By Katherine Lalla

Christmastown, USA – McAdenville, North Carolina

Beginning in 1956, Christmastown USA draws in over 600,000 visitors annually. Take a drive through the town, or stop and walk around. With the whole town participating, over 500,000 lights glow nightly from December 1-26. Visiting Christmastown USA is free of charge.

Night of a Thousand Candles, Brookgreen Gardens – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

With over 5,500 hand-lit candles and 80-foot-tall fir tree decorated with 60,000 lights, Brookgreen Gardens becomes a winter wonderland. Stroll through the gardens December 3-5, 10-12, and 17-20 with live music nightly. Tickets available for purchase online.

Stone Mountain Christmas, Stone Mountain Park – Stone Mountain, Georgia

Stone Mountain Park comes to life with a variety of activities for all ages. Start your day on Snow Mountain with sledding and end with the Christmas Parade and Snow Angel Fireworks Finale. Dates and times vary by event. Tickets available for purchase online.

Magic Christmas in Lights, Bellingrath Gardens and Home – Theodore, Alabama

Celebrating their 20th anniversary of Magic Christmas in Lights, visit this 65-acre garden estate decorated with 3 million lights. The celebration beings on November 27 and runs through January 2. Tickets may be purchased in advance online.

Austin Trail of Lights, Zilker Park – Austin, Texas

Walk the 1.25 miles covered with over 2 million lights through Zilker Park. Admission is free December 8 –15 and $3 admission for ages 12+ from December 16 –December 22. Tickets available for purchase online.

(source: http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2015/12/02/5-places-with-must-see-christmas-lights-in-the-south/)