Everything's Merry & Bright
By Susan B. Barnes
AAA Going Places Magazine, November/December 2002

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to miss all of the beauty that surrounds us. A crisp, blue winter sky. Rosy cheeks on children's faces. Greens draped over archways, and poinsettias set in doorways. Bright white and colored lights adorning every free inch on houses and businesses.

Fortunately for us, the South has a plethora of displays to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Here's a look at some of the brightest.

Tennessee
The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville is a winter wonderland for all to enjoy (Nov. 21-Dec. 25; (615) 889-1000). Acres of indoor atriums sparkle with nearly two million lights and are lavishly decorated with brilliant displays of holiday ornaments, huge sparkling trees, feasting and festivities, all set to the sounds of laughter and song. The world-famous Rockettes will perform the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Grand Ole Opry House, and be sure to check out Fantasy In Ice-a sparkling exhibit featuring carvings, sculptures and three-dimensional holiday-themed displays, all made of ice! It's all waiting for you in Nashville!

Nashville comes alive for the holidays and offers the gift of celebration to every visitor. In fact, the very popular "A Season of Celebration" is being held at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art (Nov. 29-Jan. 5; (615) 354-6380). Share the wonder and beauty of a multi-cultural holiday season with this educational and engaging event.

At the Ryman Auditorium, the "Mother Church" of Country Music, holiday music geared for the young at heart begins Nov. 24 with Sawyer Brown, Charlie Daniels and surprise guests in the exciting Christmas for Kids Concert. Also at the Ryman (Dec. 5-22; (615) 889-3060) is A Sanders Family Christmas, a part of the BellSouth Musical Series held every Thursday and Sunday.

Belle Meade Plantation will present "Christmas Pastimes" (Nov. 15-Jan. 5; (615) 356-5801) at the mansion. Experience this 1853 home lavishly decorated for the holidays. It's a Victorian Christmas you won't forget.

A live, high energy tribute show with over 30 songs and five costume changes delights audiences who attend the Christmas With The King extravaganza starring John Beardsley at the Gibson Bluegrass Showcase (Nov. 26-Dec. 15; (615) 514-2200.

Another old-fashioned Christmas celebration takes place at Historic Mansker's Station Frontier Life Center (Dec. 7-8; (615) 859-3678). Yulefest is presented by docents in period dress who re-enact the customs of Christmas in colonial days.

AAA can book your hotel packages for Nashville at special rates. Call your AAA Club Counselor for reservations and more information.

In the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood invites you to join in on some down-home holiday fun (Nov. 9-Dec. 30; (865) 428-9488). Special holiday displays include more than three million lights, sure to brighten up anyone's night.

On Nov. 6, the City of Gatlinburg kicks off its celebration with the 8th annual Smoky Mountain Lights Kickoff and Chili Cook-off. Take in the holiday displays, including over a million sparkling lights, while warming up with a bowl of hot, spicy chili. The lights will shine through February 2003. (865) 430-4148.

Hundreds of blue lights line Graceland's winding driveway to welcome you to Christmas the way Elvis celebrated in Memphis. The lights are turned on the day after Thanksgiving and will continue to shine through the King's birthday (Nov. 29-Jan.8, 2003; (901) 332-3322 or (800) 238-2000).

Florida
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is back at Disney-MGM Studios for the eighth straight year (Dec. 1-31). The glow of Mr. Osborne's five million lights cascades up and down Residential Street. Stroll along, taking it all in with a pair of complimentary holographic glasses to enhance viewing.

The Lights of Winter (Nov. 29-Dec. 30) will dazzle and welcome you to Epcot's World Showcase and the nightly tree-lighting ceremony. You may want to join in the quiet joy of the Candlelight Processional and a classic retelling of the Christmas Story.

Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure invites guests to enjoy the nightly tree-lighting ceremony of a 35-foot-tall Wonky Christmas tree in Whoville Town Square (Nov. 22-Jan. 5, 2003; (800) 407-4275). Universal Studios also features festive lights, music and carols.

Georgia
Atlanta will once again host the Holiday in Lights festival at Centennial Olympic Park (Nov. 29 through December; (404) 222-7275). Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights will be strung throughout the 21-acre park, bringing out the holiday spirit of all who pass through. The Holiday Ice-skating Rink will return again this year, to the delight of skaters
young and old.

Callaway Gardens' Fantasy in Lights in Pine Mountain will light up the sky for all to see this holiday season (Nov. 22-Dec. 28; (800) 225-5292). Here, you have the option to drive yourself or sit back and relax on a trolley tour. Or, for a different view, take part in the annual March of Dimes Night Walk (Nov. 24), when no cars will be allowed through the Fantasy of Lights.

Visitors and locals alike are invited to take in a Southern Christmas at Stone Mountain Park (Nov. 15-Dec. 30; (770) 498-5690). The 1870s town of Crossroads will be swathed in millions of glowing lights. Open-air train cars will carry you through the display, featuring the Song of the Trees Spectacular, a laser, pyrotechnics, music and lighting extravaganza.