Festive holiday family-friendly getaways in the Southeast

As the holidays draw near, many families flock to cities, hotels and attractions to celebrate.  Whether it is to see an amazing light display, catch a theatrical production, or take in elaborately decorated icons, travelers look to capture the spirit of the season through festive experiences. Below are some of the best holiday getaway options out there. The best part, families don't have to travel too far to experience these fun, festive getaways.

Known as one of the Southeast's most beloved and storied holiday travel destinations, Christmas at Biltmore is set to begin on Nov. 2, 2013, and will run through Jan. 12, 2014. Candlelight Christmas Evenings with nighttime candlelight tours (with musical choir performances) of Biltmore House take place Nov. 9 through Jan. 4, 2014. Families can take in the grandeur of America’s largest home together and imagine how the Vanderbilt children might have celebrated the holidays.

The halls of the house are elaborately decked for the holiday season: a 35-foot tall Fraser fir presides over the holiday season in the Banquet Hall, complete with authentic period toys underneath its boughs. Guests are treated to a Victorian era-inspired display of holiday finery. This year, guests will see 56 trees throughout Biltmore House, each intricately designed and hand-decorated by members of Biltmore's floral team. Miles of fresh garland and wreaths create a yuletide scent throughout the House, with around 1,000 red and white poinsettias in the Winter Garden and other areas.

 Throughout the season guests of all ages, big or small, can also take advantage of themed events such as decorating seminars and a Gingerbread House Tea. Little ones can even visit with Santa in the gorgeous wonderland that is The Biltmore at Christmas.

 Barnsley Resort (60 miles North of Atlanta, GA)  www.barnsleyresort.com

More than one million lights and festive décor in the historic 1800s manor house ruins, surrounding gardens and English-style village welcome guests throughout the season, making Barnsley Resort a premiere holiday getaway destination for families to enjoy from November 27, 2013 - January 6, 2014.  This family-friendly destination is sure to create lasting memories for adults and children alike with a number of special events, holiday celebrations, and seasonal activities.  Festive classes and workshops are added to an already-impressive repertoire of activities during the holidays at Barnsley Resort. Along with the extravagant lighting of the gardens and ruins, Santa encounters for the kids, wreath-making classes, a “Gingerbread Workshop” (hosted by the resort’s famed Fairy Godmother), elaborate holiday dining presentations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, marshmallow toasting and making s’mores at numerous fire pits, and additional celebrations make guests’ days merry and bright.  

To take advantage of this special experience, the Light Up the Holidays promotion is available for overnight stays from November 30 - December 30, 2013 and includes luxurious cottage accommodations, a keepsake Barnsley Resort ornament, and $50 resort credit.  Rates start from $259 per night for weeknights (Sunday through Thursday), and $279 on weekends (Friday and Saturday).  To make a reservation, visit www.barnsleyresort or call 877-773-2447.

 Hotel packages for holiday events in Atlanta

The city of Atlanta offers visitors an array of events and attractions during this special time of year.  From festivals to outdoor ice skating rinks and theatre productions, there is truly something for everyone in the city during the season.  With deluxe accommodations, a variety of amenities, fabulous guest services, and the most amazing views of the city’s skyline (to take in all the holidays lights the city adorns for the holidays), families will want to make Meliã Hotel Atlanta their home for the holidays and enjoy timeless family traditions that will last for generations.

For the season, the hotel has put together packages featuring some of the most fun holiday events in Atlanta – The Botanical Gardens “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” and The Nutcracker Ballet Winter Holiday. 

 The Atlanta Botanical Gardens Package includes two tickets for entry to the popular “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” event, a spacious king or double room with amazing city views at Meliã, a continental breakfast buffet for two, and valet parking for one vehicle for just $199 a night (a $259.00 value).  Bring the kids and add $20.00 per person for an extra ticket and breakfast. 

The Nutcracker Winter Holiday Package includes tickets to the renowned Nutcracker Ballet at the iconic Fabulous FOX Theater, overnight accommodations in one of Meliã’s king or double rooms, a breakfast buffet for two or four and, valet for one vehicle for just $209.00, with an amazing savings of $100 a night.  To add on an extra person is only $35.00 for a ticket and breakfast.

To book either package, guests can call 1-888-741-8931, or visit the Meliã Atlanta Facebook page.

Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas

Dahlonega’s historic downtown dresses up for the holidays for a Victorian holiday experience. Throughout the season, November 29-December 22, 2013, enjoy carolers in period costumes, live entertainment, wine tastings, Christmas performances at The Historic Holly Theater, Santa visits in the Public Square. Tours of Dahlonega’s Historic Downtown by horse-drawn carriage, daily through December 22; $8 for adults and $5 for children (minimum of $15 per ride). Narrated Old Fashioned Trolley tours weekends until December 21, $5 for adults and $3 for children. Many area accommodations, including inns and B&Bs, are offering discounted winter rates or holiday specials. The Website enables visitors to search the properties by amenities, specific or flexible dates.  www.Dahlonega.org