Escape To The Southeast Escape To The Southeast
DeQuincy Christmas Activities & Parade
Dec. 5
DeQuincy Railroad Museum Park
DeQuincy, Louisiana
The DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce and the City of DeQuincy are preparing for this year’s Christmas activities that will be held at DeQuincy Railroad Museum Park. The Christmas Parade boasts a theme of “Country Christmas” and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. The parade lineup starts at 9 a.m. on Third St. from McNeese to Oak St and ends at the Railroad Museum. Fireworks are slated to begin at the ballpark at 6 p.m., provided by a grant from the City of DeQuincy.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Dec. 4-5 and 11-12
Dillsboro, North Carolina
The Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries event illuminates this mountain artisan village the first two weekends in December. In an era of electronic gadgetry and LED lights, Dillsboro’s celebration is a throwback and has been named one of the “Top 20” events in the Southeast for the month of December. Adapted from a Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ child, more than 2,500 candles in white bags line the streets with more than a dozen shops (mostly galleries and artist studios) to explore.
In addition to the luminaries, the town’s merchant “elves” trim their buildings – many of which date to the late 1800s – in traditional white lights. Enjoy live music while the children experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Shopkeepers also stay open late with the perfect hand-made gift to take home to your loved ones. Kids can also mail a letter to Santa!
The Lights & Luminaries festivities begin each evening at dusk and runs until 9 p.m. There is no admission charge.
Appalachian Christmas Village
Dec. 4-5 and 11-12
Heritage Farm Museum & Village
Huntington, West Virginia
Take in the 2020 Christmas Village at the Heritage Farm Museum & Village! For public safety precautions made necessary by the pandemic, attendance will be limited, and tickets are available online only. Children age 2 and under do not require a ticket.
Community Holiday Light Show
Dec. 9-25
Ballou Park
Danville, Virginia
Builders – whether businesses, organizations, families or individuals – create holiday magic by decorating a spot in the park. Each builder designates a nonprofit for which they decorate their spot. Each vehicle that drives through the show receives one ballot. At the end of the route the ballot is turned in, and the top displays receive a monetary donation to the nonprofit of their choice. In addition to building a display, organizations, businesses and families can paint a 4 ft. x 8 ft. wooden greeting card.
Admission to the show is $10 per car and $20 per minibus/15-passenger van. This is a cash only event.
Festival of the Bonfires
Dec. 11-13
Lutcher Recreational Park
Lutcher, Louisiana
Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires, a tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!
