown Georgetown.
October 20-21, 2018, 36th Annual Orange Park Fall Festival, Orange Park, FL, www.OPFallFestival.com
The Orange Park Fall Festival is the city’s most popular event of the year drawing thousands of folks from Florida and Georgia. A two-day event, the festival has grown to more than 200 vendors and two stages filled with entertainment. Kids have inflatables to keep them busy while mom and dad shop for unique gifts, handmade items and feast on festival foods. Pick up some fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market and have some old-fashioned fun at the pumpkin patch.
October 26, 2018, Freaky Friday Fright Nite, Farragut, TN, www.townoffarragut.org
An annual event, Freaky Friday Fright Nite always takes place the Friday before Halloween in the town’s Mayor Bob Leonard Park. Children 12 and under in costume are invited to trick-or-treat on the walk trail (greenway system) while local businesses, community groups and Town of Farragut volunteers offer treats, games and cookie decorating. This year there is more emphasis on fun rather than fright and there will be fill bins for the Ronald McDonald House. Also, teal pumpkins will be available at each station for children with food allergies.
October 27, 2018, The Barbecue Festival, Lexington, NC, www.barbecuefestival.com
Celebrating 50 years, the Barbecue Festival will be serving authentic BBQ-Lexington style. The day-long street festival features seven stages of FREE entertainment with special attractions, 300 artisans and the World’s Best BBQ. Come see the 50-ton pig-themed sand sculpture and have some amazing food.
October 27, 2018, Oktoberfest, Auburn, AL, www.auburnoktoberfest.com/
Oktoberfest is Auburn’s annual craft beer festival featuring more than 150 craft beers from more than 50 breweries around the country, more than 25 wines from German wine regions and traditional German fare. Auburn’s Oktoberfest continues its strong tie to homebrewers with homebrew alley and a chance to win an opportunity to show off your beer in a “one-off” production. Join in the fun at a new location – Auburn University’s Ag Heritage Park – a 30-acre green space with an amphitheater and disc golf course highlighted by dairy barns and a circa 1929 silo.
November
November 2-4, 2018, 29th Annual Stuart Air Show, Stuart, FL, www.stuartairshow.com
A three-day event, the Stuart Air Show features thrilling performances by nationally-known performers and a myriad of experiences for the general public, making it one of the most popular air shows in South Florida. Honoring the past and inspiring the future is the mission of the show and staying true to that statement, they give back to the community by providing financial support to several non-profit organizations. You’ll see antique, vintage and modern aircraft, have the opportunity to take helicopter rides and experience some exciting performances. Bring the kids to see aerobatics, fireworks and enjoy the Kids Zone interactive area. Don’t forget the Dirty Flight Suit Party where folks can meet the stars of the air show. Also, each year brings some new performers so don’t miss out on this entertainment-packed event.
November 2-4, 2018, Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival, Pensacola, FL, www.ggaf.org
Held in historic Seville Square in downtown Pensacola, this festival attracts some 150,000 art fans yearly. This year the event will offer more than 200 exhibitors from around the country and boast a children’s art festival as well as exceptional food and drinks. Admission is free to this event that consistently ranks in the top 100 fine art and craft shows in the Art Fair Source Book.
November 3, 2018, National Pumpkin Destruction Day, The Rock, GA, www.therockranch.com
A nationally-recognized original creation of The Rock Ranch, “Smash it, don’t trash it!” features monster truck rides and pumpkin crushing shows, pumpkin bowling, a 40-foot pumpkin drop, pumpkin smashing and more. This year The Rock Ranch adds gemstone mining and a ball toss sports challenge to the mix for even more fun.
November 3, 2018, The Shindig, Clayton, NC, www.theshindig.net
The Shindig highlights amazing Americana bands and local craft beer. With that in mind, guests will have access to up to six craft breweries, food trucks and local vendors. This event offers free admission with a limited number of VIP tickets available. Come enjoy high-caliber bands with an intimate feeling.
