As winter break nears, families are eagerly planning their holiday getaways. Here are some winter adventures to start planning for now that will create lasting memories this winter break.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
While we always enjoy celebrating a honky-tonk trip to Nashville, Pigeon Forge offers a family-friendly getaway every age group can enjoy come December. Above all else, the Eastern Tennessee city is home to the world-famous theme park Dollywood, owned and operated by the late great Dolly Parton throughout her lifetime.
Frequently hailed as one of the best theme parks in the world, Dollywood comes equipped with over 50 attractions that cater to a wide array of prospective visitors. Thrill seekers might test their courage aboard high-speed roller coasters like Lightning Rod and Thunderhead, while families with younger kids might journey aboard the 20-minute steam train, the Dollywood Express.
Along with the park itself, Pigeon Forge is also home to several other attractions related to the world of Dollywood, including Dolly Parton’s Stampede, an equestrian stunt show that comes with a Southern-style dinner. (Think of it almost as a Southern Medieval Times.) Not only that, but Dollywood also heavily leans into the holiday season every winter, redecorating the park with a festive light display, holiday-themed shows and other unique experiences.
Asheville, North Carolina
Among the more underrated cities on the East Coast, Asheville is also known for hosting some of the most exciting holiday attractions anywhere in the U.S.
As part of the city’s Christmas at Biltmore, visitors can step foot in George Vanderbilt’s historic mansion and behold thousands of ornaments, wreaths, holiday trees and candles. At the National Gingerbread House Competition, attendees will be able to see some of the most spectacular (and completely edible) gingerbread houses ever made by human hands.
Similarly, the Winter Lights display at the North Carolina Arboretum invites guests to walk past over 1 million holiday lights along well-maintained garden paths. For those in the mood to skate, the Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards is also worth considering, even if it’s just to enjoy a cup of steaming cocoa while listening to catchy Christmas carols.
Charleston, South Carolina
Located a little further down the Carolina coast, Charleston offers a gold mine of immersive holiday experiences unlike any other city in the country.
Like each of the other cities included on this list, Charleston goes above and beyond when it comes to ushering in the holidays, transforming the city into a breathtaking winter wonderland every December. At the Holiday Festival of Lights, attendees can enjoy old-fashioned carousel rides, an adorable recreation of Santa’s Village and over 2 million shining Christmas lights throughout James Island County Park.
Along with enjoying live performances of A Christmas Carol at the Dock Street Theatre, you might also think about watching the breathtaking Holiday Parade of Boats, with each ship decked out in fashionable holiday-themed decor as they make their way through the Charleston Harbor.
New York City
Sure, it’s a bit of a ride from central Indiana, but when it comes right down to it, is there anything better than celebrating the holidays in the largest city in the U.S.? Along with classic NYC bucket-list items like standing atop the Empire State Building or attending a Broadway show, more holiday-minded visitors can marvel at the iconic Radio City Rockettes or take part in Macy’s Holiday Celebrations at their flagship Herald Square store.
For extensive dining options, you can take your party to the Union Square Holiday Market or the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, interacting with plenty of small vendors selling delicious meals, snacks and novelty holiday items.
Of course, no visit to NYC during the winter season is complete without also stopping by the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, without a doubt the most festive Christmas tree you’ll be able to see anywhere in the Big Apple.
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