Seeing our cities decked in twinkling lights, garland, ribbons and bells is a magical experience, and the South is full of these enchanting destinations. A few nearby even made Travel+Leisure’s list of most festive holiday towns in America.
Here are four of the best — and closest — Christmas towns to visit for some serious holiday cheer:
Naples, Florida
Roughly a nine-hour drive from Atlanta, this holiday paradise offers luxury shopping, whimsical boutiques and the festive holiday ambiance on Fifth Avenue South. For a nautical celebration, there’s the Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay where a parade of privately-owned boats wrapped in thousands of lights float along the water.
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Dreaming of a white-sand Christmas? Just about a five-hour drive from Atlanta, Santa Rosa Beach in Northwest Florida is the perfect place to enjoy beachside strolls, local cuisine and holiday shopping. While browsing for the perfect gift, stop by The Village of Baytowne Wharf for a holiday light show and other fun festive activities.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Celebrate the holiday season at Myrtle Beach for endless shopping, activities and exquisite dining along 60 miles of beautiful coastline. Must-sees include the Festival of Trees at Ripley’s Aquarium as well as the twinkling Christmas trees and 2,800 hand-lit candles at Brookgreen Gardens.
Beaufort, North Carolina
For those who enjoy spending time outside during the holidays, this Outer Banks town is a must. Because winter doesn’t really start here until January, visitors can kayak or take a boat tour along Taylor’s Creek. In fact, one of the biggest holiday events here takes place on the water — the Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla, a twinkling-lights-strewn boat parade, is held on the first weekend in December.
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