November 7-11, 2018, Cucalorus Festival, Wilmington, NC, www.cucalorus.org
The 24th annual Cucalorus Festival in downtown Wilmington is a walkable, welcoming event with a gorgeous riverside setting. One of the largest film festivals in the south, the award-winning event showcases over 300 films from all over the world, a diverse selection of stage performances and a schedule of top speakers from the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. Join some 19,000 cultural travelers who attend the event to celebrate art and connect with their peers.
November 8-11, 2018, Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals, Myrtle Beach, SC, www.dickenschristmasshow.com
Some 37 years ago, Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals was born as a means of bringing off-season business to the area. Today, the event is a unique art, craft and gift show garnering inspiration from the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol.” Quickly becoming the premier holiday event in the area attracting almost 15,000 attendees from all over the southeast, this Myrtle Beach treasure generates business for several parts of the hospitality industry including: restaurants, hotels, amusements, theaters, shops and so much more. This year the show will add a “Festival of Stockings” consisting of 50 fabulously decorated stockings stuffed with tiny presents and gift certificates. They will be displayed on six double-sided Victorian fireplaces at the event.
November 8-18, 2018, Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival, Pensacola, FL, www.fbisf.com
Head to the Gulf Coast (Pensacola, FL to Magnolia Springs, AL) to enjoy musicians from across the globe bringing magical music to the area. All genres are represented throughout the festival which encourages newcomers in the business along with celebrating hit writers performing for appreciative audiences. Come join the fun with the largest gathering of songwriters along the Gulf Coast at one time.
November 9-11, 2018, Petanque Amelia Island Open, Fernandina Beach, FL, www.ameliaisland.com/petanque
The beautiful harborfront town of Amelia Island is home to the largest Petanque tournament in America which takes place the second weekend of November each year. The French game, similar to bocce, draws players from 29 countries and 28 states along with avid spectators who love the ambiance, live music, food and free fun.
November 10, 2018-January 1, 2019, Holiday Festival of Lights, James Island, SC, www.holidayfestivaloflights.com
Enjoy a festive three-mile driving tour of lights along with family attractions, shopping, dining, train rides, walking trails, a Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Village at the Holiday Festival of Lights. Each year more and more attractions are added, and a food drive allows the event to contribute to the Lowcountry Food Bank. This event is family-friendly and a great outing of together time.
November 15-17, 2018, Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
Mark your calendars for the 26th annual Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market -a tradition in the Lake Area featuring more than 80 merchants showcasing apparel, gifts, accessories, specialty foods, decorative items (seasonal included) and home furnishings. Jumpstart your holiday shopping and enjoy some fantastic food at the Preview Party Gala which includes cocktails, auction items and live entertainment. Kids can attend Cookies with Santa and let their Christmas wishes be known. More than shopping, this is an event for the whole family.
November 16-18, 2018, A Showcase of Fine Crafts, Knoxville, TN, www.foothillscraftguild.org
In its 52nd year, this event offers more than 160 fine craftsmen and demonstrators from across the state. You’ll get top quality merchandise from these juried artists and guests may watch daily live craft demonstrations as they interact with artisans. Kids and adults will have fun in the “Make-It-Take-It” craft area. Located in the Jacob Building on Chilhowee Park, it’s the perfect place to kick off holiday shopping.
November 16-18, 2018, Charleston’s Holiday Market, Charleston, SC, www.gilmoreshows.com/charlestons_holiday_market.shtml
Known as the “Lowcountry’s Complete Holiday Experience,” hundreds of vendors from across the country will be at the North Charleston Coliseum Convention Center offering unique holiday gifts, decorations, celebrations, entertainment, food and fun. All the sights and sounds of the holidays will be present along with Ole Saint Nick himself. Come and immerse yourself in holiday spirit as you cross off gifts on your holiday list at this one-of-a-kind event.
November 16-25, 2018, American Sand Sculpting Competition, Fort Myers Beach, FL, www.fmbsandsculpting.com
The American Sand Sculpting Championship is one of the largest events of its kind in the nation with nearly 50,000 attendees throughout the 10-day course. This year the event continues to see growth bringing internationally-recognized sand sculptors to the area to showcase their artistic talents. What a treat for the entire family to attend such an exciting event.
