I'm From the South and This Is the Best Place to Celebrate Christmas-With Small-town Charm and Old English Architecture

"The quintessential English Christmas is the stuff of holiday legends the world over. And believe it or not, you don't have to go all the way to London to experience an English Christmas. Instead, you can visit a small town in upstate South Carolina. "Camden is a very special place during the holidays," says Jenny Parrish, director of tourism for the city of Camden. "We like to think we have that 'Hallmark movie' feeling!""

""The city goes all out with decorations in downtown and our city facilities and parks," says Parrish. "It truly is the most magical time of year, and the small town charm is at peak performance during the holiday season." The Kershaw County Tinsel Trail at Riverbanks Park kicks off the festivities with a brilliantly lit, community-orchestrated display in late November, followed by Camden's Annual Tree Lighting event in early December."

"Magical Holiday Nights shopping in downtown Camden, workshops, makers markets, and parades galore take place throughout the month of December. While the dazzling holiday festivities make a winter visit well worth your time, you can come by at any time of the year to experience the rest of what Camden has to offer. Visitors-particularly history buffs-should start their trip with a stop by local historical sites to get the low-down on Camden's beginnings."

Camden, located in South Carolina's Olde English District, recreates a quintessential English-style Christmas with extensive downtown decorations, community light displays, and festive programming. Seasonal highlights include the Kershaw County Tinsel Trail at Riverbanks Park, Camden's Annual Tree Lighting, Magical Holiday Nights shopping, holiday workshops, makers markets, and multiple parades throughout December. The city emphasizes small-town charm and elaborate public displays. Year-round attractions include Revolutionary-era sites such as the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, the Historic Camden Foundation, the Camden Archives and Museum, and the Hobkirk's Hill battle site, appealing strongly to history-minded visitors.

Read at Travel + Leisure