If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Winter Travel Ideas 30 Festive Small Towns That Promise A Charming Christmas Getaway Celebrate the spirit of the season. By Tara Massouleh McCay Tara Massouleh McCay Tara Massouleh McCay is the Senior Travel and Culture Editor for Southern Living. A writer and editor with 10 years of experience in producing lifestyle content for local, regional, and national publications, she joined the Southern Living team in 2021. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on November 23, 2024 Photo: Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau This winter, skip the crowded cities, and spend your Christmas in one of the South's most charming towns. These destinations may be small in size, but they have plenty of holiday spirit—you'll get all the hot cocoa, town square parades (or boat parades on the water!), and scenic horse-drawn carriage rides you could wish for. Whether it's the Gulf Coast, the Outer Banks, a German village in Georgia, or Virginia's Colonial Williamsburg, all of these small-town spots are worth a spot on your Christmas travel list. From stunning light displays to family-friendly festivals, there is no shortage of activities for the whole crew to enjoy. While these small towns boast all of their usual year-round appeal—think quaint downtown shops, photo-worthy town squares, and Southern hospitality—they're truly something special when decked out for Christmas. We're blessed with some of the mildest weather in the country during the Christmas season, and we like to take full advantage. Take a drive to these cozy, Christmas-loving towns, and you're sure to make wonderful memories, and maybe even some new traditions. The 18 Cutest Christmas Towns In The South 01 of 30 Dahlonega, Georgia Robbie Caponetto If you've been sleeping on Dahlonega's Old-Fashioned Christmas, it's time to wake up and smell the gingerbread cookies. Southerners everywhere travel from far and wide (we ran into a group of girlfriends all the way from Texas!) to catch this place during Christmastime. The North Georgia town is draped in twinkling lights and overrun with rambling horse-drawn carriages. We know, what a problem to have. The town's month-long celebration features everything from a hometown parade to a charming tree lighting. More On Dahlonega 02 of 30 Grapevine, Texas Robbie Caponetto Do you know about the Christmas Capital of Texas? Let us introduce you. Grapevine touts more than 1,400 holiday events throughout the season, but they had us at "Christmas Wine Trains." Family-friendly activities range from The Parade of Lights to watching classic movies or Christmas concerts at the Palace Theatre. The Gaylord Texan Resort—already an impressive sight—is transformed with millions of lights, a rotating Christmas tree that's more than 50-feet tall, miniature train sets, and even a life-sized gingerbread house. More On Grapevine 03 of 30 Natchitoches, Louisiana Robbie Caponetto This small Louisiana town celebrates Christmas in a big way. The annual Festival of Lights runs for 40 days and attracts visitors from all over who arrive with family in tow to take in the more than 300,000 glittering lights and riverbank holiday decorations on display. The Christmas Festival is also a huge draw, replete with a boat parade, fireworks, and a holiday market. This small town Christmas celebration is well worth a road trip. Don't leave town without trying one of Natchitoches's famed meat pies. More On Natchitoches 04 of 30 Aiken, South Carolina Peter Frank Edwards/Redux In South Carolina's thoroughbred country, you can't find a cozier destination than Aiken, a small town with lots to recommend. Wander through town, and you'll no doubt think it looks like the loveliest holiday postcard. Stay at The Willcox Hotel, and you'll be close to all of the festivities. Christmas craft shows, lights displays, and tree festivals ensure there's always a celebration happening here during the holidays. More On Aiken 05 of 30 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Courtesy Visit Myrtle Beach Enjoy the coastal charm of Myrtle Beach at Christmastime. Don't miss Brookgreen Gardens, which is filled with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and flickering candles during the winter season. And be sure to catch a Christmas show with your family at one of Myrtle Beach's beautiful theaters. More On Myrtle Beach 06 of 30 Seaside, Florida Rush Jagoe Head to Florida for a coastal Christmas full of festivities and seafood galore. Seaside is a fantastic beach town because there is so much to do on 30A in December. Marvel at the beautiful holiday decorations, shops for your gift list, and check out the amazing restaurants for celebratory drinks and meals. Added bonus: you won't even need to bring a jacket! More On Seaside 07 of 30 Lewisburg, West Virginia Ball & Albanese The Greenbrier resort (in nearby White Sulphur Springs) is reason enough to plan a trip to the Lewisburg area. Families have been spending Christmas at The Greenbrier for centuries, and once you see the incredible decorations at the hotel, you'll understand why. There are plenty of other places here where you can feel the holiday magic, including the lovely shops of downtown Lewisburg. To really get in the spirit, catch an area performance of the West Virginia Symphony. 