The South delivers its own version of the four seasons. Though not as intense as other regions in the United States, when the temperature drops, mindsets change. When winter arrives on the calendar, Southerners squeeze every ounce out of the cold, reaching for bubbly puffer coats channeling the chill of the Arctic.
We may have to become more creative with the activities and take on a longer drive to find real snow, but we by no means need to stay inside. Choose one or more of these activities to usher in the holiday and winter season in the South.
CastleFaire Winter Renaissance Festival (Helen, GA)
Begin the new year in old-world style at the CastleFaire Winter Renaissance Festival at Uhuburg Castle in Helen. On the weekend of Jan. 16, the estate comes to life with dancing, swordsmanship, and festival fare. Don your velvet garb and relish the mountain Renaissance winter. Reservations are recommended. For more information and ticketing, visit uhuburg.com.
Holiday Express (Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge, GA)
Through Christmas Eve, embrace the holiday spirit on the Holiday Express train, listening to holiday music while Santa grants wishes. For more information and ticketing, visit brscenic.com/holiday-special-rides.
Holly Jolly (Jekyll Island, GA)
For a coastal festive holiday, enjoy light tours through the twinkling streets of Jekyll Island. There’s also a self-guided option that allows you to view at your own pace. While there, don’t miss the hunt for the glasswork globes created by local artisans, a Jekyll Island tradition. For more information, visit jekyllisland.com.
Take to the Slopes (North Carolina)
Whether you add skis, tubes, or boards, Beech Mountain in North Carolina operates nine lifts to transport you to 17 trails (ranging from easy to difficult to freestyle). The highest ski area in the eastern states, the mountain offers lodging and dining, equipment rentals, and snow lessons, making it unnecessary to ever leave the slopes. For reservations and more information, visit beechmountainresort.com. Or visit Sugar Mountain, featuring 20 slopes on 125 acres, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing, you’ll never be bored. There are cozy cabins, plus condos and rentals for the entire family. For more information, visit seesugar.com.
Seasonal Ice-Skating Rinks (Georgia)
Even in the Southern heat, skating rinks are all over North Georgia, providing people with just a touch of wintry ice magic. Bundle up and find a location close by, including: Avalon on Ice in Alpharetta, Old Town on Ice in Conyers, Skate the Sky at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Sweetland on Ice in LaGrange, and The Rink at Chateau Elan in Braselton.
Make your way to The Classic City for Athens on Ice. “We’re thrilled to welcome Athens on Ice back to the 440 Foundry Pavilion in Downtown Athens this year,” says Katie Williams, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Tourism at The Classic Center. “Get ready for a fun season of ice skating with friends and family, plus special theme nights under the glow of the pavilion lights.”
For more information, visit exploregeorgia.org.
Play in the Snow (Buford, Ga)
Through the end of February, grab your snow tube and ice skates, or even make snow angels at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands for their License to Chill Snow Island. This winter wonderland will be your ultimate winter escape. For more information, visit margaritavilleresorts.com.
Polar Plunge in the South
There’s nothing like a chilly dip to open your eyes to the new year. Check out these locations, and be sure to gird your loins: First Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls, Ga. Jan. 1 at 1 p.m.; Tybee Island Polar Plunge, Jan. 1; South Walton Polar Bear Plunge in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., Jan. 1; Nocatee Polar Plunge, Jan. 11, Ponte Vedra, Fla.; Guy Harvey’s Big Chilly Polar Plunge in St. Augustine Fla., Jan. 18; Myrtle Beach Polar Plunge, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Feb. 1.
Best of Our State 2026 (Pinehurst, N.C.)
The annual weekend event celebrates North Carolina’s Our Statemagazine, showcasing many of the state’s best artisans and products. Best of Our State 2026 takes place at Pinehurst Resort on Jan. 9-11. Enjoy music, storytelling, and food at a weekend festival jam-packed with inspiration. For more information and reservations, visit ourstate.com.
Outhouse Races (Sapphire Valley, N.C.)
Gather in Sapphire Valley on Feb. 14 for the ultimate and absurd combination of toilets and snow. Dozens of homemade outhouse thrones compete on a two-lane course for the thrill of crossing the finishing line first. For more information, visit discoverjacksonnc.com.
Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens (Murrells Inlet, S.C.)
Throughout December into the first of 2026, Brookgreen Gardens comes to life with more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights. Walk the paths, enjoy the cider, and listen to holiday music to prepare for the season. For more information, visit brookgreen.org.
A Gatlinburg Tradition (Tennessee)
For the best views of the Smokies, take the Gatlinburg tram to Ober Mountain. With lots to do, Ober Mountain Adventure Park provides a winter of thrills. Ski, snowboard, ice skate, or snow tube — there’s something for all ages. From mid-December through March, the mountain is open if the weather cooperates. For a list of all winter activities, visit ]obermountain.com.
Breathtaking Winter Water and Walks (Georgia)
Find the ice and snow when and where you can. Bundle up and enjoy nature’s masterpieces at these locations: Cherokee Falls at Cloudland Canyon, the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia, Old Mill Park in Roswell, Providence Canyon Park in Lumpkin, Amicalola Falls in Dahlonega, and Tallulah Gorge in Clayton. Visit each location’s website for winter events, including operating hours and winter updates.
