Christmas in the South

Christmas and the holiday season have a special meaning in the rural south. There are parades in every little town and the local volunteer fire company is busy polishing their trucks. The churches vie for best float honors and carolers gather in the town square to sing the praises of their savior and the season. The cities put on their best lights and tourists flock to join in the fun at Rock City and Pigeon Forge.

Here are some great ways to have fun and celebrate the season in Dixie. Come and explore these fantastic activities and Christmas events in the South, y’all!

Take your children for a ride on the Polar Express and visit with Santa. Board the train in historic Bryson City, North Carolina for a delightful trip across the beautiful North Carolina countryside. When the train reaches the North Pole, Santa Claus climbs on board with a special gift for each little boy and girl.

Sponsored yearly by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, the 75 minute round trip adventure departs the depot in Bryson City between November 4^th and December 24^th. Warm cocoa and family fun is served all round and reservations can be made online or by phone.

If you come to the south during the holidays be sure to visit Dollywood and the great smoky mountain Christmas events going on there. From early November right up to Christmas there are some fantastic Christmas light displays with over 4 million lights decorating the park. Fantastic floats make the Parade of lights a delightful holiday experience for the whole family

The entertainment includes great country music shows performed at the Back Porch Theater and heart warming Southern gospel music by the Kingdom heirs. Your family can watch a Christmas play or visit Santa’s workshop.

Visit the park in Pigeon Forge and then try nearby Gatlinburg, TN for a taste of southern holiday hospitality and some great shopping bargains, too! You can tour the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Holiday Show and enjoy the trolley ride of lights. There is fun, food and adventure for everyone in the family.