Calendar

This week

Universal Orlando Resort continues celebrating the holidays through Jan. 1 with the live stage show, Grinchmas and the Macy’s Holiday Parade. www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

Start planning

The Augusta Futurity, Jan. 23-31, includes a cutting competition, championship bull riding, a fun fest, a dance, vendors and more. 706-823-3362, www.augustafuturity.com.

Georgia

Macon —- “National Geographic Maps: Tools for Adventure” is making only one stop in the Southeast, at the Museum of Arts and Sciences, through Jan. 11. The exhibit features opportunities to learn about new navigation technologies and ancient mapping techniques. Virtual journeys include tracking elephants in the African jungles, searching for Blackbeard’s pirate ship, driving a computer-generated rover on the surface of Mars and maneuvering a robot through the Great Pyramid in Egypt. 478-477-3232, www.masmacon.com.

Dahlonega —- The Old-Fashioned Christmas continues almost daily through December with caroling, entertainment, wine sampling and live theater. 706-864-3711, www.dahlonega.org.

Milledgeville —- The Old Governor’s Mansion offers a Candlelight Christmas Tour on Dec. 18. The mansion will be decked out in holiday decorations, and visitors can enjoy entertainment and treats. 478-445-4545, www.gcsu.edu/mansion.

Waycross —- The Enchanted Wilderness Light Show, Dec. 19, 20, 26 and 27, takes visitors on a train ride through the Swamp Park to view thousands of lights and displays along the Okefenokee Railroad. 912-283-0583, www.okeswamp.com.

Savannah —- Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight are scheduled Dec. 26-30 at the Isaiah Davenport House. The tours explore celebrations of the early 19th-century inhabitants of the home including music, the Scottish influence on the family, treatment of slaves and more. 912-236-8097, jcredle@savbusiness.net.

Madison —- hand.craft.it, an exhibition exploring the handmade craft movement, runs through Jan. 20 at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. 877-233-0598, www.mmcc-arts.org.

Gainesville —- The 12th annual Polar Bear Swim, Jan. 1, is a fund-raiser for the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club. Brave participants will jump into the icy waters at Lake Lanier. 770-287-7888, www.lckc.org.

Alabama

Huntsville —- The Galaxy of Lights, through Dec. 31, features miles of larger-than-life animated light displays. Drive-through nights are through Dec. 31. 256-830-4447, www.hsvbg.org.

Gadsden —- Christmas at the Falls, through Dec. 30, allows visitors to walk or ride the train through Noccalula Falls Park, which is decorated with lights, snowmen and other decorations. A new cookie decorating area is set up for children, and they also have an opportunity to write a letter to Santa Claus. 256-549-4643, cityofgadsden.com.

Arab —- Arab City Park lights up with its annual Christmas in the Park. Live entertainment continues each Friday through Dec. 31. 256-586-8128, www.arabcity.org.

Silverhill —- The Welsh Victorian railway is transformed into the Arctic Express through Dec. 24. The train travels past 3D lighted displays on its way to the North Pole, where children can visit with Santa. 888-569-5337, www.waleswest.com.

Huntsville —- Santa’s Village transforms the downtown area through Dec. 23, with Frosty’s Ice Maze, visits with Santa, live reindeer, Christmas stories, holiday crafts and costumed characters. 256-564-8103, www.earlyworks.com/#/events.

Montgomery —- The Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Open House, through Dec. 22, allows visitors to view the decorated 1907 mansion. 800-252-2262.

Montgomery —- The 56th anniversary of Hank Williams’ death will be marked Jan. 1 with a memorial service at 10 a.m. and entertainment following at the Hank Williams Museum. 334-262-3600, www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.com.

Birmingham —- Alabama Dance Festival: Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Jan. 16-18, features the annual Alabama Dance Showcase, master classes, education workshops for teachers, audition opportunities and more. 205-602-3599, www.alabamadancecouncil.org.

Guntersville —- Eagle Awareness Weekends, each weekend in January, feature guided interpretive programs at various bald eagle nesting locations, guest speakers, fireside chats and more. 256-571-5444, www.guntersvillestatepark.com.

Florida

Orlando —- The Polar Express Experience stops at SeaWorld through Jan. 4. Classic scenes from the movie are re-created in a multisensory experience. In addition, special shows at SeaWorld include “Shamu Christmas … Miracles,” nightly through Dec. 30; “Christmastide,” a holiday fountain show through Dec. 25; and “Makahiki Christmas Luau,” a South Seas-style celebration through Jan. 4. 888-800-5447, www.seaworld.com.

Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands —- Holidays on the Harbor, through Dec. 31, offers many activities during the season, including the Symphony of Trees, the Holiday Magic Pops Concert, the Fisherman’s Village Open House, the Christmas Light Canal Tours, the Christmas Lights Bike Ride, a parade, an art festival and a lighted boat parade. 941-743-1900, www.charlotteharbortravel.com.

Sandestin —- The Solaris takes a New Year’s Dinner Cruise on Dec. 31. 850-650-2519.

