Planning to spend some time over the holidays in Travelers Rest, SC? There are a number of events and things to do happening in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Celebrate Christmas in the Park, attend a free ornament crafting workshop, or decorate yourself in lights. It’s all happening in Travelers Rest this Christmas season. We put together this list of what’s happening so you won’t miss any of the festivities.
Holiday Hop and Tree Lighting Saturday, November 25th, 2023 | 3 pm to 7 pm A day of fun festivities including FREE photos with Santa in Downtown Travelers Rest
Free Photos with Santa
Upstate’s Biggest Snowball Fight
Free crafts
Free games
Horse-drawn carriage rides
The Travelers Rest Christmas Parade Saturday, December 9th, 2023 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm At 10:30 AM the parade will depart Plaza Drive, then fork onto North Poinsett Highway, continuing onto Center Street. The parade will then turn left onto Main Street and continue through to its end point at Trailblazer Park, where you can visit with Santa.
Travelers Rest Very Merry Christmas Market Saturday, December 9th, 2023 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM All of your favorite upstate local merchants in one convenient holiday market! You can grab some last-minute holiday gifts and the kids can grab a minute with the man in red.
Were you thinking about going to visit A Dickens of a Christmas in Spartanburg? This unique Victorian Christmas festival has carolers, horse-drawn carriages, a festive holiday market, tree lighting, and so much more this year.
This holiday event is worth the drive from Greenville, or wherever you live in the Upstate!
Looking for holiday things to do in Easley and Pickens County? There are holiday events, places to see Santa, tree lightings, lots of Christmas parades, shopping events and much more all happening right in Pickens County. Celebrate the season with some of these Christmas things to do in Easley and Pickens County for the whole family.
Are you looking for a festive way to spend some time in Downtown Greenville, SC for Christmas? Now that the holiday season has arrived, we’ve gathered up some ideas for a festive day spent in downtown Greenville packed with holiday things to do. Here, you will find suggestions for places to go in downtown Greenville using the free trolley, information on Greenville’s Holiday Happenings events, and lots more.
Have you heard about the National Gingerbread Competition at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC? Hansel and Gretel would not miss this Christmas extravaganza, as it showcases dozens of gingerbread houses and holiday decorations galore! Luckily you don’t have to worry about the waistline, because this is a feast for the eyes, not the stomach.
The charming Grove Park Inn in Asheville is a seasonal delight you won’t want to miss this holiday season, and who knows – once inspired, maybe you’ll find yourself building a gingerbread house with the kiddos.
This article was originally published on Femme au foyer.
Looking for more great holiday fun in Asheville, NC? Don’t miss our Guide to Christmas in Asheville, NC. It is loaded with fun things to do from Asheville’s Christmas lights to free Santa photos!
The Annual Gingerbread Competition at Asheville’s Grove Park Inn
The famous gingerbread house competition at the Grove Park Inn is a favorite winter activity for families. Viewing dates are November 27, 2023 through January 2, 2024. If you are not staying at the resort, you are invited to view the displays after 4 pm on Sundays or anytime Monday – Thursday based on parking availability. Excluded dates for guests not staying at the resort are December 23-25, 30-31, and January 1. Only registered resort pets are allowed and no outside pets are permitted.
The gingerbread houses are as diverse as they are amazing; on our last visit, we saw everything from clock towers to sleighs to igloos to skate parks. The entries must be constructed entirely of edible materials with the exception of the base, but the ingenuity in construction is simply remarkable.
There are four entry categories: adult, teen, youth and child, and entries are judged on overall appearance, originality and creativity, difficulty, precision and consistency of theme.
While there is no admission charge to view the display, although there is a $25/car parking fee. Half of this fee goes to local non-profits. For more information on the gingerbread competition visit the website, and make sure to keep a lookout for entries from the Upstate; in previous years an entry from Greer placed second in the teen category, while a Greenville entry in the child category received an honorable mention.
Holiday Decorations at Omni Grove Park Inn
All decorated areas of the hotel may not be available to those who are not registered guests staying at the hotel.
