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.
Holiday Fun In Anderson County
Drive Through The Anderson Lights Display
Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day | 5:30 – 10 PM
150 Rose Valley Boulevard, Anderson
Anderson Lights includes 2.5 miles of light displays, a Christmas village, an opportunity to see Santa, and unique entertainment scheduled on select nights. $15 a car.
Shop From Local Vendors
- Pendleton Christkindlmarkt
Fridays and Saturdays November 28th, 2025 through December 13th, 2025, 4:00 to 8:00 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 14th-16th, 2025
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.
Go Ice Skating In Wren Park
Holiday Ice in Carolina Wren Park– Anderson
On select dates from December 1st 2025 – January 4th 2026, Enjoy ice skating in the park! Admission is $5 per person ages 6 and older (skates included). Kids 5 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.
View The Trees at The Christmas Tree Festival
November 19th through November 22nd, 2025
View the decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces available to purchase to benefit the Anderson Free Clinic. Viewing the decorations is free but there are many ticketed special events.
Attend A Holiday Parade
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!
- Clemson’s Magic of Christmas Parade
December 5th, 2024 | 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.
- City of Anderson Christmas Parade
December 7, 2025 | 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.
Christmas at the Library
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!
Holly Jolly Holiday Fair’s Sunday is made for families!
Sunday, Nov. 15th, 10-5p | $8
Limited tickets. Buy online!
What’s happening:
- 10-12: Live music while you shop
- 12-1: Princess interaction & story time
- 1-2: Magic show
- 3-5: Santa, with free professional photos while you share your wishes
- Free gift wrapping station
- 200 handmade, holiday & vintage vendors
- Food, drink & dessert trucks
Kids: Under 8 are free.
Re-entry: Tickets are good from the listed time through the weekend. Snap a photo at the exit with the re-entry sign to come back in anytime.
Line up on Main Street in Anderson to see the Christmas parade. The city says the parade is free and open to the public.
Bring your furry family members to meet Santa at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
Put on your coziest pajamas and visit Santa at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
Bring your furry family members to meet Santa at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
See more places to see Santa on our Santa Guide to the Upstate!
More Christmas Events in Anderson County
VIP Night: Friday, Nov. 13th, 3-9p | $15
Limited tickets. Buy online!
VIP perks:
- Live music from Upstate’s best
- First dibs on 200+ handmade, holiday & vintage booths
- A glass of wine or coffee on us
- Free canvas shopping bag
- Free gift wrapping station
- Free custom hand-lettered gift tags
- Food, drink & dessert trucks
- Free photo booth pic, plus a free return entry on Sunday (new ticket required for Saturday entry)
Kids: Every person needs a ticket due to limited attendance. Babies in carriers are free. Sunday kids under 8 are free.
Make Holly Jolly part of your tradition! Come hungry and spend the evening with us!
★ FeaturedHolly Jolly Holiday Fair is a sweeping celebration of all things holiday, handcrafted and vintage!
Shop 200 handmade, holiday and vintage vendors, enjoy live music and DIY classes with the artisans themselves (class tickets required), grab treats from food, drink and dessert trucks, and use the free gift wrapping station. Limited tickets at 9am, 12pm and 2pm.
Holly Jolly Holiday Fair’s Sunday is made for families!
Sunday, Nov. 15th, 10-5p | $8
Limited tickets. Buy online!
What’s happening:
- 10-12: Live music while you shop
- 12-1: Princess interaction & story time
- 1-2: Magic show
- 3-5: Santa, with free professional photos while you share your wishes
- Free gift wrapping station
- 200 handmade, holiday & vintage vendors
- Food, drink & dessert trucks
Kids: Under 8 are free.
Re-entry: Tickets are good from the listed time through the weekend. Snap a photo at the exit with the re-entry sign to come back in anytime.
Anderson Christmas Lights is one of the Upstate’s largest and most anticipated holiday traditions, featuring a 2.5-mile drive-through Christmas light display with hundreds of illuminated displays, festive scenes, and holiday attractions. Hosted by the nonprofit Anderson Lights of Hope, the event runs nightly from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day at 150 Rose Valley Blvd in Anderson, SC. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular light show, explore Santa’s Village, meet Santa Claus, enjoy live entertainment, holiday treats, and family-friendly activities. Proceeds from the event help support local charitable and community programs throughout Anderson County.
Event Highlights:
- 2.5-mile drive-through light display
- Hundreds of Christmas-themed displays
- Santa’s Village and photos with Santa
- Live entertainment and holiday activities
- Family-friendly holiday tradition
- Benefits local charitable programs through Anderson Lights of Hope
A beloved Anderson County tradition for more than 30 years, Anderson Christmas Lights brings the magic of the season to thousands of families each year
The annual Anderson County Tree Lighting at the Courthouse Plaza is followed by a performance by professional figure skater Olivia Pellerin at 7:30 p.m. on the real ice rink at Carolina Wren Park.
Line up on Main Street in Anderson to see the Christmas parade. The city says the parade is free and open to the public.
Bring your furry family members to meet Santa at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
Put on your coziest pajamas and visit Santa at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
The Grinch stops by Santa photos at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
Bring your furry family members to meet Santa at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
- Holiday Things to Do in Greenville, SC
- Holiday Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC
- Holiday Things to Do in Pickens, SC
- Free Things to Do at Christmas in Greenville
- Free Holiday Things to Do in Spartanburg
- Our Driving Routes of Upstate, SC Christmas Light Displays
- Christmas Light Displays Near Greenville, Spartanburg and the Upstate
- Best Christmas Tree Farms Near Greenville
- Santa Sightings In The Upstate
- Parades Near Greenville SC
- Live Nativities Near Greenville