Perdido Key —- The Polar Bear Dip on Jan. 1 is a fun-run around Flora-Bama Lounge after a dip into the icy waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Other activities include music on the beach, bowls of black-eyed peas and new year’s toasts. 850-492-0611, www.florabama.com.

Tampa —- The Black Heritage Festival, Jan. 15-24, features a speaker’s series with Danny Glover and Felix Justice, a gala, a traveling exhibition and a two-day street festival. 888-224-1733, Ext. 143, www.tampablackheritage.org.

Fort Myers —- The Edison Festival of Light, Jan. 31-Feb. 22, celebrates the life and innovations of the famous inventor with a science and engineering fair, an inventors fair, a Light Up the Town Block Party, Rock ‘n’ Roll Saturday Night (with Eddie Money and Night Ranger), “junior” events, a stadium and fireworks show, and a grand parade. 239-334-2999, edisonfestival.org.

Kentucky

Stearns —- The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Painted Rocks and Twinkle Train, Dec. 19-20, takes visitors on a trip through the natural formations decorated with holiday lights. 800-462-5664, www.bsfsry.com.

Louisville —- Pancakes, Paws and Santa Claus, Dec. 20-21, gives children the chance to join Santa for breakfast, make crafts, participate in sing-alongs and visit zoo animals such as Mistletoe the reindeer. 502-459-2181, www.louisvillezoo.org.

Versailles —- The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad’s Santa Claus Train, Dec. 20-21, chugs along while children visit with the jolly ol’ fellow and his wife. 800-755-2476, www.bgrm.org.

Louisville —- The Spirit of Jefferson’s Big Celebration cruise Dec. 31, lets visitors ring in the new year with a buffet, DJ and champagne toast. 502-574-2992, www.belleoflouisville.org.

Pineville —- A guided elk viewing tour, Jan. 9-10, offers the chance to view elk in their natural habitat. Trip includes elk program, breakfast, transportation, guide service and souvenir. 800-325-1712, www.kyparks.gov.

Mississippi

Canton —- The historic courthouse square will be decorated with more than 200,000 glittering lights during the Victorian Christmas Festival through Dec. 23. The Canton Animation Museums boast 135 life-size animation figures, and activities include an old-fashioned carousel, miniature train, horse and buggy, and more. 800-844-3369, cantontourism.com.

Columbus —- Holiday Home Tours through Dec. 31 features antebellum mansions decorated for the holidays. 800-327-2686, www.columbus-ms.org.

Jackson —- The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Parade, Jan. 5-17, features two weeks of activities. 601-960-1090.

Philadelphia —- The Professional Cowboy Association Finals Rodeo, Jan. 8-11, features the best riders as they compete for the title of champion. 251-947-4650, www.pcarodeo.com.

Columbus —- The Dream 365 MLK Celebration, Jan. 16-19, includes an MLK Jr. Day of Commemoration, a concert by the Missi-ssippi Mass Choir, a black-tie gala and more. 662-327-0052, www.dream365.org.

Diamondhead —- The Winter Rod Run, the 17th annual antique car show set for Jan. 23-25, features cars dating before 1969. 800-466-9048.

North Carolina

Asheville —- Throughout fall, visitors to the North Carolina Arboretum can view a kaleidoscope of fall color on 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. 828-665-2492, www.ncarboretum.org.

Charlotte —- The Mint Museum of Art presents “Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends,” rarely seen selections from Bank of America’s Warhol collection, through Feb. 15. The exhibit spans the artist’s career from the 1950s through 1986, and it features key early works from such series as Endangered Species, Flowers, Jews, Muhammad Ali and Space Fruits. 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org.

Asheville —- Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, through Jan. 4, has the house decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, and hundreds of wreaths, bows and poinsettias. The highlight is a 34-foot Fraser fir. 877-245-8667, www.biltmore.com.

Asheville —- Asheville Seasonal Sizzle is 21 days of not-so-silent nights in December with holiday fireworks displays, live entertainment, “Appy Hour” appetizer specials at local restaurants and extended hours of shopping. Seasonal Sizzle at Seven Fireworks set for Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. www.ashevilleseasonalsizzle.com.

Hendersonville —- A Winter Solstice Hike, Dec. 21, celebrates the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere and the darkness of the longest night. The hike is on a quarter-mile moderate trail to Hooker Falls. 828-692-0385.

Blowing Rock —- The 11th annual Blowing Rock Winterfest, Jan. 22-25, features a wine auction, live music, chili cook-off, kids’ activities, ice carving, a Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake and more. 877-295-7801, www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

South Carolina

Columbia —- Lights Before Christmas, through Dec. 30, envelops the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in a canopy of lights and includes displays of handcrafted animal images illuminated by 500,000 lights. 803-779-8717, www.riverbanks.org.

Charleston —- The Thriller speed boat will slow down a bit through Dec. 31 for the Charleston Sleigh Ride, a leisurely ride around the harbor complete with hot chocolate, Christmas carols and holiday stories. 843-276-4203, www.thrillercharleston.com.

