Christmas on the River

Looking for a last-minute holiday getaway? Look no further than these five river towns!

Natchez, MS

If you're looking for the small-town charm that takes center stage in Christmas movies, you'll find it in Natchez, which has become a filming favorite in recent years. It's easy to see why: As one of the country's best-preserved antebellum towns, it has the picturesque Main Street, the unique mom-and-pop shops, and the tight-knit community that takes Christmas so seriously they gave it its own website. At one time, Natchez had more millionaires per capita than any other American city; today, their mansions transform into themed holiday spectaculars. Each home tour is a unique experience, with themes ranging from "Old World Christmas" to "A Santa's Tradition" to "Jeweled Christmas." Since many of the mansions also operate as bed and breakfasts, you can even make one your holiday home away from home. Whatever you do, make sure to leave plenty of extra room in your suitcase, because Natchez is one of the best shopping towns I've ever visited!

Chattanooga, TN

The Scenic City turns into the seasonal city at Christmastime, with dozens of attractions all done up in ribbons, lights, and even, on occasion, snow. There's something cozy about the holidays here, something nostalgic, so it's the perfect place to visit if you're trying to recapture the magic of childhood Christmases or instill it in the next generation. Think sipping hot cocoa aboard the North Pole Limited, wandering through a winter wonderland made entirely of Asian lanterns, ice skating on the banks of the river, and decorating gingerbread cookies in an Enchanted Garden of Lights. And that's just scratching the surface. To amp up the coziness even more, consider a stay in a mountaintop cabin or, for a uniquely nostalgic experience, stay aboard a historic sleeper train at the Hotel Chalet.

Nashville, TN

You can't have Christmas without Christmas music, so what better place to spend the holidays than in the Music City? For peak holiday festivity, make the Gaylord Opryland your base camp. On an average day, Opryland's extensive atriums create an indoor oasis of rivers and trees that make it feel more like a park than a hotel, but at Christmas, that oasis transforms into a wonderland featuring two million pounds of ice sculptures, five million Christmas lights, and dozens of seasonal activities. From Opryland, you're also within walking distance of its namesake: the Grand Ole Opry. Even if, like yours truly, you aren't a fan of country music, I still recommend giving the Opry a try, both for its history and for the performance itself, which blends traditional country with current pop-country crossovers. (It also has the best popcorn in the world, as far as I'm concerned.)

Williamsburg, VA

Just in time for America's 250th birthday, head to Williamsburg for Christmas as the country's founders saw it. Think wassailing, colonial crafts, afternoon teas, and candlelit dinners amidst a historic scene decked out in its holiday finery. After basking in the lamplight of Colonial Williamsburg, make the five-mile commute to Europe — or, at least, Europe, Busch Gardens-style. For the holiday season, the World's Most Beautiful Theme Park transforms into a winter wonderland of rides, shows, and restaurants, all with a tasteful hint of global themes. You can sing "O Tannenbaum" around a 50-foot Christmas tree, take a festive photo with a Clydesdale horse, and, of course, give your wish list to Santa himself — all without leaving the park. To ease some of the holiday stress, take advantage of the Christmas Town Package, which bundles access to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens with up to $350 in savings.

New Orleans, LA

New Orleans never does things by halves, and its flamboyant exuberance goes into overdrive during the holidays — from Cajun twists on Christmas classics to over-the-top decorations in hotel lobbies and, of course, a parade or two. In the days leading up to Christmas, ice bumper cars and elves take over the convention center, snow falls on Fulton Street, and, all around town, restaurants serve up their jolliest interpretations of the multi-course Réveillon Dinner. It all culminates on Christmas Eve, with one of Louisiana's most unique holiday traditions: the lighting of the bonfires. While, all across the rest of the world, Santa Claus travels by airborne sleigh, in bayou country, he trades the reindeer for alligators. To guide Santa — or Papa Noel — on his journey, all along the Mississippi River, people climb atop the levees to light bonfires, set off fireworks, and engage in the type of revelry that can only be found on Christmas in New Orleans.