As you walk through the hotel viewing the gingerbread competition winners you’ll see more than a few Christmas trees decorated in all sorts of motifs. My boys’ favorite part of the visit was discovering the elaborate ornaments on these themed trees, deciding on their favorites, and planning which decorations we should have in our home. The giant Christmas tree in the lobby is a perfect place for that family photo, the entire Great Hall filled with the smell of the giant evergreen.
The enormous fire places in the Great Hall are adorned with wreaths, heat radiating out to warm those seated in the area. One year, there was a gingerbread house in the hall, built by the pastry department. The ingredients included 50 pounds of egg whites, 440 pounds of powdered sugar, 220 pounds of red fondant and 400 pounds of bread flower!
Visitors could purchase hot beverages and gingerbread from the gingerbread house, and then settle into the giant rocking chairs near the fireplace with hot chocolate to enjoy the holiday bustle. Spend a little more time than just a couple of minutes in the rocking chairs – sitting by a roaring fire in a relaxing chair is part of the mystique of the Inn that should not be glossed over.
The Grounds of Grove Park Inn
The original Grove Park Inn was built in 1913 and over the years has grown to encompass a golf course, spa, sports complex, five restaurants, three bars and a café.
To truly appreciate the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains it is worth stepping out onto the veranda, or even descending down into the gardens and spa area. This descent via outdoor stone staircases is also a good use of the kids’ extra energy; ask them to take a photo of the Inn from the lowest level.
The view of the front of the hotel is also quite grand, and after imagining the long-ago sound of horse-drawn carriages rattling across the cobblestones you might want to take a short stroll. From the front of the hotel up to Sunset Mountain is a short hiking trail that is appropriate for all skill levels and ages that will let you work off whatever delectable you may have bought at the Inn, but will also let you appreciate the spectacular natural setting of the Grove Park Inn.
Then, as you set off on the drive home take a minute to determine whether you should enter next year’s Gingerbread Competition – or once more return as a spectator to this wonderful annual event.
Plan a trip of your own
Grove Park Inn 290 Macon Avenue Asheville, NC 28804 800.438.5800
Searching for “Christmas day trips near me”? Or maybe you’re interested in taking a trip out of Greenville to enjoy the holiday spirit? There are a bunch of places you can head for the weekend or just the day to enjoy some holiday fun away from the Upstate.
Check out our list of popular destinations for day trips during the holiday season. From train rides to giant light displays and towns all decked out for Christmas, there are some fantastic ideas on this list!
Looking for holiday events in Anderson, SC? You’ve found the right place! We have information on parades, ice skating, shopping, where to find Santa, and more are all waiting for you in this list of holiday events and things to do in Anderson, SC.
Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day | 5:30 – 10 PM Anderson Lights includes 2.5 miles of light displays, a Christmas village, an opportunity to see Santa, and unique entertainment scheduled on select nights. $10 a car.
Shop From Local Vendors
Pendleton Christkindlmarkt Fridays and Saturdays December 1st-16th, 2023, 4:30 to 8:30 pm An outdoor market located in Pendleton’s Village Square. Hot spice wine, apple cider and beer available for purchase, vendors change weekly.
The Holly Jolly Holiday Fair November 17th – 19th, 2023 This holiday fair includes lots of local vendors you already love, plus demonstrations, food trucks, live music, and visits with Santa! The tickets start at $8 per person, and there are VIP options available.
Holiday Ice in Carolina Wren Park– Anderson On select dates from December 1st 2023 – December 31st, 2023, Enjoy ice skating in the park! Admission is $5 per person ages 7 and older (skates included). Kids 6 and under skate free on the kiddie rink .
Free Fun To Have During The Holidays In Anderson
The holidays can stress our wallets, so free and cheap fun is always a welcome sight! We’ve found ways to celebrate the holiday season that won’t break the bank.
November 15th through November 18th, 2023 View the decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces available to purchase to benefit the Hospice of The Foothills. Admission to view the decorations is free.