08 of 30 Helen, Georgia SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images If you're looking for a Bavarian-style winter wonderland, you'll find it, and more, in Helen. From downtown parades to Victorian Christmas celebrations to a Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas market), there is no shortage of festivities to enjoy in this small Georgia town with big Christmas charm. More ON hELEN 09 of 30 Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina Blockade Runner Beach Resort Drop your anchor at Wrightsville Beach for the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, a boat-filled parade on the water that culminates in a spectacular fireworks show. The flotilla lights up the night, and the weekend is filled with an accompanying tree-lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, and a family-friendly festival with food and music galore. more on wrightsville beach 10 of 30 Thomasville, Georgia Robbie Caponetto Traverse the charming cobbled streets of Thomasville during the town's classic Victorian Christmas Festival. Enjoy the carolers, carousel, and ice carvings with your family in tow, grab a coffee from Grassroots Coffee Company, and make time to pop into the community's other wonderful downtown shops. more on thomasville 11 of 30 Fredericksburg, Texas Fredericksburg PR Small-town Texas gets an infusion of Christmastime charm with the annual festivities held in Fredericksburg, a community located in Central Texas, west of Austin. The town's old-fashioned celebrations are characterized by carolers, a three-day Christmas festival extravaganza, and plenty of nostalgic downtown shopping every December—all the while paying tribute to its German heritage. Enjoy kolaches (yeast buns filled with fruit or sausage) and Christmas bratwurst. more on Fredericksburg 12 of 30 Pine Mountain, Georgia Jim Dillard Nothing will make the kids happier than Christmas at Callaway. Located in the small town of Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens hosts what can only be described as "the ultimate Christmas extravaganza." The main attraction: Riding through a dazzling illuminated forest, complete with synchronized Christmas carols. But you can also make merry (and shop for gifts) in the Christmas Village, meet holiday characters up close, and have an overall festive stay at Callaway's resort. 13 of 30 Mount Dora, Florida Mount Dora CVB Make a visit to merry Mount Dora to experience the best of the holidays. Central Florida doesn't get much more festive than this fun small town, where you can see two million twinkling lights throughout the town. Stop by St. Nick's Holiday Shoppe to really get your celebration on, and don't miss the annual Christmas walk, a fun block party for the community complete with carolers and musical performances. There's also a Christmas tour of homes and the local-favorite Christmas boat parade, which brings the festivities to the water. more on Mount dora 14 of 30 Oxford, Mississippi Robbie Caponetto This college town has Christmas spirit aplenty, lighting up with glimmering decorations, lush greenery, and seasonal decor each December. Check out the Gingerbread House Village, Santa's Workshop, and Holiday Ornament Auction, as well as the Oxford Christmas Parade on the downtown square for family fun. Before you leave, make sure to hit Square Books to find a unique gift. more on oxford 15 of 30 Bardstown, Kentucky Robbie Caponetto Bardstown's beloved Main Street is a perfect destination for your seasonal adventures. Kick off the holidays with the Light Up Bardstown event, a light-filled festival that signifies the beginning of the season in this small Kentucky town. Don't miss the much-anticipated visit from Santa Claus or the plentiful browsing opportunities in Bardstown's downtown shops. more on bardstown 16 of 30 McAdenville, North Carolina bauhaus1000/Getty Images McAdenville is known as Christmas Town, USA. Plan a visit this year to see why. In December, this small town fills up with Christmas cheer, and local homes all light up for the season. It's worth a visit just to drive through the illuminated neighborhoods, but there are also plenty of holiday festivities (including a Christmas tree lighting, a yule log ceremony, a seasonal 5K, and a holiday festival) that will get you in the spirit too. more on mcadenville 17 of 30 Naples, Florida America / Alamy Spend your Christmas on the Gulf enjoying all that Naples has to offer, including the Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay and the nearby Night Lights in the Naples Botanical Garden, favorite events of both locals and visitors alike. Meander the Naples Pier, spend some time with your toes in the sand, and do all of your Christmas shopping Gulfside. more on naples 18 of 30 Williamsburg, Virginia Courtesy of Visit Williamsburg Experience Colonial flavor in Williamsburg at Christmastime. The yearly Colonial Christmas celebration lets visitors explore the Jamestown Settlement and meander the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown—so you can celebrate Christmas and learn about American history at the same time. 19 of 30 Blue Ridge, Georgia Facebook/Blue Ridge Scenic Railway This is the closest thing you'll get to the Polar Express down in these parts. This mountain getaway feels as magical as the man in red himself. Start your holiday journey by hopping on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Santa Express. Your family will hear a Christmas story, sing carols, meet holiday characters, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as the famous couple makes their way through the train. more on blue ridge 20 of 30 Beaufort, North Carolina Cedric Angeles Stop by the south end of the Outer Banks for a classic North Carolina Christmas. Don't miss Beaufort's Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla, a charming yearly parade of boats and holiday lights held in the area every December. There's also a model train show, a holiday art walk, a candlelit homes tour, and an old-fashioned holiday market each Christmas season in Beaufort. more on beaufort 21 of 30 Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Visit Panama City Beach Head down to the beach for a warm weather Christmas celebration of lights, festivals, and fun. The holiday magic spans the length of 30A and then further down both ways via Highway 98 to Destin and Panama City Beach. Bring your gift list because Santa Rosa Beach and its neighboring beach towns are filled with sweet shops. Plus, the area's fantastic restaurants are perfect for gathering with friends and family. 