A Southern Christmas
Forget snow. In the South, Christmas means family, festivals, and fabulous fun. A glamorous night on the town in the Big Easy, a coastal cape full of Yuletide spirit, or an informal excursion in the country - the ideal Southern Christmas is waiting.
A Beachy Holiday Break on Georgia’s Coast
While most would not associate the warm sea breeze with Christmas - locals along Georgia’s coastline would not have it any other way. The holiday months in this corner of Georgia are filled with festivals, events, and delightful activities for every visitor.
Georgia’s coastal towns kick off November with mouth-watering festivities like the 11th Annual Oyster Roast, BBQ, and Music Festival in Port Wentworth and the Kingsland Catfish Festival – while the end of November welcomes events like the Savannah Boat Parade of Lights. This Christmas parade, Savannah-style, features over 40 lighted ships, yachts, and boats with live music, a tree lighting ceremony, and fireworks extravaganza.
And it may be Christmastime, but Savannah is haunted year-round. Hosted by Sixth Sense Savannah Ghost Tours and located in select historic inns throughout Savannah, Fireside Tales is a cozy evening in as a Master Storyteller brings to life the infamous and intriguing characters of generations past. Visit nearby ort Morris Historic Site for a historically traditional celebration. With a yule log, carolers, colonial refreshments, dancing and the firing of Christmas guns, the Fort’s holiday festivities are a not to be missed.
On the southern end of Georgia’s coastline – St. Marys, home to the White Lighting and Parade, is known as the Gateway to Cumberland Island. Grab a hot chocolate from Market on the Square and enjoy this merry procession of dancers, carolers, and live performances as the Kringles make their way to the City Christmas Tree. After the Tree Lighting, children young and old tell Mr. Claus what is on their Christmas wish list.
For a holiday spent like American royalty - Greyfield Inn on the secluded Cumberland Island is the ultimate holiday getaway. The only commercial establishment on the island, the hotel is a refined stay with stately with dark woods, soft lighting, and tasteful fabrics. Previously a summer retreat of the Carnegie family, the 1900’s home exudes luxury and romance. After the continental breakfast, bask in the natural and man-made wonders of the island. With a picnic lunch in tow, explore the brick and stones of the Dungeness ruins. Lost to a fire in 1959, the Dungeness mansion had been the largest on the estate – now visitors and the island’s wild horses roam the overgrown grounds. With almost 18-miles of pristine beachfront, a secluded sunset stroll is an enchanting way to spend the evening. As the dinner bell rings, guests are invited to delight in a perfectly crafted three-course meal utilizing produce and herbs from the Greyfield Garden, as often as possible.
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explore.gastateparks.org
The Glittering Lights of the Crescent City
Classic elegance, historic architecture, and Southern style create a sophisticated stay in New Orleans. The tree-lined cobblestone streets are accented by twinkling Christmas lights and the colorful culture of the city awakens the holiday spirit in us all.
Start the holiday season off with the jaw-dropping Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans’ famous City Park. The annual festival will be modified this year with a driving light show through 25-acres of festively lit massive and ancient oak trees. This magical spectacle features over a million lights creating breath-taking vignettes and light displays. For a more sophisticated evening of twinkling beauty, visit the Lobby of the unparalleled Roosevelt Hotel. In the hotel’s landmark bar, The Sazerac, visitors sip on classic cocktails like a Ramos Gin Fizz while surrounded by Paul Ninas murals and elegant holiday decorations.
Hop on the St. Charles Streetcar after dusk and ride past the Garden District’s stunning and historic mansions draped in lights, greenery, and classic holiday trimmings. Join Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre for a Holiday Home Tour of the French Quarter as residents open their homes and courtyards for this self-guided day of discovery.
Just outside the city, Bonfires on the Levee are a traditional New Orleans Christmas activity. Huge and artistically built bonfires sit atop the Mississippi River Levees and set on fire at sundown – guiding the way for Papa Noel, the Cajun Santa Claus lead by alligators.
Dine in top tier restaurants for the month-long city-wide celebration - Réveillon Dinners. From the French word for “waking”, this truly Creole experience is derived from the late-night familial meal consumed after mass on Christmas Eve. Nowadays esteemed, and award-winning restaurants throughout the city offer special prix-fixe holiday menus – a great way to enjoy the culinary trends of the city while connecting with friends and family.
Conveniently located in the Central Business District, between the French Quarter and the Garden District, Le Pavillion is glamorous and lavish stay providing traditional Southern hospitality and modern amenities. The guest rooms are contemporary and distinguished while the Bijou Restaurant serves innovative French food in a historic setting accented with opulent fabrics and eye-catching chandeliers.
For a more traditional New Orleans aesthetic, the brick accents, supple linens, and well-appointed rooms charm guests of the historic St. Pierre Hotel. This boutique hotel is a collection of historic Creole cottages from the 1700s, masterfully renovated to bring modern amenities, colonial architecture, and Cajun-style comfort to every guest. Located in the French Quarter, the hotel is located steps away from the National WW II Museum, Steamboat Natchez, and Frenchman Street, making it the perfect home base for a New Orleans holiday.
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Cozy Country Comforts
Inviting locals and quaint hometown entertainment are on the menu in South Carolina’s Midlands region. Just up the river from Augusta, Georgia, this southwestern portion of South Carolina is overflowing with Christmas spirit, good will, and unexpected wonders.
In McCormick County, South Carolina the warmth and good cheer of the holidays can be found on every street corner. The City’s timeless architecture is festooned with lavish and artful adornments creating magical displays full of Christmas cheer. The transformed and bejeweled buildings evoke a sense of nostalgia to residents and visitors alike as the holidays approach. Holidays on Main is a yearly celebration of light, love, and laughter in the heart of McCormick County. To begin the celebration the McCormick Historical Society presents the Festival of Trees at the 1898 Grist Mill. Located in the Dorn Mill Complex, the historic grist mill is transformed into a winter wonderland with the site’s Cotton Gin hosting the annual Holiday Market featuring local and regional crafts, gifts, and goodies. Later in the afternoon, be sure to grab a good view of the Holiday on Main Christmas Parade leading up to the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the MACK amphitheater.
A night of peaceful slumber is waiting at the stunning Willcox Hotel in nearby Aiken. The historic hotel’s attention to detail paired with the expansive and stately rooms provide an intimate and tranquil retreat. Relax on Cloud Nine nestled into a four-poster bed with feather-topped mattress and feather pillows. The luxurious accommodations and the sumptuous cuisine in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant make a day exploring Downtown Aiken that much more exciting. Stop in Little Red Fox Shop for a colorful and eclectic gift or visit 3 Monkeys for designer china and décor. And a trip to Aiken would not be complete without a sweet treat for that special someone from Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe.
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With a variety of scenic playlands and sensational stays, one cannot help but be enamored with the spirit, character and charm the South displays. As residents know, and visitors discover, a Southern Christmas is a perfect Christmas.
