Backroad Bulletin: December Events🎄
Enjoy holiday light shows, old-fashioned festivities, and more
Holiday festivities are all around you. We’ve highlighted some of the best places and ways to celebrate the season in our December Backroad Bulletin. Be sure to check the event websites for details before you head out.
Biltmore Candlelight Christmas Evenings
November 2, 2024–January 5, 2025
Asheville, North Carolina
After recovering from Hurricane Helene, Biltmore’s holiday season is in full swing. Enjoy a yuletide visit to see thousands of Christmas lights, glittering garland, sparkling ornaments, and the magnificent estate decked out for the holidays, just as it has been for nearly 130 years.
Tweetsie Christmas
Select evenings November 29-December 30
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Experience a Wild West Christmas town at Tweetsie Railroad—complete with a real train ride behind a historic steam locomotive, Santa’s Gingerbread House, twinkling lights, sing-along carols, and festive family activities.
Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas
November 29-January 5
Dahlonega, Georgia
This Top 25 Hallmark Christmas Town has it all: a tree lighting event, Christmas Parade, Santa sightings, carriage rides, music, wine tastings, extended shopping hours, and more.
10th Annual Wee Christmas Dollhouses & Miniatures Show
December 1-30
Fredericksburg, Virginia
View a wee Christmas neighborhood featuring Historic Kenmore’s own dollhouse, furnished down to the china on the table and paintings on the wall. Other community members display their miniature pieces as well during this festive event.
Christmastown
December 2-26
McAdenville, North Carolina
McAdenville is known for its traditional festivities and has been nicknamed “Christmastown" thanks to annual events such as Christmas light displays (December 2-26), a tree lighting ceremony (December 2), and a yule log parade (December 12).
Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Lights
Select nights November 30-January 5
Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina
Brookgreen Gardens is adorned with 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights this time of year. Walk the garden’s paths from 4-9 p.m. with a warm cup of cider while you listen to holiday music and celebrate the season.
An Old Fashioned Christmas at Exmore
December 5, 5-8 p.m.
Exmore, Virginia
Shop amid twinkling lights and festive holiday decorations in an old fashioned Christmas atmosphere. Enjoy refreshments, Santa sightings, and giveaways. This event is held in conjunction with the New Ravenna Artisan Faire featuring handcrafted artworks and gift selections.
Camden Candlelight Tour of Homes
December 14; 3-9 p.m.
Camden, South Carolina
Experience the 47th Annual Camden Junior Welfare League’s Candlelight Tour of Homes, featuring beautifully decorated homes throughout Camden’s historic district.
12 Days of a Tennessee Christmas
Various locations and dates
Take your pick of festive events, from small town festivals to millions of lights displayed in festive decor.
Holiday Light Shows
Jump in your vehicle and drive to—or through—these festive light shows, categorized by state.
Georgia
South Carolina
North Carolina
Virginia
Tennessee
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Thank you for sharing these amazing locations. I highly recommend The Biltmore and Brookgreen Gardens. Merry Christmas!