Instead of waiting around for your holiday bonus/ jelly-of-the-month subscription to come through, ask yourself: what would Clark Griswold do? He’d take a road trip, of course.
Whether it’s riding the Polar Express to meet the man in red, sipping sumptuous teas with all the holiday trimmings, or ice skating at night under the glow of brightly colored lights, Nashville is less than a day’s drive from these destinations that put the “wonder” in winter wonderland. In that spirit, we’ve rounded up a list of three spots that take their holiday celebrations up a notch or 10. Just gas up your car, pack your favorite winter coat, queue up “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and get ready to revel in some serious seasonal bliss.
The Tennessean Personal Luxury Hotel on Facebook
Warm up with Holiday Tea in Knoxville
Drive east for about three hours and you’ll find yourself in Knoxville, where The Tennessean Hotel is waiting with evergreen trees enrobed in bulbs and bows of gold and winter white. You can ward off the chill outside with a special holiday tea service. Steeped in the timeless tea culture of Great Britain—but with a decidedly swanky, Southern flair—the service is the only one of its kind in East Tennessee and includes an array of holiday-themed scones, tea sandwiches, and holiday desserts.
When in Knoxville, do as the Knoxvillians do and revel in all the city’s winter festivities. And there’s no shortage of events to add to your itinerary, including an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt throughout downtown Knoxville. Fun fact: the writer behind the “Elf on Shelf ” phenomenon went to the University of Tennessee and the city celebrates that fact by hiding “scout elves” in the windows of downtown businesses for kids of all ages to find.
While downtown, you can also stroll down the Peppermint Trail, where you’ll find trees, windows, doors, and patios swathed in a peppermint motif. The red and white candy creates a winter spectacle with restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars, and boutiques promoting specials on peppermint goods.
For a local spin on the season, check out the annual Tour de Lights, a nighttime parade that invites the community to deck out their bicycles with all manner of holiday lights and props. You’ll spot Santa bike tents, Christmas trees on wheels, and even a few friends from the Grinch’s Whoville. Held on December 9, the event is free and open to the public.
Finally, no holiday trip to Knoxville is complete without a visit to one of the city’s performing arts halls. Catch a screening of “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” at the Tennessee Theatre or go live with a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the Clarence Brown Theatre on the University of Tennessee campus.
(The Tennessean Hotel; 531 Henley St., Knoxville, TN, 865-232-1800, thetennesseanhotel.com)
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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on Instagram
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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on Instagram
Ride the Polar Express in Bryson City
If you didn’t know any better, you might think Santa relocated his headquarters to Bryson City, North Carolina. That’s because this quaint mountain town—situated about five hours from Nashville—transforms itself into what could easily be mistaken for a Hallmark Christmas movie set. A Christmas tree stands majestically in the middle of the town square, while the adjacent Main Street beckons with glittering snowflakes hanging from streetlights and storefronts festooned in wreaths and string lights.
On Main Street, you can shop for unique Christmas gifts at locally owned stores and stop into one of the town’s confectionary shops for a sweet treat. Or, you can opt to bundle up and head out for a winter hike to an icy waterfall followed by some quality family time next to a roaring fire in one of the local cabins available for rent.
But the highlight of a winter visit to Bryson City is a ride on the Polar Express, courtesy of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Each November and December, approximately 90,000 people climb aboard the festive passenger train at the Bryson City Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot for a 75-minute round-trip passenger excursion that winds its way through the quiet wilderness for a visit at the North Pole. While on the train, guests are treated to warm mugs of cocoa and a sweet treat while they listen and read along with the classic children’s tale. Upon arriving at the North Pole, Santa Claus boards the Polar Express and greets each child, presenting them with their own silver sleigh bell. On the way back, passengers are invited to sing along to a roster of classic Christmas carols.
Before boarding the Polar Express, make sure to pop into The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians and sit a spell with Tim “The Storyteller” Hal, a local toymaker with a few yarns to spin. With his long white beard, Hal strikes a strong resemblance to Mr. Claus himself — albeit with an Appalachian spin. He’ll share Christmas tales by the toy workshop’s tree, an experience that feels like a throwback to holidays past. Hal’s home is located beside the railroad tracks, where you can purchase toys that he’s crafted by hand.
(Bryson City, NC, explorebrysoncity.com)
Big Cedar Lodge on Instagram
Go Ice Skating After Dark in the Ozark Mountains
Less than a day’s drive from Nashville, the Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri pulls out all the stops with its “Home for the Holidays” festivities. This cozy Midwest property drapes its wooden beams and rustic interior decor with more than 2 million twinkling holiday lights. Keeping warm at the lodge is easy—hot tubs and roaring bonfires are ready to keep the chilly temps at bay, while the in-house spa offers muscle-melting massages that serve as the perfect antidote to a day spent walking the guided trail at Top of the Rock or exploring Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.
But if you’re looking to keep your adventures close to the lodge, Big Cedar offers plenty of seasonally inspired activities to keep you and your entire family entertained. Through December 31, the lodge opens its outdoor ice rink for the season. During the day, experienced and novice skaters alike glide their way around a towering, light-adorned tree in the middle of the rink, but for a kaleidoscopic experience, take advantage of their after-dark skating hours where holiday lights cast an electric glow on the ice.
Throughout the season, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the North Pole elves make special appearances. From baking workshops with Mrs. Claus to breakfast with Ol’ Saint Nick himself, you’re guaranteed to spend some quality time with the season’s guest of honor. Being the consummate helpers that they are, you can also count on Santa’s elves to read bedtime stories to your children before turning in—a sweet way to say goodnight to the day’s activities.
But before wrapping up your stay, make sure to schedule some time to hop aboard Big Cedar’s tractor-pulled tram for a tour of the resort’s spectacular light displays. Conducted nightly, the tour winds its way around the lodge while complimentary cups of hot cocoa or cider make the rounds and holiday music sets the mood for night ahead.
(Big Cedar Lodge, 190 Top of the Rock Rd., Ridgedale, MO, 800-225-6343, bigcedar.com)