After a considerable amount of damage due to the historic Nashville floods in May of this year, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel was closed for several months. In a recent press release, the hotel announced "we are proud to be able to reopen our doors on schedule, just in time for the holiday season.. In addition revealing stylish and contemporary new restaurants along with newly renovated and freshly redesigned lobbies, guest rooms and suites."

What could be more traditional at Christmas time than an evening at the Grand Ole Opry during America's #1 holiday show, the 'Radio City Christmas Spectacular' featuring the world-famous 'Radio City Rockettes.'

A long time family favorite, the Christmas Spectacular has been seen by 70 million people over 77 years. Famous for their flawless precision, the Radio City Rockettes have delighted audiences with their legendary "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." A genuine warm Yuletide glow is sure to be experienced during the show's reenactment of the very first Christmas a "Living Nativity."

Another popular Gaylord Opryland event is ICE featuring Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. ICE is an interactive world of larger than life colorful ice sculptors. This year's theme will relive the story of how our favorite Christmas traditions came to be through classic scenes, including Burgermeister outlawing the toys in Sombertown, the melting of Winter Warlock's icy heart, and Kris Kringle becoming Santa Claus. All hand-carved in 2 million pounds of ice.

Everyone wishes for snow at Christmas and as snow does not fall too often in Tennessee; this holiday season the Gaylord Opryland Resort has created a winter wonderland of real snow! Families can enjoy playing in the snow where they can see live reindeer on display, make a snow angel, build a snowman or igloo, throw snowballs at the Snowball Throwing Range, make S'mores over a roaring fire or Shop in Santa's Workshop.

Two good shows not to miss at the Gaylord are Louise Mandrell's 'The Gift' Christmas Dinner & Show.

It will run through December 25th, featuring Christy Sutherland; and on December 21st for one night only for the first time in ten years, the Oak Ridge Boys will be back home for Christmas. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay in the newly renovated resort with a private viewing of Gaylord Opryland's Hall of Trees, plus dinner prior to the Christmas concert. For more information and special Christmas packages at the Gaylord Opryland Resort call 1-866-972-6779 or visit www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/.

Dollywood is known for its year-round traditional family atmosphere, which becomes a wonderful winter wonderland at Christmas-time during their annual 'Smoky Mountain Christmas.' Four million lights drape the famous theme park, many synchronizing with seasonal holiday music. Through the month of December there will be sensational shows and activities which will include the return of Dollywood's 'Babes in Toyland.' This family musical classic with a cast of 20 performers follow Alan and Jane on their incredible adventure through Toyland. Along the way, the pair encounter a variety of characters who come to life through imaginative puppetry. 'Christmas in the Smokies,' another musical Christmas tradition, features a 12-member cast and seven-piece band performing hometown holiday favorites that celebrate the joy of the season. Visitors can also hear the mystical sound of the smoky mountains with the musical 'Appalachian Christmas,' or listen to Southern Gospel Christmas favorites from the Kingdom Heirs. Kids of all ages can experience the wonder of Christmas in 'Santa's Workshop,' where they can visit Santa and his helpers among larger-than-life-sized toys and an 18-foot-tall Christmas tree.

For more information call 1-800-365-5996 or visit www.dollywood.com

Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, in all its elegance and splendor have entertained guests in lavish style ever since George Vanderbilt introduced his new home to family and friends on Christmas Eve, 1895. 'Christmas at Biltmore,' which will run through January 2, features America's largest home adorned with the most elaborate lights, decorations, wreaths, garlands and in the luxurious seven story high banquet hall, a massive 34-foot Fraser Fir Christmas tree.

Depending on which package is chosen, 'Christmas at Biltmore' during daytime includes access to Biltmore House, the Gardens, Antler Hill Village and the Winery. A guided tour and complimentary wine tasting will be given at their famous winery which will feature two new Christmas wines. Biltmore's 'Candlelight Christmas Evenings,' which require a separate ticket for entry from daytime admission, creates a unique holiday experience for guests. Ballroom dancers dressed in vintage costumes glide across the floor of the Winter Garden, and choirs perform traditional music of the season. Evening guests may also visit Antler Hill Village, Biltmore's newest addition where there will be illuminations, live music and carolers. Visitors will also see the front of Biltmore House glow with a lighted 55-foot Norway spruce, surrounded by "islands" of smaller lighted trees and nursery shrubs.

For more information call 800-411-3812 or 828-225-1333 or visit www.biltmore.com

No matter where you choose to go this month, have a safe warm and fuzzy Christmas.


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