Do You Love Old Fashioned Christmas Charm? Head to Greer, SC

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Looking for a small-town Christmas feel this year? Downtown Greer, SC offers up several events packed with old-fashioned Christmas Charm along its historic Trade Street. Read on for a list of Greer’s Christmas events with all the details and suggestions so you can make the most of your holiday time in Greer. 

Christmas events and things to do in Greer, SC, Christmas Greer SC

I love downtown Greer, really any time of the year. Trade Street has that lovely historic feel only enhanced by its charming recent renovation. Standing there, surrounded by old buildings and preserved historic signage, you can almost feel the slowness of days gone by.

Greenville SC Holiday Guide

But Christmas makes it all the more special. The lights are lit, the shops have all decked out for Christmas, and the sidewalks seem more alive as people explore local stores and eateries. The City Park is full and bursting with Christmas cheer. My family is super excited to experience Christmas in downtown Greer again this year.

Watch Santa Light the Tree in Greer

What To Expect at the Greer Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Top of the list for Christmas in Greer is the Greer Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5th, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. This is a favorite for my family. If you’ve not been to Greer City Park during the Christmas season, you are missing out. They decorate the area with lots of white lights and some colored light characters. The fountain is lit up, and it’s just very pretty.

The tree lighting event includes free holiday craft stations, Smores benefiting Greer Relief, free train rides, and holiday performances at the amphitheater. The fun starts at 5 pm and lasts until Santa arrives at 7:15 to light the tree.

Santa reading at the Greer Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Trade Street Christmas

While you wait for the tree lighting, head over to Trade Street for a meal, a treat, or a cup of coffee. The lights stretched along the old buildings and spiraled up each street lamp are classic, simple, and beautiful. We just need a little snow to make it perfect….don’t worry that just might be in your not-too-distant future.

Parades in Greenville, SC and Upstate

Check out our Guide to Greer, SC, and the Trade Street section of our Restaurants in Greer, SC Guide to find the perfect local restaurant or coffee shop to visit.

Make sure to head back towards the Christmas Tree at the entrance to Greer City Park shortly after 7 pm. Santa usually arrives by sleigh around 7:15 pm to light up the tree.

If you were thinking all that old-fashioned, quaint Christmas talk sounded great, but would have really been over the top with a little sprinkle of snow. You might be in luck.

A little snow

In years past, the tree lighting included a little artificial snow falling off the sign that stretches across the park entrance behind the tree. Never have I seen so many people pressed underneath that sign, but it sure was fun. And of all the things my kids talk about, it’s not the music, or the tree, or Santa, or even cocoa, it’s that snow. Seriously, mid-July in shorts and tank tops, “Remember that’s where the snow came from, Mom!” Yep.

Greer Christmas Tree Lighting

Greer Famers Market Christmas Festival

The Greer Farmers Market Christmas Festival is Saturday, December 6th, 2025 and Sunday, December 7th from 10 am to 2 pm in Greer City Park. The Greer Christmas Festival will include, of course, shopping or unique gifts from local makers and small businesses. There will also be food trucks on site and live entertainment.

Greer Christmas Parade

One of the season’s best parades is the Greer, SC Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 7th, 2025 at 2:30 pm. The North Pole reports that Santa will be back in Greer in time for the parade. There are decorated parade floats, dance teams, marching bands, and more! The parade route is 1.1 miles beginning at Poinsett Street near The Clock restaurant and turns left at the United Bank, then travels down North Main Street and ends at Bonds Career Center. Enjoy the parade!

Greer Christmas Parade Santa

Greer Gingerbread Jamboree

You’ll find a beautiful display of creativity at the City of Greer Center for the Arts each December. There are houses of various detail and themes, many adorable and some just outright spectacular. Submissions for the competition are due by November 25, 2025.

  • Gingerbread Jamboree & Announcement of Winners
    Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 from 6-8pm.
    City of Greer Center for the Arts
  • Gingerbread Display (Public Viewing)
    December 6th- 16th, 2025 during Gallery Hours
Greer gingerbread competition

Christmas in Greer, SC: Schedule of Events

Friday, December 5th, 2025
Greer Christmas Tree Lighting, 5 pm- 8 pm, City Park (Tree is lit up after Santa arrives at 7:15 pm, arrive earlier to enjoy Downtown Greer, holiday craft stations, vendors and more.)

Saturday, December 6th, 2025 and Sunday, December 7th from 10 am to 2 pm
Greer Christmas Festival

Sunday, December 7th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Greer’s Christmas Parade

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 from 6pm – 8pm
Greer Gingerbread Jamboree

More Things to Do & Christmas Events in Greer, SC

[add_eventon_list event_type_2=”2050,” event_type=”2073,” number_of_months=”2″]

Does your family love Christmas in Greer as much as mine does?

There’s more to love in Downtown Greer!
Our Downtown Greer guide is full of information for visitors and residents, including things to do, shops, restaurants, events, and much more!

Maria
About the Author
Maria Bassett is a former school orchestra teacher turned homeschool mom. After successfully launching her oldest son into college, she and her husband continue to homeschool their three younger children, who range from 8th grade through high school. Believing children learn best when they are engaged and having fun, this family loves to take their homeschool on the road, around Greenville and beyond.

One Response

  1. shelly J says:

    Thank you for sharing what is going on in Greer. You are so wonderful. Thank you for all your hard work!