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Event Spotlight TENNESSEE
SEVIERVILLE CVB
Annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest | Nov. 7, 2025 - Feb. 16, 2026
Christmas is arriving early in Sevierville, Tennessee!
Experience the magic of Sevierville's 36th Annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest! Enjoy over 15 million lights, holiday shows, holiday shopping, ice skating, sweet treats and more. Don't miss special attractions like Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland (Nov. 21 – Jan. 4) and SkyLand’s Festival of Lights (Nov. 7 - Jan. 4), plus special events like a parade through historic downtown Sevierville (Dec. 6). Enjoy unforgettable family fun during this special holiday celebration.
COLORADO
A Christmas Carol | Nov. 21 – Dec. 28, 2025
(Denver) Plan to visit Wolf Theatre for a Denver holiday essential: the DCPA Theatre Company’s A Christmas Carol. This joyous and opulent musical adaptation, based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, is a festive tradition for the whole family, tracing Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant journey to redemption.
More Colorado Events
For more Denver information, check out the AAA Denver Guide.
FLORIDA
Festival of the Arts | Nov. 15-16, 2025
(Inverness) This premier juried fine art show has been promoting artistic excellence since 1971. Thousands of art enthusiasts gather in downtown Inverness for live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and engaging performances.
More Florida Events
For a Holiday Florida event, check out Dickens on Centre!
GEORGIA
Pioneer Harvest Festival | Nov. 15, 2025
(Nicholls) Step back in time at General Coffee State Park for this beloved harvest celebration that showcases traditional crafts and pioneer life. Visitors can experience authentic demonstrations of historical skills, such as cane grinding and syrup making, while enjoying the nostalgic charm of Georgia's agricultural heritage.
More Georgia Events
ILLINOIS
Nouveau Parade & Celebration | Nov. 21, 2025
(Galena) Join the celebration for Galena Cellars’ 41st Annual Nouveau Wine release! This family-friendly weekend features a festive parade down Main Street, wine delivery to local merchants, live music and tastings. Come experience the fun, community and delicious Illinois wine.
More Illinois Events
IOWA
Winterfest Festival of Lights | Nov. 28, 2025
(Winterset) The courthouse retail district comes alive with holiday magic from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Families enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides, live window displays, warm beverages, and interactions with Santa before the lighted parade begins at 7:15 PM.
More Iowa Events
MICHIGAN
Christkindl Markt at Downtown Market | Nov. 19 - Dec. 23, 2025
(Grand Rapids) Celebrate European holiday traditions with artisan vendors, live music, and festive lights every week at Grand Rapids’ Christkindl Markt. Enjoy authentic Gluhwein and shop creative holiday gifts in a cozy outdoor setting.
More Michigan Events
MINNESOTA
Holly Trolley | Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, 2025
(Minneapolis) The Minnesota Streetcar Museum offers festive trolley rides with Santa Claus and marshmallow roasting over an open fire. Families can enjoy this vintage transportation experience while collecting donations for Toys for Tots. The trolley operates on a historic route, providing both nostalgia and holiday cheer for all ages.
More Minnesota Events
NEBRASKA
A Motown Christmas | Oct. 11 & 18, 2025
(Omaha) The Orpheum Theatre hosts this soulful celebration of classic Motown hits reimagined for the holiday season. Professional performers deliver energetic renditions of beloved songs that bridge generations and genres.
More Nebraska Events
NORTH CAROLINA
Southern Christmas Show | Nov. 14-23, 2025
(Charlotte) The Annual Southern Christmas Show returns to The Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte. The Santa’s Workshop theme promises a festive wonderland brimming with holiday magic. Explore over 400 holiday vendors, admire dazzling designer rooms on Christmas Tree Lane, visit with Santa Claus and enjoy holiday performances.
More North Carolina Events
For more Charlotte information, check out the AAA Charlotte Guide
NORTH DAKOTA
The Big One Art and Craft Fair: Bismarck Christmas Show | Nov. 21-22, 2025
(Bismarck) The Bismarck Event Center hosts over 250 booths featuring handmade arts, crafts, and holiday treats from more than 160 talented exhibitors. This highly anticipated event offers unique, artisan–created gifts perfect for adding personal touches to holiday celebrations.
More North Dakota Events
SOUTH CAROLINA
The Great Christmas Light Show | Nov. 24-Dec. 30, 2025
(North Myrtle Beach) North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex illuminates the holiday season with spectacular light displays. Families can drive through the winter wonderland while enjoying synchronized music and festive decorations. Note: Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
More South Carolina Events
TENNESSEE
Great Smoky Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival | Nov. 25-Dec. 7, 2025
(Gatlinburg) The largest collective of independent artisans in the country presents their exclusive handcrafted gifts at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visitors can discover traditional Tennessee crafts including quilts, carved items, baskets, candles, pottery and more. The festival includes the Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show (Nov. 25– 30) and Christmas Arts & Crafts Show (Dec. 1– 7).
More Tennessee Events
For more Tennessee information, check out the AAA Nashville Guide
WISCONSIN
Holiday Folk Fair International | Nov. 21-23, 2025
(Milwaukee) America's premiere multi-cultural festival celebrates the cultural heritage of southeastern Wisconsin communities at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. This International Institute of Wisconsin program brings together diverse traditions through food, performances, crafts, and cultural displays representing numerous ethnic communities across three festive days.
More Wisconsin Events
Check out the AAA podcasts—see below!
AAA PODCASTS & WEBCASTS
Our “Well-Traveled With AAA” podcasts and webcasts are your gateway to the world of travel. Each episode features insights from AAA travel experts and our network of preferred travel partners to ignite your wanderlust for adventure. Visit AAA.com/Well-Traveled to explore the latest episodes.
EVENTS MENTIONED ABOVE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PHOTOS ABOVE: ARE ADOBE STOCK UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS SHOW PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS SHOW/MARKETPLACE EVENTS
