Southern Affairs November | December 2022
Durant, Oklahoma / Choctaw Powwow / Nov 4, 2022 - Nov 6, 2022
Native American dancers from all over the United States gather in Durant for the annual Choctaw Powwow. Plan to attend this three-day event to witness traditional gourd dances and see who is crowned the latest princess. The first day will be Choctaw Day and the Gourd Dance at the Choctaw Cultural Center, while the second and third days will be held at the Choctaw Event Center. Experience Choctaw Nation heritage with a trip to this annual powwow in Durant.
choctawnation.com/events
Charlottesville, Virginia / Winter Wander / Nov 18, 2022 – Jan 23, 2023
The beauty of light and the whimsy of nature intertwine harmoniously at the Boar's Head Resort Winter Wander Trail of Lights presented by University of Virginia. Experience the nature of their rolling landscape during this illuminated lakeside stroll as an extraordinary palette of colorful illuminations blanket the natural surroundings for a magical show of lights like no other. The Winter Wander is a predominantly hard-surface trail that circles nearly one-half mile around Heritage Lake behind the main hotel at Boar’s Head Resort.
boarsheadresort.com/wander
Lake Charles, Louisianna / Smoke & Barrel / Nov 19, 2022
Smoke & Barrel is a one-of-a-kind event in Lake Charles, Louisiana featuring over 75 bourbons and whiskeys to taste along with BBQ from out-of-this-world pit masters. Smell the savory aroma of oak and hickory. Hear the foot-stomping sounds of top regional bands. See creative artisans and craftsmen at the top of their game. Touch the unique culture of hospitality, cuisine, art, and music of Southwest Louisiana. Smoke & Barrel will entice the taste buds of locals and travelers alike.
smokeandbarrel.org
Alpharetta, Georgia / The Lighting of Avalon / Nov 20, 2022
The Lighting of Avalon returns for the 2022 holiday season. This FREE and family-friendly celebration is a memorable event you won’t want to miss! Get in the holiday spirit with festive music and free activities. Take the family for a stroll along Avalon Boulevard for face painting, balloon art, photo booth fun, and more. From the annual opening of Avalon on Ice to the magnificent tree lighting, and an appearance from Jolly Old Saint Nick himself, there’s something exciting for all to enjoy.
experienceavalon.com/events
Little Rock, Arkansas / 44th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase / Dec 2-4, 2022
The 44th annual Arkansas craft guild Christmas showcase returns December 2-4, 2022 at the Arkansas state fairgrounds hall of industry. This event features fine arts and crafts by members and their juried guests in wood carving, wooden kitchen tools, pottery, stained glass, handmade jewelry in precious metals and stones, lamp-worked glass bead jewelry, sculpture, garden art, photography, home decor, fabric art, leatherwork, and many more unique items. There is free parking, a cash bar, and food service available.
arkansascraftguild.org
Cookeville, TN / The Grinch Festival / Dec 3 – 4, 2022
Santa Claus is coming to town, with The Grinch! Bring your family to this festive two-day event at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in Cookeville, Tennessee. It’ll be a fun filled weekend of celebrating all things Grinch and Whoville. Play fun games, win amazing prizes, shop at over 100 local craft and vintage vendors for unique gifts, wreaths, ornaments, candles, boutique clothing, jewelry, home decor, and much more. Make sure to enter the costume contest and don’t forget there’s a category for best pet costumes as well. Admission is $2 for adults but free for kids and there will be special games for kids as well as face painting, the Fortnite Battle Bys and Axe Throwing!
southernmarketevents.com
Austin, Texas / Austin Trail of Lights / December 8-23, 2022
The 58th annual Austin Trail of Lights will return to the city's iconic Zilker Park December 8-23, 2022!
The most beloved, and longest running holiday tradition of its kind in Texas’ capital city, Austin Trail of Lights powered by H-E-B, welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests from Central Texas and around the world each year for its jubilant displays of lights. The Trail now features more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels.
austintrailoflights.org
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina / 119th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight / Dec 17, 2022
The First Flight Society and the National Park Service continue the tradition of honoring the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright at the anniversary celebration of the first heavier-than-air, controlled, powered flight. The event takes place at the tent area south of the Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center parking area and park entrance fees will be waived for the day. The celebration will begin at 9:00 a. m. Please check the website for the schedule of events.
firstflight.org/anniversary
