Check out these fun, weekend drive-able destinations that are sure to get the family in the holiday spirit.
St. Augustine, FL * Night of Lights
Voted one of the “10 Best Holiday Lighting Displays in the World,” by National Geographic, St. Augustine’s Night of Lights dazzles viewers with 3 million twinkling white lights adorning every corner of the city’s historic district. The spectacular holiday display runs Nov. 19, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023. Don’t miss photo opportunities with the Christmas tree in the center of the Plaza de la Constitución or on the bay front. Dine and shop along nearly 20 blocks of decorated downtown buildings. Choose from many special viewing options, including golf cart, train, trolley, boat, pirate ship and helicopter. The City of St. Augustine offers a free park-and-ride shuttle service for Night of Lights through December 30, 2022. For more information, visit https://www.visitstaugustine.com/event/nights-lights.
Kissimmee, FL * Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center ICE!
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center’s ICE! offers hours of holiday entertainment. This seasonal family-friendly experience includes a winter wonderland carved out of two million pounds of colorful ice with scenes from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.™ From Nov. 18, 2002 through Jan. 1, 2023 enjoy ice slides, tubing, a snow factory, character meals, gingerbread decorating, an Elf Training Academy, a Naughty or Nice Escape Room, a Christmas Tree Trail, the Shine Light Show and more. The Broadway-style Cirque Spirit of Christmas show featuring acrobatics and high-flying stunts celebrates the season with flair. For more information, visit https://christmasatgaylordpalms.marriott.com/.
Savannah, GA * Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District
Savannah’s Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District is full of holiday charm with visits from Santa, live holiday music, street performers, seasonal food specials and a vendor market. The southern town’s newest holiday tradition runs from Nov. 26, 2022 through Jan. 3, 2023 along Savannah’s waterfront. Shop at Christmas on the River and Southern Christmas stores on River Street for unique ornaments and décor. Nearby, the Georgia Queen Riverboat is adorned with holiday lights and greenery, and Paris Market boasts beautiful window displays. Stroll through the decorated historic district and visit the official city tree at the corner of Bull and Broughton Streets. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John’s elaborate nativity scene, The Creche, draws thousands of visitors each year. For more information, visit https://www.plantriverside.com/savannah-christmas-market/.
FUN FLORIDA FACT: If the season’s holiday travels bring the family to Orange County, consider a quick stop in Christmas, Florida. The small town’s name originated during the Second Seminole War. On Dec. 25,1837, 2,000 U.S. Army soldiers and volunteers arrived to build a fort, they named Fort Christmas. Visitors flock to this post office to mail holiday cards with the coveted “Christmas” postmark. A special mailbox in the lobby is designated for letters to Santa. Streets names in the quaint town include Antler Street, Jingle Road, St. Nicholas Avenue and Yule Court.
By Jennifer Kennedy.