Holiday travel is a growing trend with as estimated two-thirds of American’s planning to take at least one holiday trip this year*. So, we asked ourselves, what are our favorite holiday destinations and what are they doing to bring in the holiday cheer? Here’s a list of some of our favorites to bring you peace, joy, and inspiration! 

Destination Panama City Boat Parade of Lights –  

The unique and quintessential coastal holiday celebration takes to the water of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City on December 14th.  The 38th Boat Parade of Lights features boats decked out in lights, inflatables, and plenty of maritime merriment.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights –  

Natchitoches celebrating its 98th year of The Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights. This event is considered one of the best Christmas festivals in the U.S. and runs for 6 full weeks. Clark Griswold would be proud of this one, the display has over 300,000 lights every night at dusk, and live music, fireworks, and more every Saturday during the festival. 

Cleveland, Mississippi 50 Nights of Lights –   

Cleveland, Mississippi, the hub for the Mississippi Delta is a quaint town with a cozy holiday vibe until the sun goes down at least. After dark the boutique shopping, pottery, and antiques give way to a light display that even Clark Griswold would be jealous of! This Mississippi Delta town transforms into a winter wonderland with over 1,000,000 lights from November 9th until January 1st. 50 Nights of Lights can be viewed every night by walking down the trail, or by driving through and admission is free.

Christmas in Olde Jonesborough –  

It’s called ‘The Storytelling Capital of the World’ for a reason, so it is no surprise that Jonesborough, Tennessee leans into a literary holiday theme.  The season kicks off with a transformation into Whoville and the annual reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Jonesborough serves up more than Dr. Suess treats, they have their own Christmas village that fills their streets. And if shopping for holiday magic doesn’t fill you with joy, we dare you not to smile at the pet parade, now who’s a good boy? 

Spotsylvania County, Virginia Battlefield Country Store Treats –  

Inspired by the holidays and characters like The Grinch, The Battlefield Country Store serves up holiday treats like their Grinch Milkshake and Santa Sundae. Grab lunch and stock up on some thick cut bacon for your holiday feast as you fight the sugar high straight through the holiday! 

Yorktown, Virginia:  

Step Back in Time for a Colonial Christmas in Historic Yorktown, Virginia!

Celebrate the holiday season where history meets festivity in charming Historic Yorktown. Stroll through cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights and garlands as the echoes of the 18th century come alive. 

Alpine Helen Bavarian Christmas –  

With the setting of a cozy Bavarian Village, it is no wonder Alpine-Helen Georgia does the holidays up right. From their annual Christkindmarkt (Christmas Market) which lasts two full weekends, to the big Christmas parade, you will unmistakably feel like you are in a classic holiday movie.  

Coastal Mississippi 

A coastal holiday brings a slightly different vibe and Coastal Mississippi leans into it all.  They take to the water with their annual boat parade and fireworks show. On dry land the nationally recognized Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is so bright and colorful you may want to bring your sunglasses. And would it be Christmas on the coast without Margaritaville Santa brunch? 

Whatever you do this holiday season, be festive and merry and cheers from your friends at Advance Travel and Tourism.