Christmas in the South?

[CMW0021]

We are thinking about getting out of the cold of Pa and heading south for Christmas this year. We did Disney at Christmas 2 years ago and were looking for a more relaxed trip. My husband really wants to go to the keys but it is such a long drive for us. I was thinking South Carolina or Georgia. Can anyone provide any feedback on the holidays in these areas? Charleston, Hilton Head or Savannah are the first ones that come to mind. How's the weather? Are there any events that are not to be missed in either of these locations? I know this is not really budget related but I really enjoy the advice on this board. Thanks!

 

[detarica]

Keep in mind that you might have cold weather in Savannah or Charleston during December as well. That being said, I love both cities. Savannah has a more party atmosphere on the riverwalk area and Charleston feels more upscale and a little safer for kids in my opinion. We took a few days to walk the old part of Charleston with our cameras and really had a ball looking at the old houses and eating great food.

Never been at Christmas though.

 

[Smile&Nod]

If you want to head to the Keys but don't want to drive all the way down 95 consider taking the Auto Train from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL - it is an overnight trip on the train and your car goes with you! Check out more details at Amtrak.com - my daughter and I take the train to Disney each year!

 

[pryncess527]

Savannah and Charleston are two of my favorite cities in the world. I've never been at Christmas, so don't have any recs for that time of year, but I bet both cities have some great events going on at the holidays.

 

[NotUrsula]

Well, from the east coast it would be a long drive, so I'd recommend flying, but I'm going to recommend New Orleans. The weather is usually in the 60's-70's in late December, there are holiday events galore -- AND a program of very good hotel and restaurant discounts known as the Papa Noel rates.

Just for those interested, here is the link: http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/seasonal/cnos.html

Keep in mind that with New Orleans, you will want to be gone by Dec. 28th, because starting that Saturday, the New Year's Eve crowd really moves in, and prices go WAY up.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

As to the weather, it can be all over the place. We live a couple of hours north of the places you are considering. Sometimes it is in the seventies during Christmas break, but sometimes it is in the thirties.

If you are looking for beach weather, you should go at least into South Florida to be sure of warm temperatures.

Are you travelling with kids? Myrtle Beach has Christmas shows, an aquarium, Wonder Works, Ripleys, indoor lazy rivers, etc. There are some nice hotels and many dumpy ones.

Charleston, Hilton Head and Savannah would be better for natural beauty, fine dining, and history. Even if it is not beach weather, you can kayak, fish, bike, hike, take a carriage ride, learn some history, etc. It just depends what you like to do and if you are looking for adult or kid activities.

 

[JandJ]

DH and I drove to Savannah for our first married Christmas. That was 2005 but I doubt much has changed. It was really very nice and I'd do it again. We stayed in a B&B off Forsyth Park. It was quiet, romantic, and just overall peaceful. We went shopping and had lunch at some of the little places on the riverfront. We had a horse drawn carriage ride around Savannah. One afternoon we drove to the beach for an hour (too cold to go in the water, but nice to look at). The B&B was wonderful! On Christmas Eve they had a roast and later cookies and cakes, tea, coffee, and wine. We went to midnight mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (don't know if you're Catholic but even if you're not I would recommend it. It was unbelievable! It was such a beautiful service I actually cried!). Christmas night we had dinner at The Olde Pink House and that was superb. From our location off Forsyth Park, everything (except the beach) was within walking distance, which was super convenient. Every day was cool but not cold - light jacket or heavy sweater - but that's coming from a Florida girl who is used to winters in the 60's!

 

[CMW0021]

Thanks so much for the info. We are traveling with 2 boys 8 and 6. We don't need beach weather but not too wild about 30's! I guess that's a chance just about anywhere though. At disney 2 years ago we were not prepared for the 50 degree weather! I'm actually going to New Orleans in 3 weeks! So that wouldn't be an option for this trip. Thanks again for the insight!

 

[abolanwoski]

Not quite as far as the keys, but further than SC, Sanibel is a great option for you with kids that age. BIL has a condo there, so we went last Christmas. We rented in his building on the lighthouse end. There was sooooo much to do with grade school age kids. We rented bikes for the week from Billy's and used them to travel around. DD8 went to Sanibel Sea school for 3 half days and LOVED it (surfing, catching critters, etc) We went on a dolphin watching boat trip on a power boat (fun but bring a beanie and sweatshirt, cold in the wind!) We did a driving tour of the wildlife preserve. There was a Christmas service on the beach at the lighthouse, very peaceful and pleasant. We also went to a touch tank and boat trip through the waterways, probably the best kids science presentation I've ever been too. They have an amazing shell museum that has a scavenger hunt for the kids.

Overall, a great week.

 

[momminnie]

I am from South Carolina! You can't get more relaxed that South Carolina or Georgia. You can't go wrong with either place. I go to Charleston and savannah often. We went to Charleston on our honeymoon so we go back every year. Very relaxing. We stay at a different B&B every visit to Charleston and Savannah. You want to stay in a beautiful place for Christmas go to Two Meeting Street B&B. We were there this summer it is absolutely beautiful. I even sat on the big porch and watched a wedding across the street at the Battery. The Innkeepers are very nice and helpful. They have afternoon tea with wonderful treats and breakfast every morning. Hope you have a great time what ever you chose.

 

[sparkylauren]

I live in Savannah so I am kind of partial, but I LOVE it here. There is a lot of history in this town! I regularly do touristy things like trolly tours, ghost tours, and go to the forts. River street is full of shops and history, broughton street and city market have good shopping. You could even drive down to Tybee island beach!

 

[Dreamer Kevin]

Biltmore Estate and Asheville, NC are stunning during the holidays but probably no warmer than PA! http://www.biltmore.com/visit/calendar/holiday.asp

Also Colonial Williamsburg but again, may not be far enough south to warm you up much. Enjoy your holiday regardless of the destination.

 

[HeatherC]

We are in Mass. and will be heading south with you! We are going to Hilton Head Island in SC to visit the grandparents.

We usually go in Feb., and have always been able to visit the beach to walk, bike ride or play frisbee. My dh and ds son love to golf. There is tennis, miles of paved bike paths, tons of restaurants and shopping and it is only a half hour from Savannah and two hours to Charleston for day trips.

You can rent tons of places VERY affordably through homeaway and vrbo.

Hope this helps!

 

[sharonmickey]

DD moved to Charleston this past year. Since DD just started a new job she won't be able to take vacation to come "home" to Pennsylvania this Christmas. So of course, I will be leaving PA to join her for the holidays. Maybe I'll see you in Charleston.

I'm looking forward to seeing it at Christmas, not to mention warmer weather (hopefully). This past year we had a blizzard the day after Christmas.

 

[writersblock42]

I hear Christmas in Tennessee is pretty tender.
Seriously people have talked about it though.