There are plenty of places to sit along the parade routes, and it’s always a good idea to bring a bag to catch any candy thrown out to the kids from floats. Also, don’t forget that hot cocoa and a comfy chair and blanket to stay toasty depending on the weather!
City of Anderson Christmas Parade December 3, 2023 | Starts at 3 pm Line up on Main Street to see the Christmas parade. The parade route runs from Greenville Street starting at 3 PM and runs to Highland Avenue where it finishes at approximately 4:45 PM.
Clemson’s Magic of Christmas Parade December 5th, 2023 | Starts at 5 PM The City of Clemson’s Parade festivities begin at 5 pm, with the actual parade kicking off at 6 pm. The parade route runs from College Avenue to Strode Circle.
Christmas Tree Lighting in Anderson
Anderson Christmas Tree Lighting, December 1st, 2023 at 6 pm, and cookie crawl
Libraries are always a great source of free fun! While you’ll need an Anderson library card to check out books, you don’t need one to attend the fun, free events they have planned.
See Santa in Anderson
We asked the elves for Santa’s appearance schedule this season. Here’s a list of places where you find Santa this year in Anderson. Snap a photo, enjoy some cookies, and don’t forget to share your Christmas wish list!
Are you looking for the best places to see Christmas lights near Greenville, SC or Spartanburg, SC? This list includes all of the local mega-light displays, light displays large enough to drive to see, and even some local Christmas lights at homes that deck it out for Christmas Griswold style.
While we do our best to offer accurate information, please check with these venues and organizations before visiting. Please help keep Kidding Around Greenville and Spartanburg content free by not copying and reproducing this content without permission.
Drive-Thru Holiday Lights Near Greenville and Spartanburg
Anderson Christmas Lightsacross from the Anderson Civic Center Thanksgiving, November 23 – December 25, 2023 It includes 3.5 million Christmas lights!
Upstate Holiday Light Showat District Park in Easley, SC opens Thanksgiving through December 31, 2023. In addition to driving through the dancing lights, guests can also visit a winter wonderland and Santa’s free petting zoo.
Cars, SUVs, Trucks, and Minivans – $35
Sun-Thurs 6 pm-10 pm
Fri & Sat 6 pm-11 pm
Christmas Wonderland andWinterfest Village– This drive-thru light experience at the Tryon Equestrian International Center is a real family treat. There are also live shows on select nights. The show runs nightly from November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024, from 6-10 pm. The Winterfest Village is open weekends in December through December 23rd from 5-9 pm.
Winterfest Village: Some activities are free but most require a wristband, which cost $10-12/child 12 and under. Winterfest happens Friday-Sunday 5-9 pm starting December 1, 2023 and ending December 23, 2023.
Night of Lights at Heritage Park in Simpsonville at Heritage Park is a walk through light display with rides, ice skating, and a petting zoo. It runs November 20th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023. Hours are Sunday-Thursday 5-10 pm and Friday-Saturday 5-11 pm. Tickets are Sunday-Thursday $10/ages 16+ and $8/ages 6-15, under 5 are free; Friday-Saturday $12/ages 16+, $10/ages 6-15, under 5 are free. Check their website as they have different promotions and discounts nightly.
Oconee State Park Holiday Light Show will be a walk-through or drive-through event! Trees will be lit with beautiful lights and holiday displays. There will be a Santa workshop while you grab hot chocolate and coffee.
The Magical Music Holiday Light Showat Seneca’s Norton-Thompson Park is a FREE event and fun for the whole family! Dates are from November 17th, 2023 to December 31st, 2023.
Holiday Putt Through Lights at Takeoff Minigolf in Greenville: You can walk through a big holiday light display while playing mini-golf. The special event opens November 24, 2023 and runs Thursday-Sunday until December 30th. Tickets should be reserved online and are $15/adults, $13/kids.
[2023 info has not been announced]Lake Lure Flowering Bridge: This is a short day trip from Greenville but totally worth it. The Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure, NC is free and during Christmas, they light it up and you can walk through the display and garden! See our story on the cool bridge, which also includes things to do in the Chimney Rock Village just down the street (I’d recommend getting hot chocolate). The lights will remain on through the first week of January and a holiday celebration will take place on November 30th at 5:30 pm.
