The winter holiday season is growing closer, and with that in mind, we’ve pulled together a list of must-see locations to add to your itinerary, along with a few RV parks in close proximity. For more campground locations, check out these websites: Good Sam, KOA, and RV Life Campgrounds.
NOTE: Be sure to check each location for any updated weather or Covid-19 related changes or cancellations.
NOLA CHRISTMASFEST
Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA, 70130
This year marks the ninth annual NOLA ChristmasFest—an indoor holiday attraction featuring nearly 300,000 square feet of rides, giant ice slides, and a real ice skating rink, surrounded by holiday décor to inspire the spirit of the season. The 2022 schedule begins December 21st and runs to the 30th — a 10-day event with two 4.5-hour sessions per day (morning and evening) held on most days. The festival includes a range of attractions and dining options as well as the Yuletide Market.
Space is limited for each timeframe so attendees should purchase their tickets early. Prices are $25 on weekdays and $30 on Saturday/Sunday. All tickets are sold online only.
Nearby RV Campgrounds and Parks
French Quarter RV Resort — 500 N. Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112 | 504.586.3000
Parc D’Orleans RV Park & Campground — 7676 Chef Menteur Hwy., New Orleans, LA 70126 | 504.243.3052
Three Oaks and a Pine RV Park — 7500 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70126 | 504.779.5757
FRANKENMUTH
Location: 635 S. Main St. Frankenmuth, MI 48734 | 989.652.6106
With a reputation of being one of the “9 Most Christmassy Towns in America,” Frankenmuth is known for its intricate German architecture, Old-World ambiance. Of course, you can’t forget Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store that stretches over five acres. Other attractions include the Silent Night Memorial Chapel — an ornate 56-foot tall, exact replica of the chapel in Oberndorf, Austria where the hymn “Silent Night” was first sung in 1818, the Frankenmuth Farmers Market that during the season transforms into a traditional German ChristKindlMarkt, and Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, a historical working farm that’s home to two reindeer: Blue and Sivia. The city draws nearly a million visitors a year, and those who come for the 2022 holiday season that begins November 25 will find new attractions such as a 60×120-ft. ice rink and a new seven-minute light and music show that’s part of the annual 40ft Christmas tree show at the Visitor Center.
Nearby RV Campgrounds and Parks
Frankenmuth Jellystone Park — 1339 Weiss St., Frankenmuth, MI 48734 | 989.652.6668
Krystal Lake Campground — 5475 Washburn Rd, Vassar, MI 48768 | 989.843.0591
SILVER DOLLAR CITY
Location: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616 | 417.336.7100
You may think of Branson as the go-to destination for live entertainment, but starting on November 5, it’s also the place to go for a unique holiday experience at the Silver Dollar City (SDC) amusement park. With more than 6.5 million lights, one thousand decorated trees, two Broadway-style musical productions, and thrilling amusement rides, there’s plenty to do. This year, there will be a new show, Coming Home For Christmas, with 14 singers and dancers, plus a live 4-piece band performing over 18 songs during 5 distinct Christmas scenes. As for shopping and dining, SDC has it all: 60 unique shops and numerous restaurants and concessions serving holiday fare throughout the park. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the park.
Nearby RV Campgrounds and Parks
Silver Dollar City Campground — 5125 State Hwy. 265, Branson, MO 65616 | 417.336.7018
Branson RV Park — 3675 Keeter St., Branson, MO 65616 | 417-334-1920
Branson Lakeside RV Park — 300 S. Box Car Willie Dr., Branson, MO 65616 | 417.334.2915
KOZIAR’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Location: 782 Christmas Village Rd., Bernville, PA 19506
It started in 1948, when William M. Koziar, the creator of Christmas Village, began decorating his home and property for his family to enjoy. Now in its 75th year, Koziar’s Christmas Village has become an extraordinary seasonal attraction with visitors from all over the world. The event begins Saturday November 5th, with visitors enjoying the park-and-walk vintage Christmas lights experience. The village has paved and lighted walkways and is wheelchair and stroller friendly, with a limited number of free rentals of wheelchairs. The Winter Wonderland tour includes indoor and outdoor Christmas displays and souvenirs, baked goods, and a unique handmade train platform located in the large Refreshment Barn.