November 17, 2018, 23rd Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration, Raleigh, NC, www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/events/festivals
The free American Indian Heritage Celebration is North Carolina’s signature event for recognizing National American Indian Heritage Month. Held at the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh, it is the largest event of the year with more than 100 event presenters including artists, dancers, musicians, craftspeople, drum groups, storytellers, scholars and authors. Festival highlights include Grand Entry at noon where each tribe processes onto Bicentennial Plaza for the roll call of tribes and organizations followed by dance demonstrations.
November 18, 23-25 and December 1, 7, 14-24, 2018, Winterfest Trolley Tours, www.pensacolawinterfest.org
Trolleys and double-decker buses act as theaters taking passengers to a series of interactive performances at 22 locations along a two-mile historic downtown Pensacola route. Dozens of local businesses and residents bring to life favorite characters of the season during the Winterfest Trolley Tours, a unique experience for all who attend.
November 22-23, 2018, 48th Annual Poarch Creek Indian Thanksgiving Pow Wow, Atmore, AL, www.pci-nsn.gov
Held each year on Thanksgiving Day and the day after, the Poarch Creek Indian Pow Wow features native dance competitions, drum competitions and the crowning of Poarch Creek Princesses. Enjoy food and craft vendors throughout the event and the competitiveness of different tribes from across the United States and Canada.
November 23-25, 2018, Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic Art & Craft Festival, Greensboro, NC, www.gilmoreshows.com/craftsmens_classics_greensboro_christmas.shtml
Enjoy Greensboro’s Thanksgiving weekend tradition that has been taking place for more than four decades. Hundreds of the nation’s finest artists and craftsmen gather at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center to offer unique holiday gifts, decorations, celebrations, entertainment, specialty foods and more. Guests will have the opportunity to speak personally with artisans at this award-winning event which offers tons of “Made in America” items.
November 24, 2018, The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach, Wrightsville Beach, NC, www.ncholidayflotilla.org
The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla is the Southern coastal version of a holiday parade on water at night. It is the state’s largest Thanksgiving weekend event attracting over 50,000 visitors. A weekend full of fun, visitors can expect to also see Santa at the annual tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, vendors and an antique car show.
November 29, 2018, Hometown Holidays Parade, Forsyth, GA, www.forsyth-monroechamber.com
One of middle-Georgia’s only nighttime parades, Forsyth’s Hometown Holidays Parade is a spectacular way to get into the holiday spirit with tons of lights and floats meandering through the quaintest downtown area filled with shops and restaurants. The event is well-attended in this charming historic town so put it on your holiday list.
November 29, 2018, Taste of Southern, Perry, GA, www.perrygachamber.com/taste-of-southern
In its 7th year, Taste of Southern continues to grow and expand. Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, Taste of Southern sells out every year and includes guests the likes of Congressmen, Senators and Generals. This red-carpet event offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy specialties unique to Perry as well as new flavors and friends from neighboring communities. There is great food, beer, wine and other beverages along with shopping at both live and silent auctions.
December
November 5, 2018-February 28, 2019, Smoky Mountain Winterfest, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville & Sevier County, TN, www.SmokiesFun.com
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Sevier County get all dolled up in more than 15 million lights scattered among the streetscapes and businesses to get folks in the holiday spirit. Beautifully showcasing the winter season, Winterfest holds true to the perfect family-friendly holiday destination. Come enjoy festive shopping, award-winning shows and the winter wonderland that awaits in the Great Smoky Mountains.
November 6-December 29, 2018, American Music Jubilee Down Home Christmas Show, Selma, NC, www.rudytheatre.com
The America Music Jubilee Christmas Show is a fabulous holiday treat guaranteed to get you in the spirit of the season. Sing along with classic Christmas favorites like Silver Bells, White Christmas and Christmas in Dixie, laugh at the antics of the event comedian and feel free to bring the entire family. Each year is a new show with new comedy skits and musical numbers.
