Thinking of celebrating Christmas in the South USA? Dreaming of twinkling lights, historic streets decked out in garlands, and a warm seasonal welcome? You’re in the right place.
Christmas in the South USA is pure magic. Think horse-drawn carriages, glowing oak trees, coastal boat parades, and just the right mix of tradition and quirk. Whether you want a cozy mountain retreat, a festive city break, or a palm-fringed Christmas by the beach, I’ve rounded up some of the most magical places to celebrate Christmas in the Southern United States.
From the charm of Savannah’s historic squares to the twinkle of Asheville’s Biltmore Estate, these Southern Christmas getaways are guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. If you’re wondering where to go for Christmas in the South, this list is full of festive inspiration.
15 Magical Places To Celebrate Christmas In The South USA
Asheville, North Carolina
Christmas at the Biltmore Estate is the definition of holiday grandeur. The largest privately owned home in America turns into a glittering fairytale filled with more than 100 decorated trees, thousands of ornaments, candlelight, and live music echoing through its vast halls.
Outside, the Blue Ridge Mountains make the perfect snowy backdrop, and downtown Asheville is full of holiday charm, artisan gifts, and warming Appalachian cuisine.
Want more local Christmas events? Check out our full breakdown of the 10 Festive Ways To Celebrate Christmas in Asheville NC.
Savannah, Georgia
Spanish moss draped in twinkly lights? Yes, please. Savannah’s Historic District glows with understated Southern elegance.
Take a holiday trolley tour, wander through festively decorated squares, and shop for handmade gifts at the Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District. Bonus: the weather’s mild, so you can enjoy it all without a bulky coat. It’s one of the best Christmas towns in the South for a cozy-yet-warm holiday vibe.
For even more Savannah holiday fun, like Christmas on the River and the Savannah Christmas Market see our 12 Festive Ways To Celebrate Christmas In Savannah GA.
Key West, Florida
For a Christmas with conch shell vibes, Key West brings the tropical holiday cheer. Think festive boat parades, lighted palm trees, quirky house light competitions, and cocktails with peppermint rims.
Don’t miss the “Lighted Bike Parade” or the annual “Holiday Historic Inn Tours.” It’s kitschy, colorful, and full of that unique Key West spirit.
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin’s Dickens of a Christmas festival transforms this picturesque town into a Victorian wonderland. Expect carolers in top hats, roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn carriages, and plenty of small-town charm.
The whole Main Street gets involved, making it feel like you’ve walked onto a Hallmark movie set. It’s a holiday destination in the South USA that brings old-time charm to life.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg offers a candlelit Christmas with authentic 18th-century flair. Step back in time with traditional decorations made from fruits, greenery, and natural materials.
Enjoy fife and drum performances, holiday concerts, and guided tours by lantern light. It’s an immersive, old-world Christmas experience.
Here are some more Festive Places To Celebrate Christmas in Virginia.
New Orleans, Louisiana
NOLA does Christmas with jazz, beignets, and a side of spectacle. Celebration in the Oaks in City Park features over a million dazzling lights, plus holiday train rides and marshmallow roasts.
In the French Quarter, enjoy free Christmas concerts, caroling in Jackson Square, and special Reveillon dinners inspired by Creole tradition. For Christmas travel South USA-style, New Orleans is unmatched.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston blends coastal beauty with Southern charm. During the holidays, the city lights up with the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island, charming Christmas markets, and candlelight tours of historic homes.
Bonus: the city’s natural beauty and romantic streets make it a dreamy Christmas destination for couples. It’s a postcard-perfect spot for holiday strolls, sweet treats, and timeless traditions.
Here are some more Festive Christmas Towns In South Carolina You Must Visit.
Grapevine, Texas
Grapevine isn’t called the “Christmas Capital of Texas” for nothing. With more than 1,400 festive events during the season, including parades, live performances, and the magical North Pole Express train ride, this small town goes BIG on Christmas spirit.
From twinkling lights to family fun, Grapevine guarantees nonstop holiday cheer.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas turns this mountain town into a glowing snow globe (even if it’s not snowing).
Wander the historic square under golden lights, catch the Christmas parade, and warm up with hot cocoa from a local café. It’s a festive gem in the North Georgia mountains.
It’s one of those towns where holiday magic really feels real.
Fredericksburg, Texas
With German roots and a charming Main Street, Fredericksburg is full of festive traditions.
The Christmas Nights of Lights show, the 26-foot tall wooden pyramid, and cozy wine tastings in local vineyards make it a unique Southern holiday experience with a bit of Bavarian flair. It’s one of those towns where holiday magic really feels real.
St. Augustine, Florida
Nights of Lights in St. Augustine is one of the most stunning Christmas light displays in the country. Over 3 million white lights drape the Spanish colonial architecture, creating a soft, magical glow.
Take a trolley or boat tour for a unique perspective, then grab a cinnamon latte and stroll the cobblestone streets. The combination of history and holiday sparkle is simply unforgettable.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg becomes a glowing mountain village during the holidays. The town sparkles with millions of LED lights, and nearby Dollywood hosts Smoky Mountain Christmas, complete with holiday shows, rides, and twinkling displays.
Perfect for families and mountain lovers alike. It’s one of the top Christmas vacations in the Southern USA for anyone who loves a little mountain magic. You’ll feel like you’re in a storybook winter wonderland, minus the stress.
Natchez, Mississippi
Known for its historic mansions, Natchez offers a slower, more nostalgic holiday experience.
Enjoy candlelight tours of antebellum homes, a charming Christmas parade, and views of the Mississippi River framed by lights and ribbons. It’s quiet, cozy, and beautifully Southern, a true magical Christmas town in South USA.
Come for the calm, stay for the candlelight and history.
Helen, Georgia
This tiny Bavarian-inspired town is adorable year-round, but Christmas turns it into a full-blown alpine fantasy.
Sip hot cider as you wander the lit-up streets, shop for ornaments in Christkindlmarkt-style shops, and maybe even catch a dusting of snow in the Georgia mountains. It’s like hopping into a snow globe in the middle of Georgia.
Want more Helen holiday insight? Don’t miss our 10 Festive Ways To Celebrate Christmas In Helen Georgia.
Oxford, Mississippi
Home to Ole Miss, Oxford lights up with hometown holiday cheer. The Square glows with lights and window displays, and locals gather for the annual Christmas parade, carriage rides, and tree lighting.
It’s got all the warmth of a classic Southern Christmas, making it one of the best Southern Christmas getaways if you want small-town magic. It’s a festive slice of Southern charm with deep literary roots.
Whether you prefer your Christmas with mountain views, twinkly beach vibes, or historic charm, the South delivers.
From grand estates to coastal villages, each of these destinations brings its own flavor of festive magic. So grab some hot cocoa (or a frozen daiquiri, depending on where you’re headed) and make this holiday season one to remember.
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