Lighting Displays and Ceremonies
Holidays at the Zoo– (Select dates in December) Walk through the Greenville Zoo and be dazzled by thousands of lights, festive decorations, and holiday music. Tickets are timed, and advanced registration is recommended. The zoo will be closed from December 24th – 25th. Other dates are open from 4 pm to 8 pm. You can purchase tickets online.
2023 Festival ofTrees – Come see the holiday trees on display from November 17th, 2023 to December 25th, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown and the Courtyard Marriott Greenville Downtown. FREE
Tiny Town Easley, SC– A piece of the small town South lives on, in tiny form! Over 80 tiny structures adorned with lights, Christmas decor, and lots of character make up Tiny Town. The display is open nightly from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day (closed when raining). They also have hot chocolate, hot coffee, a bonfire, and select dates of visits with Santa.
City of Seneca Tree Lighting and Magical Musical Holiday Light Show in Seneca – Join the mayor on November 27th, 2023 at 5 pm for this fun-filled holiday tradition of lighting the Christmas Tree at Norton-Thompson Park. The Christmas Parade follows at 6:30 pm. The Magical Musical Holiday Light Show runs November 17th-December 31st nightly from 5:30-10 pm.
Holiday Hop: Travelers Rest, SC Tree Lighting and more (November 27th, 2023) Tree Lighting, Christmas kids craft station, stories with Mrs. Claus, selfies with Santa all on Main Street in Travelers Rest, SC.
Mauldin Tree Lighting (November 30th, 2023 at 5 pm) – Enjoy holiday music and tree lighting at the Mauldin Outdoor Amphitheater behind the Mauldin Cultural Center.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Greer City Park (December 1, 2023 at 5-8 pm) This family-friendly event also includes a visit from Santa. Be sure to head over to Trade Street for dinner before or after the event. The full event starts at 5:00 pm.
Dickens of a Christmas- (December 5th, 2023 from 6 to 9 pm) Tree lighting in Spartanburg, SC. The event also includes a Victorican-style Christmas celebration throughout Downtown Spartanburg. Enjoy live music, vendors, horse and carriage rides, living window displays, and more.
Holiday Lights at Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm– You can explore the unicorn farm and enjoy the Christmas lights Fridays – Sundays from November 17th – December 23rd. Lights and a movie start at 5 pm. Prices are $12 for 18+ and $14 for kids 3-17 years old.
Homes with light shows that include music (and sometimes even hot chocolate and Santa). Expect to wait in traffic to see them. If visiting these displays, park on the sides of the street, being sure to leave room for traffic and not block neighbors’ driveways.
Also, we recommend that you check the Facebook page of the light display before heading out. That’s typically where you can find current information on traffic rules, parking, and nights off.
Private Home Light Displays
This list includes displays that were submitted in 2023 by readers and others who are both on our Holiday Light Tour and ones that are not. Their status has been confirmed unless otherwise noted.
Speedway Christmas Lights – The annual drive-thru Christmas lights at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is super popular. More than 4 million lights over 3.75 miles adorn this display, which runs from Friday, November 17, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024. They are closed on Christmas Day.
Tickets for cars are $35 – $45 and $140-$175 for buses. Fast passes are available for $75 per car (including ticket).
Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC (Thursday, November 23rd, 2023 to Friday, December 31st, 2023) Over a million lights on the 2-mile loop of the park. Includes a laser light show, hayrides, tube slide, Santa, and more.
Winter Lights – This popular light show at the NC Arboretum in Asheville is a walk-through garden lights experience. The show runs from November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023 nightly from 6 pm – 10:30 pm.
Garden Lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden (November 18, 2023 – January 14, 2024) This massive light display includes colored orbs, model trains, and a glittery rain forest.
