The Best Christmas Towns For A Perfect Small Town Holiday

Dahlonega, Georgia

Carriage Ride in Dahlonega, GA — 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.

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Grapevine, Texas

Grapevine TX Market on Main — 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.

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Natchitoches, Louisiana

Downtown Natchitoches Christmas — 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.

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Aiken, South Carolina

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.

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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.

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Seaside, Florida

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!

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Lewisburg, West Virginia

Displaying Poinsettias — 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.

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Helen, Georgia

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.

Read more about Helen, Georgia.

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Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

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.

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Thomasville, Georgia

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.

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Fredericksburg, Texas

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.

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Pine Mountain, Georgia

christmas georgia callaway fantasy in lights — 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.

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Mount Dora, Florida

Mount Dora at Christmas — 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.

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Oxford, Mississippi

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.

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Bardstown, Kentucky

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.

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McAdenville, North Carolina

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.

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Naples, Florida

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.

Read more about Naples, Florida.

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Williamsburg, Virginia

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.

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Blue Ridge, Georgia

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.

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Beaufort, North Carolina

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.

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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.

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Andalusia, Alabama

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.

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Sewanee, Tennessee

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.

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Branson, Missouri

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.

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Eureka Springs, Arkansas

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.

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Charlottesville, Virginia

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."

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St. Simons Island, Georgia

Christ Church, Frederica on St. Simons Island — 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.

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Moultrie, Georgia

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.

Read more about Moultrie, Georgia.

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Leesburg, Virginia

Leesburg, VA — 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.

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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.

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