The Best Cities to Visit During the Holiday Season
There are plenty of wonderful ways to celebrate the holidays. Spending time with family and friends is a treat in itself. However, finding fun and engaging seasonal activities can only make these experiences more memorable. Here are the best cities around the southeast to visit during the holiday season.
Nashville
Cheekwood Holiday Lights
Cheekwood is a 55 acre botanical garden and art museum. The estate was originally built in 1929 and currently stands as both a beautiful display of greenery and a historic structure. The garden hosts evolving displays year-round. In the spring, it offers 150,000 blooming bulbs. And in the winter, it hosts the Holiday Lights celebration with over one mile of lights. The holiday display is breathtaking and a must-see when in the area. Be sure to make a stop after securing your Nashville vacation package. It is a good idea to purchase tickets beforehand because it frequently sells out.
Christmas at the Ryman
Nashville is widely-known for the exceptional talent of musicians that live and play there. There is no better example of a Nashville-only experience than Amy Grant & Vince Gill’s annual Christmas celebration at the Ryman Theater. The country power couple will play 12 concerts this year, including their first offering of matinee shows. Join them in the historic Ryman Theater for a celebration of the holiday season.
Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Resort
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is rolling out its 36th annual Country Christmas celebration. The resort is so much more than a hotel. It’s an experience. The lights alone are worth a visit, but Country Christmas has a lot more to offer than just that. There’s an interactive ice sculpture display themed around the holiday classic, “A Christmas Story.” There’s a “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” musical. And country-legend Trace Adkins will lead a Christmas celebration almost every night of the week.
Are you looking for a quick getaway this holiday season? Visit Sweet Magnolia Tours to see their Nashville vacation packages.
Chattanooga
Ruby Falls Christmas Underground
Ruby Falls is a year-round attraction in Chattanooga. It’s a cave system that holds the nation’s largest underground waterfall. As you can imagine, this is a sight to see even when the holidays aren’t around. But a secret cavern passage opens in December that takes visitors to the North Pole to visit Santa Clause. This family-friendly attraction offers an ice cave, snow flurries, sparkling geodes, as well as stops at the Sugar Plum Fairy Village, Penguin Palace, Polar Creek, and more.
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Rock City is actually located in Georgia, but it’s a short six mile drive from Chattanooga. It is a 4,100-foot walking trail up and around Lookout Mountain. It features caves, rock formations, and beautiful gardens. The Garden of Lights is a huge holiday celebration that runs from November through the first few days of January. With four different themed “realms,” the Enchanted Garden of Lights offers many different experiences in a singular trip. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a gingerbread cookie and some hot cocoa.
Holiday Lights at the Chattanooga Zoo
The Chattanooga Zoo is more than a place to encounter exotic and beautiful animals. While it is certainly a place for that, they also rehabilitate wildlife and focus on the conservation and preservation of animals. Holiday Lights sees the Chattanooga Zoo turn into a winter wonderland. See the zoo covered in lights, watch the animals open their presents, or get your picture taken with Santa. There’s a lot to do at the zoo throughout the holidays.
Savannah
Christmas on the River
Savannah’s Christmas on the River is a weekend full of holiday cheer. River Street is a beautiful stretch in downtown Savannah with great views of the river. This already-beautiful area will be decorated with stunning lights and other holiday regalia. Take in a production of “How the Dancing Grinch Stole Christmas.” Camp out for the gorgeous Lighted Christmas Parade. Or simply sit back and enjoy some live music while enjoying the company of your friends and family.
Savannah Philharmonic’s Holiday Spectacular
The Savannah Philharmonic is a wonderful treat any time of the year. The quality of musicianship is simply stunning. This year, the first half of the Holiday Spectacular will cover O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” It tells the story of a husband and wife as they try to navigate the difficult task of buying each other Christmas presents with very little money. The second half of the performance will feature a Motown holiday tribute.
Savannah Santa Train at the Georgia State Railroad Museum
There are few things kids love more than trains. And what better combination is there than trains and Santa Claus? The Georgia State Railroad Museum hosts a holiday treat for the whole family. Activities include face-painting, crafts, seasonal treats from local vendors, a ride on a steam-powered locomotive, and of course visiting with Santa.
Sweet Magnolia Tours is your place to find Nashville vacation packages. Visit us today!
CMA Fest: Tips for an Unforgettable Trip
Country music fans from around the world flock to Nashville every summer to enjoy the largest country music festival in the world. The official concerts ring through the downtown streets for four nights, but the fun doesn’t stop there. The entire city opens up to the numerous visitors. Restaurants, bars, shops, and more are excited to show you a good time.
There is a lot to take in and even more to think about. But you don’t want to spend your time pondering what to do and where to go, so we’ve compiled a handy guide to make sure you get the most out of your time in our beautiful city.
Here are our tips to make your trip to Nashville’s CMA Fest 2020 unforgettable.
CMA Fest 2020: Everything You Need To Know
CMA Fest has been providing country music fans with an opportunity to come together since 1972. It has grown over the years to be the biggest country music festival in the world. And after a record-setting 2019, the 2020 CMA Fest is set to be another one for the history books. Country music fans travel from all over the world to experience CMA Fest in Nashville.
A little preparation can go a long way to help you enjoy your time as much as possible. Here’s what you need to know.
An Elvis Experience for Diehard Fans
A Nashville Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Nashville knows how to celebrate the holidays! If you’re looking for a traditional celebration with flare, you need to come to Music City and stay at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. At Sweet Magnolia Tours, we’ve put together the ultimate holiday package that includes accommodation at one of the largest and grand hotels in the city. The Gaylord Opryland Hotel has a lot to offer their guest this Christmas with events, shows, and live music.
Inside the Glint Walking Tour of Chattanooga
Chattanooga is situated at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It boasts quite a bit of opportunities for visitors to get out and explore the fantastic terrain! Walk gorgeous trails, explore caves, or go for a climb. However you want to experience the outdoors, Chattanooga is waiting for you.
Insider Guide: Top 5 Places to Visit in Tennessee
For a truly, one-of-a-kind traveling experience, you must visit Tennessee. The state offers many activities and attractions for families, couples, and groups. You can hike the Appalachian Trail or visit Elvis Presley’s estate. Take a tour of legendary recording studios or visit a museum for a bit of culture. History is lurking at every corner. Visit landmark sites like the Grand Ole Opry or treat yourself to the most authentic southern cuisine.
Planning the Ultimate Trip to Nashville
Nashville has quickly become one of America’s biggest tourist destinations. People love it because it maintains a small town vibe even though it’s a big city. If you are joining the hundreds of others flocking to the area to enjoy the music and culture, we’ve got great suggestions on where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
The NFL Draft 2019 is Coming to Nashville, TN
If you haven’t heard already, the NFL Draft is coming to Nashville. This year, Music City has decided to shake things up a bit, and the city is making a few changes to what football fans expect from the experience. First and foremost, the event is entirely free for all attendees. But, you’ve also got a unique blend of football and music that’s never been done for an NFL Draft before.
New Orleans: A City Rich in History and Culture
The French Quarter located in New Orleans is iconic. It’s only half a square mile, but one of the most recognizable. Established by the French in 1718, the area goes by another name as well, the Vieux Carre. The translation from French to English meant “Old Square” and was given in the late 1800s. Its location is on the banks of the Mississippi River. This dynamic area is the location of a lot of creativity. New Orleans is famous for inventing jazz and gospel music while contributing creatively to art and cuisine as well. The history is as vibrant as the cultural impact.
