Some people look forward to everything that the cold brings, from the snow to earlier bedtimes. Other people, well, don’t. If you’re the latter and looking for places to escape the bitterness and darkness of winter, roll south to these warm-weather festivals where you’re guaranteed to find sunshine. The south offers not only a reprieve from colder temperatures but also a chance to enjoy unique cultural experiences, music, food, and traditions.
In this post, you can expect a list of must-visit winter festivals——including holiday-themed festivals, nature-related festivals, and food and drink celebrations—in the Southern U.S. that are truly worth the drive. Choose from thousands of RVs equipped for the journey. You can rent one near you and drive south, or you can fly there and pick it up at your destination. It’s up to you!
RVs For Rent Near You
Credit: Celebration in the Oaks
Holiday & Christmas-Themed Festivals
Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District
Where: Savannah, Georgia
When: November 21 to December 31, 2024
Highlights: European-style Christmas market with craft vendors, live music, holiday lights, and themed events, like the Festival of Trees.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Perfect for festive holiday ambiance, beautiful riverfront setting, and family-friendly activities.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights Festival
Where: St. Augustine, Florida
When: November 23 to January 26, 2025
Highlights: Historic downtown covered in over 3 million lights, trolley tours, and waterfront views. No tickets required.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Unique combination of history and holiday magic in one of the country’s oldest cities.
Celebration in the Oaks
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: November 29, 2024 to January 3, 2025
Highlights: New Orleans’ twist on the holidays with light displays, cultural exhibits, and live performances.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Combines New Orleans’ vibrant culture with holiday cheer, creating a festive, distinctly Southern experience.
Matthew Whittaker in Collins Park in January 2024 / Credit: South Beach Jazz Festival
Music & Arts Festivals
30A Songwriters Festival
Where: Scenic Highway 30A, Florida
When: January 16-20, 2025
Highlights: Showcases more than 175 musicians and 225 performances across 30 beach venues. Fine food is available on site.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Music and beach scenery, with an eclectic mix of genres from folk to rock, makes it a music lover’s dream.
South Beach Jazz Festival
Where: Miami Beach, Florida
When: January 9-12, 2025
Highlights: Jazz performances from national and international artists, held in outdoor venues across South Beach.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Combines live jazz with the iconic Miami Beach ambiance, offering both cultural enrichment and a seaside escape.
Mardi Gras Festival
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: March 4, 2025
Highlights: Parades, street parties, music, and world-renowned celebrations leading up to Fat Tuesday.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: This is the South’s biggest winter festival, full of history, vibrant costumes, and local traditions.
Credit: South Beach Wine and Food Festival
Food & Drink Festivals
South Beach Wine And Food Festival
Where: Miami, Florida
When: February 20-23, 2025
Highlights: Tastings from renowned chefs, wine sampling, cooking demonstrations, and workshops.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Offers foodies a premium culinary experience in a warm climate.
Charleston Wine + Food
Where: Charleston, South Carolina
When: March 5-9, 2025
Highlights: An infusion of homegrown flavors from top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, experts, and more.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: In its 20th year, this event is seamlessly produced around the local culinary community. Come with an empty belly.
Beaufort Oyster Festival
Where: Beaufort, South Carolina
When: January 18-19, 2025
Highlights: Part of a 10-day celebration of local restaurants and their cuisines, featuring oysters, live music, and a 5K race.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Join people from all across the country to taste locally farmed and harvested oysters from the area’s top chefs.
Credit: Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Cultural & Heritage Festivals
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Where: Tampa, Florida
When: Last week of January
Highlights: Pirate invasion reenactment, parades, live entertainment, and a pirate ship flotilla.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: A century-old event that draws people of all ages with its exciting mix of fun and local history.
Florida Keys Celtic Festival
Where: Marathon, Florida
When: Jan 11-12, 2025
Highlights: A celebration of Celtic heritage featuring music, dance, and food.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: One of Florida’s best festivals for families and it’s welcome to anyone.
Cullman Christkindlmarkt
Where: Cullman, Alabama
When: November 21 to December 23, 2024
Highlights: A traditional German Christmas market with artisan workshops, festive lights, ferris wheel, Santa’s village, and more family events.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: A little taste of Germany in Alabama that blends Christmas tradition with southern hospitality.
Credit: Everglades Seafood Festival
Outdoor & Nature Festivals
Everglades Seafood Festival
Where: Everglades City, Florida
When: February 7-9, 2025
Highlights: Fresh seafood, live country and bluegrass music, carnival rides, and swamp tours.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Combines incredible seafood with an introduction to the unique Everglades ecosystem.
San Antonio Rodeo and Stock Show
Where: San Antonio, Texas
When: February 6-23, 2025
Highlights: Rodeo events, livestock shows, country concerts, and carnival rides.
Why It’s Worth the Trip: For a taste of Texas culture, this winter rodeo offers a lively atmosphere and traditional events in a mild climate.
Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival
Where: Cameron, Louisiana
When: January 10-11, 2025
Highlights: A sportsman’s paradise featuring pageants, skeet shooting competitions, oyster shucking, duck and goose calling, and more
Why It’s Worth the Trip: Started in 1955 to promote its coastal heritage and honor the different industries including Hunting & Wildlife, Oyster, Fishing, Crabbing, Cattle, and Energy & Shrimp
We’re already feeling warmer just thinking about these vibrant festivals in the south. Check the festival dates, get tickets if they’re required, and start planning your trip. Next on the list is accommodations, and we’ve got you covered there.