Christmas Town, USA in McAdenville, NC (December 1 – 26, 2023) This nearby town decks out completely for Christmas. You can either park and walk around the town or drive through (the 1.3 miles takes approximately 30-40 minutes to drive through). The lights are on nightly from 5:30 – 10 pm. Read our review of Christmas Town, USA here.
World of Illuminations is taking place at one Atlanta area location this year, the Six Flags White Water park in Marietta (November 15th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023). This light display boasts over two million lights synchronized to music and has been named to the Forbes magazine list of Best Light Displays in the US.
Enchanted Safari (Marietta, Georgia at Six Flags White Water) Starts at $40 per car
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland andWinterfest Village– This drive-thru light experience at the Tryon Equestrian International Center is a real family treat. The show runs nightly from November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024, from 6-10 pm. The Winterfest Village is open weekends in December through December 23rd from 5-9 pm.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland tickets start at $35 per car.
Winterfest Village: Some activities are free but most require a wristband, which cost $10-$12 per child. Winterfest happens Friday Sunday 5-9 pm starting December 1, 2023 through December 17th and December 19th through December 23, 2023.
Smoky Mountain Event Center in Waynesville, NC ( 2023 TBA) This light display is a drive-thru and has lots of great twinkling lights for your family to enjoy. Tickets are $20/car and you need to choose a time for your reservation. Bonus: book a holiday tour of the alpaca farm and Santa visit at Winchester Creek farm, also in Waynesville.
Holiday Light Show at Oconee State Park (December 1, 2023- through January 10, 2024) Take a spin through the campground to enjoy light displays provided by the local community and businesses. Included with park admission.
Home for the Holiday at Marked Tree in Hendersonville, NC ( November 25th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023) This FREE display of lights features the lighting of OTTO, thought to be the oldest Oak tree in Western North Carolina, on Thanksgiving night. For the rest of the year, you can enjoy a lit holiday landscape drive-thru, holiday music, and more.
Ready to celebrate the holidays in Greenville? There are so many things to do in Greenville this holiday season. It can be a little bit overwhelming! We love our readers and want you to be able to enjoy the holidays with your family without that stress.
So we’ve pulled our very best and most helpful holiday content. We put it all right here to help our readers find just what they want to enjoy in Greenville this holiday season.
The 2023 Holiday Season in Greenville
We’re working hard to make sure you know about everything that’s going in the Upstate this holiday season. We hope you’ll be able to get out and make some wonderful memories with your family.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this list possible. Sponsored events are marked as “featured.” This list also includes unpaid mentions of sponsors and partners of Kidding Around Greenville. Read more about our advertising policies here.
Your Guide to the Holidays in Greenville
We do our very best to keep all content current and up to date. But please confirm with venues before heading out, as changes and cancellations can happen.
Time to pull out those ornaments and get this year’s Christmas tree? Our readers told us about their favorite Christmas Tree Farms near Greenville. You may have to drive a bit, but we think you are sure to find that perfect tree at one of these farms.
There are places that offer free photo opportunities, those with professional photo options, and plenty where you can hear that jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho!” or share a Christmas list.
Check back often because we’ll keep updating this list as the elves send us Santa’s appearance schedule.
Looking for something to do? The Greenville area has no shortage of holiday festivals, parades, shows, crafts, parties, storytime events, shopping fairs and so much more. We’ve gathered up some fantastic options and we’ll keep updating this list throughout the holiday season so you’ll always know what’s going on. Don’t forget to bookmark this list and check back often!
We’ve gathered up some fantastic options and we’ll keep updating this list throughout the holiday season so you’ll always know what’s going on. Don’t forget to bookmark our holiday event list and check back often!
Christmas Parades Near Greenville, SC– Want to catch a Christmas parade this year? There are a few happening in the Greenville area. Use this list to pick the right one for your family!
Live Nativities– Celebrate the Christmas story with a live nativity.
Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some holiday fun in Greenville. There are free craft events, story times, treats, and more all happening in the upstate. Here’s a list of free things to do for the holidays in Greenville.
Here’s a list of free things to do for the holidays in Greenville.