November 16-December 31, 2018, Enchanted Garden of Lights, Lookout Mountain, GA, www.seerockcity.com/events/entry/enchanted-garden-of-lights
Rock City’s premiere family holiday tradition celebrates 24 years with an event where joy, wonder and magic await. Walk through Rock City’s gardens at night and view custom Christmas lights that create a magical experience. Music, food and spectacular decorations are a few reasons to SEE ROCK CITY this holiday season. There are four themed realms of wonder in the Enchanted Garden of Lights to explore such as Grand Corridor in Yule Town and Find Santa in the North Pole Village. Bring the family and make this a holiday tradition.
November 17-December 31, 2018, Holidays in the City, Norfolk, VA, www.holidaysinthecity.net
A unique multi-city partnership produces Holidays in the City in Hampton Roads which serves as an umbrella for the holiday season. More than Christmas, this event also celebrates Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve — truly something for everyone to be involved in. Enjoy the Grand Illumination Parade, pre-parade entertainment, Festive Friday shopping events, beautiful decorations and holiday lighting.
November 17, 2018-February 24, 2019, Snow Mountain, Stone Mountain, GA, www.stonemountainpark.com/events/snow-mountain
Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park is a winter wonderland full of real snow with a 40-foot tubing hill and two moving sidewalks for easy transportation to the top. Enjoy single, double or family-sized tubes that can accommodate up to eight guests at a time. Snow Mountain is a popular attraction and is offered in two-hour sessions with advanced reservations highly recommended. There is also a Snow Zone play area and a new Galactic Snow Tubing experience starting at 5:30 in the evenings for unique nighttime fun.
November 23-December 28, 2018, Celebration of Lights, Fairmont, WV, www.celebrationoflightswv.com/home.html
An annual tradition for Marion County, the Celebration of Lights is in its 10th year. During the holiday season, Morris Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with more than 420 animated light displays and it grows every year. The park is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from the Friday after Thanksgiving until the Friday after Christmas and there are two walkers-only nights. A special disc golf tournament is an encouragement for folks to visit and it’s an overall fantastic family-friendly event.
November 24-December 15, 2018, Christmas in Collierville, Collierville, TN, www.collierville.com
The Town of Collierville offers many ways to get folks in the holiday spirit and Christmas in Collierville kicks it off with the annual Tree Lighting in Town Square. Also enjoy events like the Christmas Parade, seeing Santa in the gazebo, horse-drawn carriage rides around Town Square, strolling carolers, model train displays and hot cocoa in the Depot Visitors Center — and it’s all free. Stay up-to-date with holiday happenings like the outdoor viewing of Miracle on 34th Street by checking the calendar online for Collierville.
November 23-December 31, 2018, Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore, AL, www.bellingrath.org
Magic Christmas in Lights was created in 1995 to expand the visitor experience in the Gardens by celebrating the holiday season with a special light show. The show transforms the 65-acre garden into a sea of twinkling lights and imaginative scenes sure to delight visitors of all ages. The show has grown over the past two decades to some 15 different themed scenes including three million lights and more than 1,100 lighted set pieces — and it’s all designed, fabricated, lamped, installed and maintained by the Bellingrath staff.
December
December 1, 2018, Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla, Beaufort, NC, www.maritimefriends.org
The Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla features boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season. The adorned boats may be viewed at 5:30 p.m. on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15 p.m. on the Beaufort waterfront. There is a festive awards party afterwards where prizes will be given for excellence and creativity among the participants.
December 1-2, 2018, Marietta Pilgrimage, Marietta, GA, www.mariettapilgrimage.com
Have you made plans to attend the 32nd annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour? You’ll get a glimpse inside six private Marietta homes located in the Church-Cherokee district, each of which has been restored and will be adorned with holiday décor. This event is a collaboration of the Marietta Visitors Bureau and Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society and has been featured in Southern Living.
December 1-23, 2018 (select dates), Christmas Underground, A Journey to the North Pole, Chattanooga, TN, www.rubyfalls.com/special-events/ruby-falls-christmas-underground/
Your family will love discovering the wonder of Ruby Falls Christmas Underground — the magical journey to meet Santa. Prepare to travel a secret passage to the North Pole where Santa’s Joystone miners are getting ready for the holidays. Discover a glittering ice cave, see Sugar Plum Fairy Village and find your very own Joystone on this exciting adventure.
