Mid-Eastern States

South Carolina - Lake Murray Area Holidays

In Richland County, witness the captivating Fireflies Holiday Lights, a 42-night, jam-packed event in Segra Park Stadium featuring holiday shopping, kids crafts and activities, and incredible holiday-themed food and drinks. Marvel at the Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo, where 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns, visits with Santa, and nightly snowfall transform the zoo into a winter wonderland.

The Nutcracker presented by Columbia City Ballet promises a timeless and captivating performance that will delight audiences of all ages. Lace up your running shoes for the Sleigh Bell Trot, a fun and spirited 4.2-mile holiday-themed race. Nearby, Lexington County keeps the Christmas Spirit going with Carols Along the River and stroll along the Cayce Riverwalk while listening to holiday tunes and sipping hot chocolate. The Town of Lexington’s Christmas Carolighting Ceremony will immerse you in the warm glow of community spirit along with dazzling lights and sweet songs. Don’t miss the popular Cayce Christmas Drive-Thru, a unique and safe way to enjoy the holiday lights from the comfort of your vehicle.

Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the Cayce Historical Museum’s Annual Christmas Traditions Open House where the museum is decorated, docents are dressed in period attire, and light holiday refreshments are served. And, in Newberry County, embrace the small-town holiday charm of Prosperity’s Holiday Shoppers Walk and Tree Lighting, the perfect event for those wanting to shop locally and enjoy live entertainment in conjunction with the town’s tree lighting ceremony.

A Very Berry Christmas on Main Street will dazzle you with its sparkling lights and festive atmosphere in downtown Newberry. Join in the merriment of the traditional Christmas Parade in Prosperity, or head to the Newberry Opera House to revel in the Celtic-inspired joy and music of Christmas with The Celts.

For more, visit https://LakeMurrayCountry.com

Tennessee:

Tennessee: Dollywood Is Open For The Holidays

From November 4 through January 6*, Dolly Parton’s theme park ushers in the spirit of the season during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, which will be brighter and more brilliant than ever before. In addition to the starlit mountain skies, more than six million twinkling lights are strewn throughout the 160-acre park, which is nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Slow down for a scenic stroll through the park and notice how each land tells a seasonal story through its unique and vibrant hues. Discover Santa’s Village with its classic red and green, the crisp blues and whites of winter in Glacier Ridge presented by GooGoo Cluster, a soft candlelight glow throughout Craftsman’s Valley, and more. Towering up to 12 feet tall, dozens of spectacular Christmas trees inspire a sense of childlike wonder, reminding us what this special season is all about.

A unique way to see all those lights is during a tour aboard the Dollywood Express, a classic train that plays Christmas tunes. Heartwarming seasonal shows, a chance to find out if you’re on Santa’s “naughty or nice” list, Christmas shopping, and more await visitors during this festive time of year.

For a warm and welcoming Christmas stay, in addition to on-site lodging at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, this year overnight guests can also book a room at the brand-new HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which is hosting its grand opening in conjunction with the start of Smoky Mountain Christmas.

*Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is closed on Thanksgiving, Visit https:// www.dollywood.com/ for more information or advance tickets.