Charleston —- Christmas in Charleston, through Dec. 31, includes historic homes and plantations decorated in period fashion, candlelight garden tours, and shopping and dining. 843-805-3081, www.christmasincharleston.com.

Murrells Inlet —- Nights of a Thousand Candles, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20, features candles and lights illuminating Brookgreen Gardens’ paths as musicians and carolers perform. 800-849-1931, www.brookgreen.org.

Charleston —- The 22nd annual Progressive Dinners, Dec. 15-20, 22, 23, take guests by horse-drawn carriage to three historic venues for a four-course meal. 843-853-7828, www.circa1886.com.

Charleston —- Circa 1886 restaurant presents the Dickens Dinner on Dec. 17, featuring a storyteller relating “A Christmas Carol” while diners enjoy a four-course Victorian England-inspired dinner. A special package also includes accommodations at the Wentworth Mansion. 843-853-7828, www.circa1886.com.

Charleston —- The annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Jan. 25, features oysters a’plenty —- an oyster recipe contest, an oyster shucking and eating contest, a beer and wine tasting tent, and entertainment with a kids’ area. 843-805-3084, www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com.

Aiken —- Antiques in the Heart of Aiken, taking place Jan. 29- Feb. 1, brings dealers from across the country to sell museum-quality pieces. Event also includes a preview party, lectures and fund-raisers to benefit the area’s arts programs. 803-641-9094, www.aikencenterforthearts.org.

Tennessee

Chattanooga —- Snow will fall inside the sometimes eerie Ruby Falls every Friday and Saturday in December during Deck the Falls. There will be snow at Cavern Castle every 10 minutes and a chance to meet costumed Leo and Ruby Lambert. Live acoustic music performed during the tour. 423-821-2544, www.rubyfalls.com.

Lookout Mountain —- The 14th annual Enchanted Garden of Lights, through Jan. 3, brightens the mountain with more than 25 holiday scenes along the trail. Other activities include gingerbread cookie decorating, nightly entertainment and Sugarplum Fairy Makeovers (for an additional price). 800-854-0675, www.seerockcity.com/lights.

Chattanooga —- A 75-minute round-trip train journey on the Tennessee Valley Railroad to North Pole Limited, through Dec. 22, features storytelling, light refreshments and an appearance by Santa. 423-894-8028, www.tvrail.com.

Clarksville —- Christmas on the Cumberland celebrates the season through Jan. 1. Lights illuminate the city’s signature RiverWalk and features visits with Santa, a night parade of lighted floats and more. 931-648-6129, christmasonthecumberland.com.

Memphis —- Each year, decorations deck the halls for Christmas at Graceland from early December through Elvis’ birthday in January. This year will be no different, with the exception of special rarely seen items on view through Jan. 8, during Christmas at Graceland: Elvis’ personal wardrobe collection, home movie footage, guitars from his personal collections and more. 800-238-2000, www.elvis.com.

Jackson —- Old Country Store Christmas Eve Breakfast, Dec. 24, features a Southern-style buffet for the entire family in the Casey Jones Village. 800-748-9588, www.caseyjones.com.

Pigeon Forge —- During Wilderness Week, Jan. 10-17, nature and outdoors experts host walks, hikes, seminars and lectures on Smoky Mountain history and plant and animal life. 865-429-7350, www.mypigeonforge.com/wildlife.

Townsend —- The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and Dancing Bear Lodge offers a two-night package, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, Feb. 27-March 1, or March 6-8, to experience cultural heritage, including a tour of the heritage center’s main gallery, a chance to use a Native American hunting tool—- the blowgun —- make corn husk dolls and go on guided tour of Cades Cove. 865-448-1999, www.dancingbearlodge.com.

Virginia

Roanoke —- SunTrust Dickens of a Christmas, Dec. 19, features St. Nicholas, a tree lighting, toy workshop, live Nativity, Victorian-era costumed street musicians and carolers, a parade, and more. 540-342-2028, Ext. 10, www.downtownroanoke.org.

Williamsburg —- A Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is set for Dec. 24. A local resident offers a recollection of her great-grandmother who was present when the first Christmas tree was lit in 1842. The mayor delivers holiday remarks, and the audience lights candles. 757-229-1000, www.colonialwilliamsburg.org.

Virginia Beach —- Holiday Lights at the Beach, through Jan. 1, kicks off the season with 250 animated light displays along the boardwalk. Other activities scheduled include the annual Twelfth Night Celebration beginning Dec. 25. 800-822-3224, www.vbfun.com.

Virginia Beach —- Two striped bass tournaments are scheduled. The annual Striped Bass World Championship is through Dec. 31; and Waterman’s Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout Jan. 8-10. www.vbfun.com.

Norfolk —- Holiday in the City events through Dec. 31 include art exhibits, gift shops, weekend cruises and more. 757-623-1757, www.downtownnorfolk.org.

Richmond —- The Edgar Allan Poe Museum hosts Poe’s 24-hour bicentennial celebration Jan. 19 in honor of his birthday. Activities include daytime poetry readings, nighttime museum tours, birthday cake and a candlelight vigil at Poe’s shrine at dusk. 888-213-2763, www.poemuseum.org.