Winter escapes in the South: cozy day trips and weekend adventures

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The South may not see heavy snow, but winter here has its own magic. Crisp mornings, festive lights, and the promise of cozy adventures make this season perfect for short drives to nearby destinations. Whether you’re craving mountain charm, holiday sparkle, or a coastal celebration, here are some of the best places to visit this winter—all within a few hours drive.

 Dahlonega: old-fashioned Christmas magic

Just over an hour north of Atlanta, Dahlonega transforms into a Hallmark-worthy town square each December. The Old-Fashioned Christmas festival features twinkling lights, carolers, carriage rides, and a glowing tree in the center of town. Visit the wineries and the tasting rooms nearby for a little extra winter cheer. 

 Helen: Bavarian winter wonderland

Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Helen hosts the Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired holiday market with mulled wine, handmade crafts, and festive décor. Even after the holidays, Helen’s alpine vibe makes it a cozy retreat. Explore the downtown area, browse the shops, and eat some authentic German food. If you’re the outdoorsy type, there are great hiking trails nearby.

 Amicalola Falls State Park: Tallest waterfall in GA

For nature lovers, Amicalola Falls offers breathtaking views year-round. In winter, the crisp air and bare trees make the 729-foot waterfall even more dramatic.
The Amicalola Falls Trail is a moderately rugged hike, consisting off a 2.1 mile loop to the top of the waterfall, with a one-mile journey to the crest, and a descent via stairs and bridges.

 Athens: Not just a college town

About 90 minutes east of Atlanta, Athens is a very easy day trip. The city blends college-town energy with holiday cheer. Downtown glows with seasonal lights, and local venues host winter concerts. Don’t miss the nearby State Botanical Garden, which is free to visit during the day. During the holiday season, the Winter Wonderlights experience is a light display that requires paid admission — but at just $15, it’s far more affordable than the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s holiday lights. 

Greenville, SC: Small town charm

Just about two and a half hours from Atlanta, Greenville offers a charming winter escape with its walkable downtown and festive atmosphere. The city’s outdoor rink brings seasonal fun to the heart of town, while Main Street glows with holiday lights and cozy restaurants perfect for warming up after a skate. Add in nearby trails at Falls Park on the Reedy and boutique shopping along the riverfront, and Greenville delivers a mix of small-town charm and big-city energy that makes it an inviting winter destination.

 Callaway Resort & Gardens (Pine Mountain, GA)

Callaway’s Fantasy in Lights is one of the South’s most spectacular holiday displays, featuring millions of bulbs arranged into themed scenes — although it is far from cheap. Hint: go on a Value Night to save a few dollars. There are also overnight and winter packages available. 

 Savannah: Coastal vibe

This is a longer drive (about 4 hours from Atlanta), but worth it. Savannah’s historic squares sparkle with lights, and Christmas market offers European-style festivities. On a mild winter day, you can take a short drive to walk on the beach. 

Asheville: Mountain arts and holiday glow

About 3.5 hours from Atlanta, Asheville is a winter gem. The Biltmore Estate dazzles with elaborate holiday decorations, while downtown offers art galleries, breweries, and cozy cafés. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide crisp hikes and scenic drives, perfect for a winter weekend. 

Mobile: Mardi Gras & coastal festivities

Mobile is about 5 hours from Atlanta, but it’s home to one of the oldest Mardi Gras in the U.S. Winter here means parades, floats, and beads leading up to Fat Tuesday. Even before Mardi Gras season peaks, Mobile’s coastal charm, historic districts, and festive lights make it a lively winter destination.

Nashville: Music and lights 

Just a quick four-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville makes a perfect winter getaway with its mix of music, lights, and cozy Southern charm. The city’s iconic honky-tonks keep the energy alive year-round, but winter adds a festive twist—think twinkling lights along Broadway, seasonal shows at the Grand Ole Opry, and ice skating at Ascend Park. 

Chattanooga: The Scenic City 

Just under two hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga makes for an easy winter escape with a mix of mountain views and festive fun. The city’s Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights transforms the cliffs into a glowing wonderland, while the Tennessee Aquarium and riverfront offer cozy indoor adventures when the air turns crisp. Add in the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain and a stroll through the artsy Southside district, and you’ve got a perfect blend of holiday sparkle and year-round charm—all close enough for a spontaneous day trip or weekend getaway.

Other things to do in the region in winter

Winter in the South is a great time to explore new places. The mild weather makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities like beach strolls and nature exploration, and many cities host unique holiday events and festivals. It’s a good time to visit local attractions that reflect the winter vibes. 

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Other popular winter activities in the South include: 

• Ice Skating: Seasonal ice rinks pop up everywhere from November to January. 
• Attractions and museums: Throughout the South, you’ll find fascinating museums, historic sites, aquariums, and zoos. 
• Live theater: See a play! Most local theaters continue their season in winter, often with holiday-themed shows. 
• Hiking and walking: Go on winter hikes or take walks — either on easy paved trails through urban areas, or more rugged hiking trails in the State Parks. 
• Holiday lights: The region glows with spectacular light displays, from Thanksgiving through the New Year.  
• Mardi Gras: Mobile and New Orleans are famous for their festive celebrations. 
• Winter markets: Many cities hold replicas of the famed European Christkindl markets. You can shop for gifts or for yourself while soaking up the charm. 

Travel tips for winter in the South

You know the drill — layering is key. Temperatures can swing from the 30s to the 60s in a heartbeat. Bring sweaters, light jackets, and accessories like scarves and gloves that you can remove easily.

If you’ll be sightseeing on foot, make sure you wear comfortable and warm-enough footwear. Tuck a few bandages in your backpack or purse so you’re prepared to treat blisters promptly. 

Definitely pack rain gear. A folding umbrella and a rain jacket with hood is always a good idea. 

If you’re traveling in the mountains, be aware of icy road conditions at the higher elevations. 
You also want to have an ice scraper in your car, to clear heavy frost from your windshield on cold mornings. 

Whatever you do, don’t forget sun protection! Even in winter, the sun can be strong, and you may need sunscreen or a hat. Sunglasses can help with driving on bright days. 

And to really enjoy your trip, try to work in scenic routes whenever possible. You may find that roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway are less crowded in winter.