It’s that special time of year again, whether you live in snowy Fort Drum or sunny Oahu. It's time to plan holiday meals, gift giving, and family visits that might include fun holiday events in your hometown.
Your family understands that taking leave over the holidays is sometimes tricky, so they’re excited about coming to your house. You’re probably thrilled about staying home but might panic and think, “How am I going to entertain my family?” No problem!
If you're stationed at Fort Benning, we’ve got you covered this holiday season with five entertaining options near home.
1. Callaway Gardens–Fantasy in Lights
Pine Mountain, GA
Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights is a must-see at least once while stationed at Fort Benning. Located in Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens is a quick 45-minute drive from Fort Benning. The Gardens has activities year-round, like overnight cabin rentals, hiking and biking trails, and swimming in Robin Lake.
During the holiday season, Callaway Gardens features the Fantasy in Lights. Take the family and drive through a dazzling display of colored lights and holiday music. Animated nutcrackers, rocking horses, elves, and more dance and light up the way.
2. Wild Animal Safari
Pine Mountain, GA
The Wild Animal Safari is something the whole family will enjoy. Rent a van, take the complimentary bus tour, or drive your vehicle (at your own risk!) through the open park. Toss tasty pellets to over 550 animals, including zebras, bison, ostriches, and antelopes. Prepare to be slimed by the animals who love to lick the bars of the vans. The giraffes reach their long, purple tongues into the cars for a treat!
After driving through the safari, tour the Walkabout. The Walkabout includes the reptile house, kangaroo pen, monkeys, and Bengal tigers. Listen for the African singing dogs and hyenas, and keep a lookout for the peacock.
Are you headed to Columbus soon? Here’s a quick list of everything you need for your PCS.
- What to Expect for Your PCS Move to Fort Benning
- Fort Benning BAH calculator
- Fort Benning Homes for Sale
- Fort Benning Homes for Rent
3. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
Columbus, GA
Plan an evening right in Columbus with dinner and a show at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Bring your guests to one of the many restaurants in Uptown, like The Loft, EPIC, or Mabella’s Italian Steakhouse. For a more casual dining experience, try the Cannon Brew Pub or 11th and Bay Southern Table.
After dinner, walk down Broadway to the RiverCenter for a holiday concert, musical, or the annual Nutcracker Ballet. Present your military ID at the box office for discounted tickets.
Need more options to entertain the family? Check out Must-See Attractions Near Fort Benning, Georgia.
4. Day Trip to Atlanta
Only 1.5 hours from Fort Benning, Atlanta makes a great day trip for families visiting during the holidays. The city has activities for all ages, especially during the holiday season. Top attractions include Zoo Atlanta (check out the holiday light schedule), Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, and the always festive World of Coca-Cola.
Or slow things down a little and casually stroll, shop, and eat at nearby areas like Little Five Points, the Shops at Buckhead, or Atlantic Station. If your group loves pro sports, don’t forget to compare your schedule to the Atlanta Falcons, Hawks, and Dream.
5. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center
Columbus, GA
No visit to Fort Benning is complete without touring the Infantry Museum & Soldier Center. The museum features interactive galleries with over 100,000 artifacts from the World Wars to modern missions.
Get a sense of what it was like to be in the jungle of Vietnam or parachute out of a helicopter. Don’t miss the chance to ride a Humvee and take down the enemy or go on a non-combative evacuation mission in the simulation center. After touring the galleries, relax in the museum’s movie theater to complete a fun, action-packed, all-day experience.
Are you stationed at Fort Benning? Share your favorite entertainment or holiday destination!
