ALMetro 360 Magazine

...................................................................................................................................................................... ATLINBURG , T ENNESSEE Part of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlin- burg is full of adventure and family fun with Christmas season being especially attractive to travelers. Enjoy the 44th annual F antasy of Lights Christmas Parade on December 6th as downtown Gatlin- burg transitions into a winter wonderland. Get there early for a good viewing spot as this event attracts lots of folks. Make the most of the city’s seasonal lighting extravaganza with an excursion on the Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights between November 22 and January 31. Guests are spellbound seeing dis- plays recently converted to crisp LED lights, depicting animals in- digenous to the area as well as snowmen, dancing fountains and other unique attractions throughout the downtown. The Festival of Trees is not to be missed (November 27-30) with proceeds benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. This annual tradition offers a gander at ornate trees, visits with Santa Claus, live entertainment and other family-friendly activities. Also, browse the selection of gorgeous trees and wreaths available for purchase. Check off items on your holiday gift-giving list with special finds at the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show December 2-8. The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community—the nation’s largest organization of independent artisans — offers beautiful wares such as quilts, woven baskets, hand-dipped candles, ceramics, handmade jewelry, paintings and so much more. For more infor- mation on visiting Gatlinburg, go to gatlinburg.com/. N ASHVILLE ’ S G AYLORD O PRYLAND Nashville does the holiday season right with Gaylord Opryland’s tradition of A Country Christmas ! Treat yourself (and your fam- ily) to spectacular decorations, more than three million holiday lights and all the makings of lifetime memories at Gaylord Opry- land Resort. No ordinary hotel, this resort features lush gardens in the atrium area, on-site dining, a four-acre upscale indoor/out- door water attraction, live music, entertainment and tons of great guest rooms, not to mention a spa, pool and shopping. Experience ICE! with depictions from the beloved holiday movie, A Christmas Story ™. This Christmas classic comes to life through more than two million pounds of interactive, hand-carved ice sculptures and displays. Bring a jacket and mittens and prepare for the triple dog dare at the school’s flagpole. You’ll chuckle as the scenes in this attraction resonate with old and young alike. All who grew up watching the television classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will appreciated seeing the stage full of fa- vorite characters like Santa andMrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and Rudolph himself. This 90-minute musical production pays tribute to the holiday tradition of reindeer plus the ever-precious sentiment that what makes you different also makes you special. Join country music superstar Trace Adkins and a few of his closest friends for holiday entertainment Nashville style. Hear Christmas favorites and Celtic classics from the multi-platinum artist for The Gift of Christmas with Trace Adkins & Friends event sure to be a dinner show to remember. There are so many ways to celebrate the season at Gaylord Opryland Resort including ice skating, carriage rides, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Feast for children, Reindeer Games™ Scavenger Hunt featuring Rudolph and The Misfit Toys , the Gingerbread decoration corner and the Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruise. For more information including show times, dates and special Christ- mas packages, visit tickets.gaylordopryland.com/. C ALLAWAY G ARDENS F ANTASY IN L IGHTS Grab the kids and head for Pine Mountain, Georgia and the Fantasy in Lights event for a wonderful experience at Callaway Gardens during the holidays (beginning mid-November). It’s hard to not fall in love with the spirit of the season at the Fantasy in Lights event, named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights in the world! Experience some eight million lights, 15 scenes and shows, and their lovely tradition of Christmas Village. Inquire about a special package Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 0CTOBER 2019 25 G