22 of 30 Andalusia, Alabama Atlantagreg/Getty Images Andalusia is Alabama's quintessential small town Christmas destination. Each December, you can find snow in this South Alabama town thanks to the Christmas in Candyland celebration, a free event that brings games, ice skating, train rides, kids activities, and a faux-snow tubing hill to the downtown area. While you're in town, be sure to indulge in a slice of seven-layer chocolate cake from famous bakery Dean's Cake House. 23 of 30 Sewanee, Tennessee Van Chaplin and Mark Sandlin Spend your Christmas in Tennessee for music and holiday magic on the Cumberland Plateau. Book a stay at The Sewanee Inn, located on the campus of Sewanee: The University of the South, one of our region's most beautiful campuses. Be sure to secure tickets to the university's annual Lessons and Carols services, which are held each December. The special Christmastime services are held in All Saints' Chapel, which is bedecked in flickering candles and lush greenery hung by students and staff of the university and Sewanee community members. 24 of 30 Branson, Missouri Courtesy Silver Dollar City Visit Branson, Missouri for the Ozark Mountain Christmas festival, a month-long holiday extravaganza complete with great music, festive lights, and fun parades. Grab the kids and jump on the Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Train Ride for a rollicking time on the tracks and plenty of excitement for the whole family. More on Branson 25 of 30 Eureka Springs, Arkansas Southern Living Spend Christmas in Eureka Springs for an unforgettable holiday season. Don't miss the Eureka Springs Christmas Festival, the annual Silver Tea at the Crescent Hotel, a downtown Christmas parade, and the annual Christmas tree lighting. The kids will love an afternoon with Santa (and reindeer games) in one of the town's charming parks. This small town promises music and merriment aplenty. more on eureka springs 26 of 30 Charlottesville, Virginia Visit Charlottesville/Brantley Ussery Charlottesville has all the charms of a small town, from its historic buildings to its close-knit feel. During the holiday season, you'll find that Charlottesville quiets down as college students head home for the holidays. Book a rare nighttime tour of Monticello to see the mansion decorated for Christmas as it would have been in Jefferson's time: full of greenery, candlelight, and 18th-to-19th century holiday hymns like "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful." more on charlottesville 27 of 30 St. Simons Island, Georgia Peter Frank Edwards Christmas on the coast is always something to write home about, and when you visit Georgia's Golden Isles, you're in for a treat. Stay in St. Simons Island for shopping at locally-owned boutiques, holiday barbecue at Southern Soul Barbecue, and long walks on the beach. Stop by neighboring Sea Island to experience The Cloister at Sea Island when it gets dressed up for the holidays. The resort has a full calendar of holiday events to keep you busy during December. A Lowcountry Christmas: Celebrate the Season on St. Simons Island and Sea Island 28 of 30 Moultrie, Georgia Caroline Rogers This small South Georgia town is legendary for its glittering downtown lights display. The canopied LED lights fill the downtown Moultrie square each December, attracting visitors from near and far. The holiday season kicks off on Thanksgiving night with Lights! Lights!, an event in which the community gathers on the square. The classic courthouse square is aglow with cascading strings of vibrant lights, under which you can find festive events, shopping, and restaurants to enjoy. 29 of 30 Leesburg, Virginia traveler1116/Getty Images This Virginia town, which is located in picturesque Loudoun County, has a historic district perfect for exploring during the holidays. Don't forget to pick up your last-minute gifts at Leesburg's locally-owned boutiques before settling in for a cup of joe at a cozy coffee shop or a pint at a craft brewery. Find all of the best restaurant options on King Street, and then take in the glowing lights of the city as the sun downs. More on Leesburg 30 of 30 Gatlinburg, Tennessee The Gatlinburg Express delights spectators watching the annual Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. Photo: © Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Head to Gatlinburg for holiday fun in the Great Smoky Mountains. Few mountain vacation destinations are as popular as this one, where you can find everything from a high-flying resort experience to a tranquil cabin in the woods. If you're looking for a winter wander, you'll find it near this fun town, which is known as the Gateway to the Smokies. Also, if you're lucky and the weather's just right, you might just get to experience the beautiful landscape surrounding Gatlinburg blanketed in snow. More on Gatlinburg Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit