From stunning light displays to a New Year’s Eve extravaganza, December is always jam-packed with events — so there’s no excuse not to make a little time for holiday fun. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite December events happening around the South this month. Enjoy!
Through December 29, 2024: Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees — Memphis, TN
Benefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees is a winter wonderland that brings the holiday season to life with awe-inspiring Christmas trees, penguins at play, and even visits with Santa Claus himself. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for children and seniors. moshmemphis.com
Through December 31, 2024: Christmas Pilgrimage Tour of Historic Homes — Natchez, MS
Hosted by the Natchez Garden Club, the Christmas Pilgrimage of Historic Homes offers the perfect blend of history and holiday cheer. The event invites visitors to tour beautifully adorned historic buildings, including Choctaw Hall, Linden Bed & Breakfast, and The Towers. For additional details and to purchase tickets, check out visitnatchez.org.
Through January 4, 2025: WinterFest — Charlotte, NC
Taking place at Carowinds Amusement Park, WinterFest offers seasonal fun for your entire family, including breathtaking illuminations, ice skating, holiday-inspired food, and a nightly parade. Tickets start at $32.99 and can be purchased at carowinds.com.
Through January 5, 2025: Holly Jolly Holidays — Oxford, MS
Now in its fifth year, Oxford’s Holly Jolly Holidays is moving to mTrade Park in 2024! Throughout the holiday season, you can enjoy ice skating, beautiful light displays, and visits with Santa. For additional details, visit hollyjollyoxford.holiday.
Through January 5, 2025: Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival — Paristown, KY
Head to the heart of Paristown, KY, to enjoy the annual Fête De Noël (“Festival of Christmas”) Winter Holiday Festival. The event includes Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice skating rink, the Brent Street Holiday Market, train rides, photos with Santa, and delicious food and drinks. Prices and hours vary based on each event. paristown.com
Throughout January 2025: Carols & Barrels Pop-Up Bar Trail — Nashville, TN
The Tennessee Whiskey Trail makes it extra easy to plan your pop-up bar adventures this holiday season! They’ve rounded up details on some of the best Christmas bars in and around Nashville, including Peg Leg Porker Spirits Tasting Room, Standard Proof Whiskey, and Jack Daniel’s at the Omni Nashville Hotel. To see a complete list of bars and download your pop-up bar passport, visit tnwhiskeytrail.com.
December 2 – 8, 2024: Light Up BGKY — Bowling Green, KY
Make plans to visit Bowling Green, KY, this holiday season to attend Light Up BGKY. Offering multiple seasonal events over the course of one week, you can enjoy everything from dazzling light displays to ice skating, a Christmas parade, and so much more. To see the complete schedule of events, visit lightupbgky.org.
December 5 – 8, 11 – 15 & 18 – 22, Holiday Spectacular — Birmingham, AL
Kick off the holiday season with a spectacular performance that captures the magic of this festive time of year: Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular. With dazzling dance numbers, beautiful solos, and an ensemble of over 75 talented performers, this show is a true celebration of the season. Visit redmountaintheatre.org to see last year’s trailer and purchase tickets.
December 6, 2024: Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade — Gatlinburg, TN
Back for its 49th year, Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade offers fun for your entire family. The award-winning parade includes decorated floats, lively marching bands, and an appearance by Santa Claus. The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Baskins Creek Bypass and continues through Downtown Gatlinburg. gatlinburg.com
December 6, 2024: Light Up Etown — Elizabethtown, KY
Light Up Etown begins at 7 p.m. on December 6 with a lively Christmas parade. Additional festivities include live performances, snack vendors, and Christmas carols. The evening concludes with a countdown to the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting. elizabethtownky.org
December 6, 2024: Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade — Tupelo, MS
Now in its 76th year, this year’s Tupelo Christmas Parade theme is “Christmas Dreams Do Come True.” Festivities begin at 6 p.m. along Main Street, and the parade is led by heroes from the Regional Rehabilitation Center. tupelo.net
December 6 – 26, 2024: Nashville’s Nutcracker — Nashville, TN
Embark on a magical journey this holiday season with Paul Vasterling’s Nashville’s Nutcracker. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant city and featuring live music by The Nashville Symphony, this performance invites individuals of all ages to revel in the splendor of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s kingdom, the fierceness of the Mouse King, and the timeless adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. To see the schedule and purchase tickets, visit nashvilleballet.com.
December 7, 2025: Christmas Parade: A Whoville Celebration — Corinth, MS
Head to Main Street in Corinth, MS, at 5 p.m. on December 7 for the annual Christmas Parade — A Whoville Celebration! This annual event transforms the city streets into a wonderland of characters inspired by Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, complete with a lively parade of floats, performers, and costumes. For additional details, visit the event’s Facebook listing.
December 7, 2024: Christmas in Barbourville — Barbourville, KY
Held the first weekend in December every year, Christmas in Barbourville is the town’s premier holiday event. It offers stunning light displays throughout the city’s parks and downtown area. The celebration also includes the annual I Believe In Santa Claus Parade, a silent Christmas tree and wreath auction, a holiday market, and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. barbourvilletourism.com
December 31, 2024: Tupelo’s New Year’s Eve Party
Tupelo’s New Year’s Eve Party is set to return with a diverse lineup of bands on two different stages in Downtown Tupelo. Offering fun for all ages to celebrate the start of 2025, KidsFest kicks off the night, and the fun continues with live music, fireworks, and a countdown to midnight. The complete schedule of events can be found at tupelo.net.
Here’s to a fun-filled holiday season!
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To see more great Southern events, visit our Happenings calendar!
