There’s nothing like Christmas in the South, where no tinsel is spared and the only drifts are made of sand. From the Carolinas to the Gulf Coast, we’ve scouted 10 stores where the season’s best treasures await — no sleigh required.
Hyam Garden and Accent Store, James Island, South Carolina
From October and through December, The Christmas Room at Hyams Garden and Accent Store transforms into a holiday wonderland thanks to the store’s designers, who trim every inch of the store’s back room with themed trees and festive displays. Fancy a custom faux wreath? Pick your favorite ribbons from the store’s ribbon wall and the designers will whip up a custom bow on the spot.
Branches, Hilton Head, South Carolina
The holiday season is when this South Carolina shop, which specializes in faux botanicals and florals as well as home decor, really shines. Beyond its impeccably dressed storefront, Branches keeps a jam-packed calendar all season, including a holiday open house and a makers market. Feeling crafty? DIY workshops, including a tablescaping demo and classes on making holiday candles and evergreen wreaths, are also on offer.
A Coastal Christmas, Savannah, Georgia
It’s Christmas every day of the year at this shop in the Savannah Historic District. Specialty ornaments, figurines and nutcrackers steal the show, but you can find almost any kind of holiday decor here, including a wide selection of college sports-themed items. The family-owned and operated business has additional locations on Hilton Head, SC and Amelia Island, FL.
St. Nick Nacks Christmas Shop at Callahan’s of Calabash, Calabash, North Carolina
Opened in 1978, Callahan’s of Calabash is a retail institution on the North Carolina Coast with more than 35,000 square feet of nautical-themed gifts, apparel and beyond. Tucked inside is St. Nick Nacks, a shop within a shop dedicated to all things Christmas. Wander through five rooms filled with more than 100 decorated trees (including one made of sand dollars), a recently renovated ribbon gallery and a wide selection of collectors’ items, including glass ornaments from Christopher Radko and collectibles from Department 56 and Mark Roberts. The best part? Santa never clocks out here, it’s open all year.
The Christmas House, Southport, North Carolina
Set in a colorful 19th-century home just south of Wilmington, The Christmas House keeps the holiday spirit humming year round. Beautifully decorated trees, walls lined with ornaments and ribbons and shelves packed with figurines offer something for everyone. Baskets filled with saltwater taffy and other candy make the trip even sweeter.
The Christmas Palace, Miami and Sunrise, Florida
If Santa ever needed a second workshop, The Christmas Palace is ready to go. With two locations in South Florida, including a newly opened store in the Sawgrass Mills shopping center in Sunrise, it has everything you need to go all out for the season. The animatronics and oversized decor and figurines will catch your eye first, but save time to browse all of the showstopping themed trees and holiday displays that fill its massive showroom.
Celebrations The Florist, Pensacola, Florida
Open from October through January, the Holiday House is a celebration of the season in the heart of Pensacola’s Historic 12th Avenue District. The team at Celebrations The Florist decks out each room in the Peake House, a historic home on property, in a different theme — and everything is for sale. You’ll also find a generous selection of faux florals, live plants, decor and gifts.
The Sandy Santa, Fort Myers, Florida
This coastal-centric Christmas boutique is open year round in Downtown Fort Myers. Stop in for handcrafted treasures, like painted oyster shell ornaments and oyster shell garlands, and impeccably dressed trees. Our favorite: the ocean-inspired “Seas and Greetings” tree, dressed in soft blues and greens.
Ocean Springs Mercantile, Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Antiques, vintage items and Mississippi-made gifts and decor fill this downtown Ocean Springs shop year round, but when Christmas rolls around, expect to walk into a holiday-themed jewel box. Many items in the store’s seasonal selection are handmade or feature a coastal theme — we love these Abalone shell Christmas trees and the driftwood nativity set.
Hazel’s Market, Daphne, Alabama
Come November, this produce stand turns into an open-air Christmas tree market, packed with Frasier Firs, poinsettias, Christmas cacti and more. Pies, breads and plenty of nuts, honey and other local food items make easy grab-and-go gifts for the holidays.