Beyond Atlanta

Christmas at Biltmore. Biltmore Estate. Holiday décor of the main house, plus live music, visits with Santa, gingerbread house workshops and evening candlelight tours. Nov. 2-Jan. 12. Asheville, NC. Exact dates and pricing vary. Visit biltmore.com for details.
The Polar Express. Great Smoky Mountains. A 75-minute round-trip train ride with Santa Claus visit. Includes warm cocoa, carols and a treat while reading along to the story. Nov. 8-Dec. 29. Departure times at gsmr.com. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681. Adults, $40-74; 2-12, $26-$50; ages 23 months and younger, $10-$15.
Christmas Made in the South. James Brown Arena. Stroll the aisles to find a special holiday gift for that hard to shop for friend. Nov. 15-16. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov 17. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 601 Seventh Street, Augusta. 706-722-3521. Adults, $7; ages 12 and younger, free.
Miracle on South Division Street. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. Follow Clara, the family matriarch, as she runs her soup kitchen and tends to the family heirloom – a twenty-foot shrine to the Blessed Mother. Nov. 15-16; Nov. 22-23; Dec. 5-7. Dinner 7 p.m.; Show 8 p.m. Third Avenue, Building 32100, Fort Gordon. 706-793-8552. $30-45.
Lights of the South. Hayride through over four million lights, plus a lighted Christmas tree maze, roasted marshmallows, Mrs. Claus’s kitchen and pictures with Santa. Nov. 20-Dec. 30. 6-10 p.m. 633 Louisville Road, Grovetown. 706-825-6441. Adults, $8; 4-17, $5; ages 3 and younger, free.
Holiday Gingerbread Village. Augusta Museum of History Rotunda. Local bakers create gingerbread creations of historic structures of the Augusta area. Nov. 21-27; Nov. 29-30. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov. 24 and Dec. 1. 1-5 p.m. 560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-722-8454. Adults, $4; 6-18, $2; ages 5 and younger, free.
Fantasy in Lights. Callaway Gardens. Drive through more than eight million twinkling lights and a garden decorated for the season. Nov. 22-Dec. 30. Opens at 6 p.m. Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 800-225-5292. Adults, $17-$28; 6-12, $8.50-$14; ages 5 and younger, free.
Holiday Show and Sale. The Art Center. Featured art from more than 500 artist members. Nov. 23-Jan. 10. 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge. 706-632-2144. Free.
North Pole Limited. Tennessee Valley Railroad. A round-trip journey to the “North Pole”, featuring storytelling, light refreshments and an appearance by Santa. Nov. 22-24, 29-30; Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22. 5:45 and 7 p.m. 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN.  423-894-8028. Ages 1 and older, $24; Ride in Santa’s private car, $48/person. Buy tickets at tvrail.com.
Festival of Trees. Unicoi Lodge. Beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi Lodge. Nov. 25-Dec. 12. 1788 Hwy. 356, Helen. 706-865-5356. Free admission; Parking, $5.
Christmas Walking Tour. Museum Complex. Live music, decorations and holiday displays. Nov. 29-30; Dec. 6-7; Dec. 13-14. 5-8:30 p.m. 840 Museum Drive, Anniston, AL. 256-237-6261.  $10/car.
The Nutcracker. Imperial Theatre. Dance Augusta brings the holiday tale to life. Nov. 29. 7 p.m.; Nov. 30. 1 p.m. or 4 p.m.; Dec. 1. 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. 749 Broad St., Augusta. 706-722-8341. $17-40.
Tour of Lights on Seminole. Seminole State Park. Lights displays throughout the park. Nov. 30-Dec.29. 7870 State Park Dr., Donalsonville. 229-861-3137. Free to drive; donations appreciated. $5, parking.

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