Nearby RV Campgrounds and Parks
Pennsylvania Dutch Campground — 136 Campsite Rd., Bernville, PA 19506 | 610.488.6268
Mountain Springs Camping Resort — 3450 Mountain Rd., Shartlesville, PA 19554 | 610.488.6859
Eagles Peak Pennsylvania Campground — 397 Eagles Peak Rd., Robesonia, PA 19551 | 610.589.4800
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston, SC 29412 | 843.406.6990 or 843.795.4386
The annual Holiday Festival of Lights begins November 11 and runs through December 31, 2022. Open nightly from 5:30-10 p.m., the event features free visits with Santa at Santa’s Village and delicious treats for sale from Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. Visit Winter Wonderland for a ride on the Festival Express or complete your shopping at Santa’s Attic and The Incredible Gift Shoppe. A signature display is the Holiday Sand Sculpture, featuring a holiday scene meticulously crafted from over 50 tons of sand!
Nearby RV Campgrounds and Parks
Charleston KOA — 9494 U.S. Highway 78, Ladson, SC 29456 | Reserve: 800.562.5812, Info: 843.797.1045
Lake Aire RV Park & Campground — 4375 Highway 162, Hollywood, SC 29449 | 843.571.1271
Oak Plantation Campground — 3540 Savannah Hwy, Charleston (Johns Island), SC 29455 | 843.766.5936 or toll free: 866-658-2500
Santa’s Wonderland
Location: 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845 | 979-690-7212
It may be hot in Texas but that doesn’t stop Santa from arriving or the holiday spirit from being in full force! This year’s Santa Wonderland starts November 11th and runs through December 30th, with a myriad of activities to enjoy. Start with Santa’s Hayride Tour and enjoy festive holiday music and more than four million holiday lights. Or take a private VIP Horse and Carriage Tour with seating for up to six. Stop by Santa’s Station to see Olde Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus, then take a turn or two on the illuminated ice rink. As befitting the state, there’s lots to do and see, and plenty of Texas chow to satisfy your appetite! Veterans and active duty military personnel are admitted free with valid military ID during Military Appreciation – Opening Weekend (November 11th – 13th). Check out this page for more special events.
Nearby RV Campgrounds and Parks
Hidden Creek RV Resort — 5780 State Hwy 21 East, Bryan, TX 77808 | 979.778.1200
Brazos Valley RV Park — 2190 Hwy 21 East, Caldwell, TX 77836 | 979.200.3007
Aggieland RV Park — 3203 Colson Rd, Bryan, TX 77808 | 979.703.7937
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Location: 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457
The 96th annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival runs from November 19th until January 6th and is one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. More than 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk, while the fireworks shows light up the sky every Saturday from the Saturday before Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve. The festival has something for everyone, from a wide range of food items including the famous Natchitoches meat pie to the Christmas Gala and visits to The Santa Claus House, where the Jolly Old Elf waits to greet his visitors!
Nearby RV Campgrounds and Parks
Nakatosh Campgrounds — Campground #1: 5428 University Parkway Natchitoches, LA 71457 | 318.352.0911; Nakatosh Campground #2: 5906 Hwy. 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA 71457 | 318.352.0911
Grand Ecore RV Park — 1071 Tauzin Island Rd, Natchitoches, LA 71457 | 318.238.7446
Toledo Bend RV Resort and Cabins — 114 Shamrock Lane, Many, LA 71449 | 318.256.0002
Nights of Lights
Location: St. Augustine, FL
The dazzling display of lights begins every evening from November 19 to January 31, turning St. Augustine into a breathtaking experience that’s free and open to all. Listed as one of the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic, the millions of tiny white lights create a magical feel for those visiting the Nation’s Oldest City. View the display on foot, via the water on a St. Augustine Eco Tour or other passenger boats, by trolley or train, or on the Wine & Carriage Tour where you can enjoy a bottle of delicious boutique wine while viewing the lights. Or take a trip on an Old City Helicopter for a different perspective. More events are listed on the Nights of Lights Events and Christmas Events in St. Augustine website pages.
Nearby RV Campgrounds and Parks
Compass RV Park — 1505 St Rd. 207, St Augustine, FL 32086 | 877.394.6577
Stagecoach RV Park — 2711 County Road 208, St Augustine, FL 32092 | 877.824.2319
North Beach Camp Resort — 4125 Coastal Hwy (SR A1A), St Augustine, FL 32084 | 904.824.1806
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