The Best Destinations for Celebrating the Holidays in an RV

In our years of travel, we have visited many great cities and towns. One of my favorite times to explore is during the holiday season! Every destination shines a bit brighter and the people are even friendlier. It is a great time of year to enjoy the culture as well as the sights of an area. Every area has its own way of celebrating the holidays. Here are a few of the best places we have visited during the Christmas season.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, is one of my favorite places to visit in any season. With the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop, this town has so much to offer. The wintry holiday season, however, gives it a magical feeling as Western North Carolina becomes a brilliant wonderland.

The city itself goes all out for the holidays with festive decorations, tours, and special events throughout the season. Make sure to check out what is happening on stage at the Asheville Music Hall or Harrah’s Cherokee Center. For gift ideas, check out the River Arts area or any of the great little stores on Haywood St.

However, for the most incredible holiday cheer, go to the Biltmore Estate and the Omni Grove Park Hotel. The latter is host to the National Gingerbread House competition. You can time your trip to see the competition or visit anytime to see displays of past winners. In addition, the hotel creates an incredible display in the lobby. Stop for a cup of hot cheer by their roaring fireplaces, large enough for several people to stand inside.

After visiting the Biltmore estate in spring, I knew I had to return with my Christmas-loving mother in December. We had a wonderful time touring the house which they deck out in period decor. Every room is made to look like it would have when the Vanderbilts lived and entertained in this immense mansion. Choirs and music groups are staged in several rooms and the house is lit by candlelight. I suggest booking a tour that starts late day to easily see the decor, then stay long enough for the full effect at night.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Of course New Orleans celebrates the holidays in a big way – they are over the top for every season! But at Christmas, the city simmers! The historic streets twinkle with lights draped over balconies and trees. Naturally, they hold a parade or two. And the historic hotels offer a step into fairy lands with their decor.

Step inside the Roosevelt, where thousands of white lights and garlands transform the lobby into a winter wonderland. Or stop by The Ritz-Carlton, where elegant trees and gingerbread displays fill the air —even locals make an annual tradition to visit.

Stroll through City Park’s dazzling Celebration in the Oaks where you can hear and see The Night Before Christmas. Santa drives a team of alligators in Cajun country! Stop by the famous Jackson Square to hear carolers and then get a beignet at Café du Monde. For. unique gifts, check out Pirate’s Alley in Frenchman’s Quarter where artists set up booths.

Take a break at the The Sazerac House, located on the corner of Canal and Magazine Streets. This free museum dedicated to a different kind of spirit, offers a unique view of the city’s history. During the holidays, they deck the halls and offer seasonal tastings as you walk through the displays. Stop downstairs for a special bottle or other gift items.

San Antonio, Texas

The San Antonio River Walk is a fun destination any time of the year. With shops and restaurants lining the river, you can have a great evening enjoying the local culture and food. At the holidays, the River Walk is transformed! With more than 100,000 lights draping the cypress trees and reflecting in the water, it is a popular site. If you are there for Thanksgiving, find a spot on Friday to watch the Ford Holiday River Parade. Kicking off the holiday season, the gorgeous display of floats showcase music and a special arrival at the end.

Concerts are held on the river and special boat tours make sure you see all the lights. Call in advance to reserve a special river boat complete with festive lights and drivers. This river ride will get you in the festive spirit after touring the lights and singing along to carols. Walk along the river to find more music and restaurants offering festive tamales, hot cocoa, and margaritas under twinkling canopies.

Las Posadas at Market Square offers special gifts as they celebrate the city’s rich Mexican heritage through song, food, and tradition. Over at San Fernando Cathedral and the Alamo, dazzling light shows illuminate the historic façades. One of my favorite areas is Pearl District. Formerly the brewery, this area has been transformed into great restaurants and unique stores. On weekends in December, a special craft market is also set up and live music fills the air. Stop into the gorgeous Hotel Emma for a cocktail in one of their cozy nooks.

Natchitoches, Louisiana

This is one of our favorite holiday stops. Not far from the border of Texas, Natchitoches is the self proclaimed City of Lights. For 100 years, they have celebrated the holidays with light displays on the Cane River. The beautiful sets celebrate the history of the oldest city in Louisiana with more than 300,000 lights. On weekends, the festive air increases as vendor line the river and fireworks shoot across the river.

Take a stroll down Main Street to fill your holiday list and don’t miss the Kaffie-Frederick Inc. store. It is way more than a hardware store and a great option for finding stocking stuffers.

P.S. Natchitoches also offers the considerate advantage of a long holiday season. They start the week before Thanksgiving and go all the way until Epiphany with their festivities. A great campground for those passing through or staying a while is the Grand Ecore. Large spots and so clean!

Hill Country, Texas

The small towns of Texas Hill Country put on grand displays at the holidays and are worth the trip espeically if you are in nearby Austin or San Antonio. Fredericksburg’s German heritage shines through with a festive Marktplatz complete with a 26-foot wooden Christmas pyramid, twinkling lights, and an outdoor ice-skating rink. Gruene, TX offers music, decor and great shopping. Wimberley and Boerne add to the holiday charm with local craft fairs, wine tastings, and Christmas parades that feel straight out of a storybook.

But my favorite is Johnson City. Who would expect such a small town to glow with one of the most dazzling light displays in Texas? Their Lights Spectacular is fittingly near the electric plant. More than two million bulbs illuminate the courthouse, trees, and streets in a radiant display. I am pretty sure you can see it from space!

Future Options

We haven’t made it to these spots – yet. However I keep my Christmas list handy for when we are ready to book something new. These are spots that other people have suggested as festive and worth the trip.

Helen, Georgia

This town has been on my list for a while. I plan to visit even in ordinary time, but I am especially interested for the holidays. A Bavarian-style village, Helen looks a bit like Leavenworth, Washington (another town to see at holidays). They offer a bit of Germany in the US. Sparkling with lights and garland, Helen offers old world holiday fun such as horse-drawn carriage ride down the cobblestone streets. The big draw, though, is the Christkindlmarkt with handmade gifts, food like German pastries, mulled wine, and carolers. It sounds delightful!

Santa Claus, Indiana

Just based on the name, you know Santa Claus, Indiana takes the holiday season very seriously! During the winter months, this small Indiana town is teeming with holiday-themed attractions around every corner. Some of the most popular include Santa’s Candy Castle, Frosty’s Fun Center, and even the official Santa Claus Museum.

You can stay at the Rudolph Campground and RV Resort, which gets into the spirit with decorative displays. So if you choose to visit Santa Claus, Indiana, this year, add a set of Christmas lights to your road trip checklist. This way, you can join in on all the festive fun.

Branson, Missouri

With celebrations from early November through New Year’s Day, Branson, Missouri, is a great option for celebrating the holidays. Home to many RV resorts, it will be easy to enjoy their holidays. The town offers a variety of attractions, such as the Ozark Mountain celebration, which boasts over 300 exhibitions.

Branson’ s Silver Dollar City amusement park celebrates “Old Time Christmas” with six million lights. For a festive train ride, hop aboard Branson’s Scenic Railway’s Polar Express train ride, inspired by the famous holiday film.

Closing

I noticed that most of these destinations are in the south. Of course, we are usually in the south to see family at the holidays. However, I know there are plenty of options in colder climes as well. One of our favorite winter festivals was the Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, which is now in December.

Let me what I have missed and need to add to my ever-growing list of holiday destinations in comments below!