Trying to plan a little day trip getaway from Greenville? There are so many fun and festive places to visit during the holidays that are just a short car ride from Greenville.
Escape the holiday hustle and bustle with a day trip to one of these amazing places!
While we know there’s more to this season than finding that perfect gift, we also know many of our readers are looking for great gifts that will bring smiles to the faces of friends and family. Finding that perfect gift can be pretty overwhelming, so we’ve pulled out our best gift-giving ideas for Greenville and put them all in one place.
You’ll find our Experience Gift Guide, Shopping Local in Greenville, plus great children’s book recommendations and so much more.
Greenville is surrounded by wonderful suburbs and towns that all dress up and put out an extra dose of charm for the holidays. Use the links below to find out about each town’s holiday schedule and programs.
Ready for a date night out in Greenville? The Christmas season is a beautiful time to sneak away on a date with your significant other sans kids if you can manage it. We’ve come up with some great ideas to make that special night even more memorable during this time of the year.
Coming soon! Get Christmas dinner at these Greenville, SC area restaurants. Our list has restaurants with dine-in options, plus full catered meals you can order, and take-out options. We also have some places where you can pick up just a few sides, dessert, ham or turkey to add to your own home-cooked holiday meal.
Order a local charcuterie board in Greenville, SC. Cheese, fruit, cured meats, nuts, pickles and more! Bring a special treat to your holidays at home with a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board!
Escape this holiday season for a holiday getaway. Here’s a list of some festive travel destinations with great family rentals for you to book.
Looking for a mountain escape? Try these winter-time mountain rentals with hot tubs, fireplaces, and more fabulous features for a relaxing and cozy escape.
After Christmas: Winter Break and New Year’s
Family fun doesn’t stop on December 26th! You can have lots of fun after Christmas and of course, we have some great ideas!
Celebrate the start of the New Year in Greenville, SC with these family-friendly events and things to do.
Ready to celebrate the holidays in Spartanburg, SC? There’s so much to do in Spartanburg over the holidays and we don’t want you to miss out! We’ve gathered all our most helpful holiday content and put it right here in this Holiday Guide to Spartanburg for you to easily find. We have everything you need to know about area parades, events, light displays, things to do, gifts and so much more.
Ready for the holidays in Spartanburg? There are so many things to do in Spartanburg during the holiday season, and we don’t want you to miss out on anything. In this list of holiday events you’ll find family Christmas in Spartanburg events, holiday music performances, children’s events, and so much more. Don’t forget to check back often. We’ll be updating this list throughout the season!
Downtown Spartanburg offers some special events and festive things to do during the holiday season. Here’s everything you need to spend a day celebrating the holidays in Downtown Spartanburg.
Love those lights? There are lots of places near Spartanburg to see great light displays. We have information on professional light displays, drive-through light shows, neighborhoods with great lights and even light shows worth taking a day trip to view. So pack up those cookies, fill a thermos with hot chocolate and go see some Christmas lights!
Who doesn’t love a Christmas Parade? And there are so many to catch in the upstate. We have the dates and times of all the local parades right here. We’ll update this list as more events are announced so you can be sure to catch all the floats, decorations and marching bands your heart desires.
Kids have a little clutter? We know how that goes. The toys do seem to multiply at Christmas, so to help you combat that we made this list of Experience Gifts near Spartanburg. From sporting events, to museum memberships, shows, and classes we have some great ideas for gifts that will bring memories and smiles, not more clutter!
Have a list to share with the big man in red? Santa’s elves are giving us the scoop on Santa’s schedule, and we’re listing all the places you can see Santa in Spartanburg. You’ll find places to get professional photos with santa, some free opportunities to take your own photos, enjoy a breakfast, and of course lots of opportunities to share that Christmas list.
Pies are a pretty serious thing, especially at the holidays. If you don’t have the time to bake your own homemade pies, try this list of options and pick up some fresh pies for your holiday feast in Spartanburg. Some of these restaurants and bakeries will even deliver your pies, and it doesn’t get much easier than that.
