While there is no place like home for the holidays, a family getaway in the South is a swell time. Dashing through the snow, watching Santa Claus come to town, and enjoying chestnuts straight from the fire - these family friendly celebrations deliver loads of holly jolly fun all season long. 

Smoky Mountains Majesty  

Making it on Santa’s Nice list, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are a special Christmas treat for visiting families and friends. Cities like, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge hold a plethora of exhilarating family fun.  

At Dollywood, guests roam the massive theme park adorned with festive decorations during this year’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. Millions of lights warm the hearts of guests as families gather round the colossal 50-foot Christmas tree. Marvel at the artistry as Glacier Ridge recreates the mesmerizing movement of the Northern Lights. The Christmas in the Smokies award-winning musical production brings to life uplifting holiday tales with harmonious singers and agile dancers. At the DreamMore Resort, families are greeted with Christmas cheer, beautifully lit trees, and complimentary hot apple cider.  

Glide down the slopes at OberGatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area – the area’s destination for ultimate exhilaration. High on a mountaintop in East Tennessee, adventurous guests ski, snowboard and snow-tube down the slopes; while those seeking a more relaxing yet still scenic holiday, a ride on the 2.1 mile long Aerial Tramway makes a trip from downtown to the slopes a beautiful breeze.  

Immerse the family in the excitement and beauty of nature at Anakeesta. This outdoor mountain-top theme park is sure to create a lasting memory as kids explore the 16-bridge tree-top Skywalk over 50 feet in the air. Challenge a friend at the Dueling Zipline Adventure racing side-by-side on over 3000 feet of lines down the mountain. Take a seat behind the wheel at the Rail Runner – the country’s only single-rail mountainside rollercoaster. An evening discovering Firefly Village’s shopping and dining is a wonderful end to a whimsical day of exploration.  
visitmysmokies.com 
gatlingburg.com 
tnvacation.com 

The Christmas Capital of Texas 

Self-proclaimed Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine’s North Pole obsession has been stunning visitors for generations. For 15 years, township residents and Main Street businesses have been competing for the coveted title of “Best Decorations” – garnering astounding and spectacular displays and highlighting Grapevine’s deep-rooted holiday spirit.  

Hop on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express® for a ride on a vintage 1920s locomotive presented by Great Wolf Lodge. At the Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District, enjoy the sights and sounds of elves hard at work at the North Pole Neighborhood.  

Laugh away the day at a holiday cartoon paired with a creative craft at the Lancaster Theatre, Monday, Tuesday, and Fridays throughout the month. Classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman play while craft kits, like Reindeer ornaments, antler headbands, and picture frame magnets, keep little hands busy. For the older kids, the Texas Star Dinner Theater’s Holiday Show – Dismay in the Manager – is an interactive, jolly good time of Christmas pageantry, mayhem, and murder.  

Carve up the roast beast because you are in for a treat. Full of magical moments for the entire family – Grapevine’s Town Square is transformed into Whoville. With a Who Post Office and Who home-fronts hung with mistletoe wreaths, The Dr. Seuss-inspired village is the perfect backdrop for the family Christmas cards – guaranteed to turn any Grinch’s frown upside down.   

At the Gaylord Texan, stumble through classic holiday movie scenes in the “Lone Star Christmas Featuring “I Love Movies™” at Gaylord Texan. The multi-sensory experience encourages guests to embrace the moment and picture themselves in iconic sets, like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story and Elf.  
grapevinetexasusa.com 
marriot.com/gaylord/texan 
greatwolf.com/grapevine 

The North Pole in Northern Alabama 

The sparkle of delight in a child’s eye during the holiday season is the most magical moment of the season. In Alabama, the winter activities, entertainment, and lights spread Christmas cheer, far and wide.  

Kick off the joyous season with the Christmas Parade in Downtown Huntsville. Watch as the jolly old man makes his way through the streets of Northern Alabama. Follow the man in red to Skating in the Park. Hosted by the Huntsville Museum of Art, glide around the expansive outdoor rink as this family friendly event returns for its ninth year. 

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is the home for the holidays in North Alabama. Galaxy of Lights is a 25-year tradition that keeps locals and visitors enraptured every year. The 2.5 miles of brilliant lights can be enjoyed on foot or by car – there is also a special dog walking night for the furry family members. EarlyWorks’ brings to Santa’s Village to life, right in the heart of Huntsville. With activities like an ice maze, mailing letters at the North Pole’s Post Office, and crafts in a North Pole Express train car, the spirit of the season surrounds you. Dream of a white Christmas as the nightly snowfall glistens and glimmers in its descent. Embrace the cold with a snowball fight and warm up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa as the little ones prepare to meet Santa.  

Schedule a private performance on the Nutcracker with the Huntsville Ballet. The hour-long event can accommodate groups up to 15 people and will occur in the Ballet’s Studio – a marvelous Christmas gift for the little dancer.  

Hop aboard the Santa Train or the North Star Limited at the North Alabama Railroad Museum. Leisurely mingle with Santa and his helpers on the red, white, and candy cane festooned Santa Train. Be wowed under wintry, star filled skies on the North Star Limited. Encouraged to wear their pajamas, Santa visits every child during the 45-minute ride, making this a most unique and memorable holiday experience.  

In Arab’s downtown, City Park is home to the annual event, Santa in the Park. Held in conjunction with Christmas in the Park, visitors, young and old, near and far, meander through splendid displays. The breath-taking presentation features over 2 million lights in the Historic Village with buildings decked out in all the holiday trimmings.  

In Florence, stroll through the Shoals Tinsel Trail - home to tons of live Christmas trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organizations, with proceeds benefiting charity.  

At Burritt on the Mountain, the holidays take on a different kind of light. Candlelight Christmas invites guests to enjoy an evening of historic ambiance as kids make paper craft ornaments, string popcorn and cranberries, and ice cookies for Old St. Nick’s visit. For an evening feast at Burritt on the Mountain, reserve tickets for the Holiday Magic Dinner. This year, the five-day event will feature family style warmth in an upscale atmosphere. With choice of dining in the Mansion or historic cabins, the holiday dinner is an absolute must for the history buff.  

Sit back and relax as the family takes in the magic of live theatre with performances of The Sound of Music in November at the Ritz Theater, or in December, with a matinee of the ultimate holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.  
arabcity.org 
visitflorenceal.com 
greatergadsden.com 
northalabama.org 
huntsville.org  

Create holiday traditions this year with family-focused, fun-filled adventures in these magical destinations. Whether the family is hoping to hear sleigh bells in the snow, meet Santa Claus or build an army of snowmen, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.