Making Spirits Bright

When the Greer Christmas Parade kicks off on December 5 at 2:30 p.m., it will wind its way about a mile from Poinsett Street to North Main. With the theme of Santa’s Workshop, the event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for attendees of all ages. As this sepia-toned photo from 1938 shows, the parade has brought the community out in droves for decades, with kids of all ages lining up to catch a glimpse of festively decorated vehicles and regal horses. That year, the parade swept along the 100 block of Trade Street, while bundled crowds stood in front of Graham Cash Co., down the street from Wayside Inn.

Trade Street and downtown Greer have undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few years, with the CenterG Project bringing to life a variety of initiatives, including repaving, a pedestrian plaza, curb removal, and new and updated businesses including Barista Alley, Bleu Porch, Urban Petals, and the Historic Greer Depot. Greer leaders have focused on building on the area’s historic character so that the community will continue to gather and celebrate in the central business district for generations to come.

The Greer Christmas Parade is just one of the many events taking place this holiday season. Here’s a preview of festive family-friendly events happening throughout the month.