Southern Byways

Lights and Other Holiday Events

Don’t miss out on the light displays at Guido Gardens in Metter, Ga. The free event opens on Thanksgiving night and concludes on Christmas Day. You can view the lights daily, during evening hours. Other light displays around the state include Lights of the South in Grovetown happening through December 30.

It’s called the 2008 Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights and features ALL of the events (lighted displays, open houses and more) happening across the state during the holiday season.

There are 3.5 million lights in Hulen Park in Cleburne, Texas for the Whistlestop Christmas. The parks starts glowing on November 26 and ends on December 31.

• It’s one of the nation’s oldest community holiday celebration, and it’s going on now. You probably recognize the Festival of Lights in Natchitoches, La., from the movie, Steel Magnolias. This celebration not only has its share of lights, but other events that continue through January 6, 2009 as well.
• Be sure to check out Jingle Bell Jackson (Miss.) for the latest holiday happenings in the city. You don’t want to miss anything!
• The 15th Annual Nights of Lights is currently underway in St. Augustine, Fla. The event features over a million white lights and other holiday activities throughout January 31, 2009.
• Roper Mountain Holiday Lights (a part of the Roper Mountain Science Center) in Greenville, S.C., begins on Thanksgiving night and ends on December 30. It features a number of holiday light displays, including the Tunnel of Lights.

Hotel Packages and Specials

• Jackson, Miss., is offering a number of holiday packages during the season suitable for any budget.
• Gainesville, Fla.’s Bed and Breakfasts are offering various holiday packages. They all include different amenities and activities.
• The famous Chattanooga (Tenn.) Choo-Choo  has the Choo-Choo Elf Workshop package, good through December 22 that includes admission into the Elf Workshop, Elf Tuck-in service and more. If Chattanooga is on your holiday destination list, be sure to check out Winter in Chattanooga that offers advice on what do and see during the season.

photo credit: Christmas Lights 0005, flickr, creative commons by CatDancing