December 1-31, 2018, Auburn Gingerbread Village, Auburn, AL, www.auhcc.com
Each December, Holidays on the Plains kicks off in Auburn with the annual Christmas Parade followed by the Gingerbread Village inside The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Enjoy complimentary cookies, hot chocolate and a hand bell choir performance by the Auburn United Methodist Hand Bell Choir. The village itself is on display in the conference center’s pre-function foyer until the new year and is a project made possible by employees from all over the hotel who construct gingerbread-covered replicas of campus buildings.
December 1-31, 2018, North Pole Stroll, Athens, AL, www.VisitAthensAL.com
Bring the family to Big Springs Memorial Park for an exciting month of festive fun. The North Pole Stroll celebrates with beautiful, LED-decorated Christmas trees throughout the park for all to enjoy.
December 1-31, 2018, Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
The holiday season in Lake Charles is hopping with parades, performances, concerts and festivities. Join in the excitement and fun for Light Up the Lake where the entire family will enjoy everything from gingerbread houses to parades by both land and sea plus fabulous fireworks displayed over Lake Charles. Get your holiday shopping done at The Holiday House, taste holiday treats and visit with the big man himself — Santa.
December 3, 2018, Downtown Columbus Christmas Parade, Columbus, MS, www.columbusmainstreet.com
Visitors and residents alike line the streets of downtown Columbus for the annual Christmas Parade. For more than 15 years Main Street Columbus has organized this event partnering with local businesses and organizations for sponsorships, floats and more. There will be lights, a themed float contest, an artwork contest for kids and lots of animated characters. Come kickoff the holiday season in Columbus.
December 7, 2018, Wassail Fest, Columbus, MS, www.columbusmainstreet.com
On the first Friday of December, Main Street Columbus partners with The Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi University for Women and businesses to create a winter wonderland among the downtown streets and storefronts. Enjoy twinkling lights, festive decorations and fantastic carolers singing, playing and harmonizing on the streets, from balconies and inside businesses. The Christmas carol, “Here We Come A-Wassailing” takes on a special meaning as guests sample a variety of Wassail (a drink whose name means “to your health”). Wassail Fest is gaining in popularity every year and is truly a one-of-a-kind event.
December 7-9, 2018, Dickens on Centre, Fernandina Beach, FL, www.ameliaisland.com/christmas
Dickens on Centre is a 4th annual festival-type event in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach on beautiful Amelia Island. This Victorian-inspired holiday festival is as fun as the dickens for the whole family. There will be costumed characters as well as themed entertainment and performances. Check off items on your gift-giving list with vendor shopping, visit Santa and enjoy the transformation of downtown Fernandina into a classic English village. This event is the perfect place to make those Christmas memories.
December 8, 2018, Beaufort Christmas Candlelight Tour, Beaufort, NC, www.beauforthistoricsite.org
The 10th annual Christmas Candlelight Tour kicks off the Christmas season in Beaufort with private homes, inns, B&Bs and churches all decorated and open for holiday tours. This year a free event has been added from noon to 5 p.m. so that guests in Beaufort can make a day of their visit. Art studios, shops and galleries will be open and showcasing local artists. Refreshments will be offered, and the Beaufort Historic Site will have six authentically restored buildings open for tours at no charge.
December 8-25, 2018, Community Holiday Light Show, Danville, VA, www.playdanvilleva.com/409/Community-Holiday-Light-Show
This 15-day event in its 5th year is the center of yuletide celebrations and traditions for residents in Southside, VA. The drive-through light show features displays built by local families, organizations and businesses along with crafts, refreshments and complimentary photos with Santa Claus inside Children’s Village. This year a snow generator will be added to the entrance of Children’s Village on select nights for even more of a cozy holiday feeling.
December 13-14, 2018, Victorian Christmas, Thomasville, GA, www.thomasvillega.com/attractions/festivals/victorian-christmas
Journey into the past as Thomasville’s turn-of-the-century downtown ushers folks into the spirit of Christmas long ago. Come stroll the bricks and enjoy violinists, carolers and pianists as well as magicians and pantomimes of yesteryear. Shop, dine and ring in the holidays with carriage rides, a live nativity, Santa visits, food and much more.