• Ice skating is one of the many winter activities available in Tennessee.Figure Skates image by Alaskajade from Fotolia.com
  
  If you have never vacationed in the winter, perhaps you should try it this year. Vacationing in winter has its advantages, including fewer tourists and lower humidity. If you are looking for a place to go this winter, Tennessee has a variety of activities to offer. From historic winter scenes to lighting displays to sporting events, there's sure to be something for everyone.
  
  

Nashville

• History buffs will enjoy the holiday activities found in Nashville. The Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum allows visitors to interact with historic figures at an 1830s holiday party. A Civil War Christmas is held at the Sam Davis Home and Museum, where visitors can learn about Christmas during wartime. And for visitors who also share a love of literature, the annual Dickens of a Christmas features carriage rides, strolling minstrels and characters from Dickens' book "A Christmas Carol." Visitors can also enjoy the Festival of Lights driving tour through the Tanasi Indian Village and Fiddlers Grove.
  
  

Gatlinburg

• Rent a cabin and bring your family to Gatlinburg this winter for the annual Winterfest celebration. Guided trolley rides take visitors on tours of the city's light displays, including the unique teddy bear displays. Visitors can also attend several winter sporting events, including slalom races, the Cardboard Sled Classic Race and the Tennessee Winter Special Olympics. Visitors who want to flex their muscles can take in some night skiing, and couples seeking a little romance are welcome to stroll down the Riverwalk area.
  
  

Knoxville

• Downtown Knoxville features a full-size open-air ice skating rink where visitors can enjoy fresh air and camaraderie as they skate on the ice. Afterward, they can join the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra Association for a free winter concert. Stop by the Market Square Holiday Market and try some local foods while browsing the handmade crafts for sale. And if you plan your visit at the right time, you may even be able to catch the Knoxville Ice Bears hockey team.