Three must-see Southern Christmas festivals

Want to soak in some Southern holiday charm? Here are three amazing Christmas festivals to check out this year.

1. Natchitoches Christmas Festival: Natchitoches, Louisiana
What began as a one-day event more than 90 years ago has turned into a six week Christmas extravaganza. The town turns on its holiday displays before Thanksgiving and the festival officially begins the first weekend of December with a parade and fireworks. Stroll through the historic district, drink the town’s signature eggnog daiquiri and soak in some southern, Christmas charm.

2. Christmas Town USA: McAdenville, North Carolina
Every December, this small town on the outskirts of Charlotte transforms itself into a Christmas paradise. All of its public spaces get dressed in red, white and green lights and most private homes do too. The Yule Log Parade opens the annual Christmas Town Festival, where the first 1,000 visitors every evening are given free hot chocolate and kettle corn.

3. Bavarian Christmas: Helen, Georgia
Change things up a bit and celebrate Christmas the Bavarian way. This alpine-styled mountain town celebrates Christmas in a big way. Santa and Mrs. Clause make a visit every November to light up the town. Later, Santa comes back for the annual parade that winds its way through cobble¬stone streets. Don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market¬where you can shop for unique gifts for your family and friends.

Whatever festival you attend, be sure to get a photo taken with Santa. Nothing says Southern Christmas quite like a pic of you high-fiving the big guy while wearing shorts or a sundress.