A Guide to Holiday Break in Auburn

Are you staying in Auburn over Christmas break and don’t know what to do? Here are some of my favorite things to do in the area around the holidays!

Downtown Auburn

Every year, Auburn University puts a gorgeous tree on Samford Lawn with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with hot chocolate and music. The event has already passed this year, but it is just as fun to walk around with friends and holiday treats and look at lights! The Hotel at Auburn University created the entire university and places in Auburn out of gingerbread. The iconic display can be viewed until Jan. 1.

Downtown Opelika

Christmas in a railroad town! This event takes place in Opelika on Dec. 10 from 6 to 9p.m.

Festivities include children's train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, wagon rides, trolley rides, photo booth and face painting. All of downtown is decorated in lights for the holiday season. It would be a perfect place to go walk around with friends or family and enjoy the holiday season.

Dining

Both downtown Auburn and Opelika are full of restaurants that would be perfect to go to over the break.

· Acre is located in the historic downtown district of Auburn just three blocks from Toomer’s Corner. It is quickly becoming an Auburn tradition! They even have a clone of the original Toomer’s oak tree.

· The Hound has brunch on Sunday's that serves up the classics like biscuits and gravy. Their dinner menu includes delicious table shares for the group. The entrees and desserts will have you feeling stuffed by the end of the night.

· Niffer’s is an All-American burger joint and one of my favorite places to bring my family to eat. They have burgers, chicken, salads, and pretty much something for everyone!

· The Irish Bred Pub is an authentic Irish restaurant located in downtown Opelika. They have traditional Irish dishes like fish & chips or bread pudding.

University Program Council

UPC has holiday events throughout the winter months. The events on the schedule now include a Winter Wonderland at the Student Center and a movie night showing “Elf” and making gingerbread houses. To see their upcoming, events go to their website https://auburn.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/upc/events

Fantasy in Lights

Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, about 45 minutes north of Auburn, Fantasy in Lights would be a fun daytrip to get away from Auburn for the day. It is consistently named one of the best light shows in the country. The display is made up of over 8 million lights. They have a Christmas tree that is over 10 stories tall, making it the tallest Christmas tree in the South!. Guests can even stay overnight at Callaway Resort & Gardens and enjoy ticket packages to Fantasy in Lights. Check their website at callawaygardens.com for prices.