Saturdays, Nov-March
The Toasty Farmer
Brewery 85—the former location of The Toasty Farmer winter market—may be closed, but that’s not stopping this market from celebrating its seventh season. Find your favorite market vendors, along with some new ones, downtown at Fireforge Brewery. After you shop, stick around and sample one of the craft beers on tap, a cuppa joe by Coffee Coffee, and bites from next-door neighbor Sum Bar.
Fireforge Brewery, 311 E. Washington St., Greenville. Nov. 11–Mar. 30, Sat., 11am–2pm. toastyfarmer.com
Nov 15, 2023-Jan 14, 2024
United Community Ice on Main
Grab the kids, lace up your ice skates (or rent a pair on-site), and join the cool fun at Greenville’s answer to Rockefeller Center, the winter ice-skating rink on the Village Green (adjacent to the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown). The rink is open through mid-January, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to brush up on your camel spins and double axels, and warm up with hot chocolate afterwards.
206 S. Main St., Greenville. Nov. 15–Jan. 14, daily, hours vary. Adults, $10; children 3-12, $8 (for a 1-hour skate session). greenvillesc.gov/1654/UCB-Ice-on-Main
Thru Jan 7
Christmas at Biltmore
Tens of thousands of twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine garlands, poinsettias everywhere you look: this is Christmas at Biltmore Estate. The grandest tree in the house is the 35-foot-tall Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall, which sparkles with 500 ornaments—a tradition the Vanderbilt family started in 1895. This year, Biltmore’s Library will be dressed in 1940s style, in honor of the new Hallmark Channel movie, A Biltmore Christmas, which was filmed on the estate in January 2023.
One Lodge St., Asheville, NC. Daily, hours vary. Daytime tickets start at $105; Candlelight Evening tickets start at $120 (admission fee includes a self-guided tour of the house and access to the grounds, shops, and winery). 800.411.3812, biltmore.com
Nov 16-Jan 1
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Drive-thru Light Show
It’s well worth the drive up to the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina to see this dazzling wonderland of holiday lights. The spectacular drive-thru light show is part of TIEC’s Winterfest—which includes daily ice skating (Nov. 24–Jan. 1) and weekend entertainment at the on-site Christmas Village. Be sure to check out TIEC’s Christmas Market over Thanksgiving weekend (November 24–26, 11am–8pm).
Tryon International Equestrian Center, 28 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. Thru Jan. 1, daily; 6–10pm. $35/regular vehicle. 828.863.1000, resort.tryon.com/winterfest
Nov 17-Dec 25
Bon Secours Festival of Trees
A favorite Greenville holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees decks the halls—lobbies, actually—of two downtown hotels in glittering style. Bring the family and experience the magic of the season. Who knows, you might even get some inspiration for decorating your tree at home while you’re at it.
Courtyard Marriott Downtown, 50 W. Broad St., and Hyatt Regency, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. Nov. 17–25, daily. Free. stfrancisfoundation.com/event/festival-of-trees
Nov 20-Dec 31
Miracle at Southernside
Holiday magic awaits at the second installation of Miracle at Southernside, a pop-up winter wonderland featuring decorations galore, festive cocktails, and themed events. Expect floor-to-ceiling decor, life-size Santas, mischievous elves, animatronic reindeer, twinkling lights, and plenty of cheer. Don’t miss the lineup of holiday-themed and family-friendly programming to make this season extra special.
Southernside Brewing Co., 25 Delano Dr., Ste. D, Greenville. Nov. 20–Dec. 31, daily. Free. 864.232.2053, southernsidebrewing.com
Nov 21-Dec 21
A Flat Rock Family Christmas
Join the Christmas cognoscenti and snag your tickets to this annual show. In late November every year, the Flat Rock’s main stage transforms into a holiday wonderland. Come capture the essence of the season in songs and carols by the Playhouse Chorus and guest vocalists, as well as spirited performances by members of a local dance school.
Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock, NC. Nov. 21–Dec. 21, Wed.–Sun., times vary. $52-$72. 828.693.0731, flatrockplayhouse.org
Nov 23 thru Dec 25
Anderson Christmas Lights
Talk about dazzling! Now in its 30th year, this annual light display covers 2.5 miles of road and encompasses 45 acres with nearly 300 different displays, requiring more than 3 million light bulbs. And if you’re thinking this is only a family event, note that the Anderson Christmas Lights show was voted by Clemson University as the Best Place to Take a Date at Christmas.
150 Rose Valley Blvd., across from Anderson Civic Center, Anderson. Thru Dec. 25, nightly, 5:30–10pm. $10/car. 864.437.8412, andersonchristmaslights.org
Nov 27-Jan 2, 2024
National Gingerbread House Competition
The country’s largest gingerbread competition started in 1992 with a handful of gingerbread houses constructed by Asheville residents and showcased at the Grove Park Inn. Today, you can see many more dazzling gingerbread entries displayed in the halls of the hotel. From December 1–12, the hotel will announce one finalist per day on the Omni Grove Park Inn’s Facebook and Instagram, with the Grand Prize Winner revealed on National Gingerbread House Day (Dec. 12).
Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville, NC. Open to guests not staying at the resort anytime Mon.–Thurs. and Sun. after 4pm. Free. 800.438.5800, omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/gingerbread
Nov 30-Dec 2
Greenville Holiday Fair
The 53rd rendition of the annual Holiday Fair returns to the Greenville Convention Center with plenty of time left for holiday shopping. Between the more than 350 artisans, crafters, and commercial vendors on-site, you’re bound to check off those folks on your list in no time—and all under one roof. How’s that for one-stop shopping?
Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr., Greenville. Nov. 30–Dec. 2, Thurs.–Fri., 10am–8pm; Sat., 10am–6pm. $7 (children under 12, free); parking, $5. 864.233.2562, holidayfairgreenville.com
Weekends thru Dec 24
Indie Craft Parade Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Missed the big Indie Craft Parade in September? Don’t fret, there’s still plenty of opportunities to shop with your favorite local and regional artisans. This year, the Makers Collective will feature a curated mix of giftable art at their holiday pop-up shop every weekend before Christmas. On December 2, 9, and 16, an additional outdoor Mini Market (11am–3pm) will feature even more of your favorite makers.
2909 Old Buncombe Rd., Greenville. Nov. 24–Dec. 24, Fri.–Sun., 11am–5pm. makerscollective.org/holiday
Thru Dec 10
Mary Poppins
The young and young at heart will love revisiting this classic. After all, everybody loves Mary Poppins, the nanny who brings the Banks family’s children in line through a mixture of magic and a spoonful of sugar. Scoop up the kids and run to see this delightful show, based on the book by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. We’re sure you’ll find it supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St., Greenville. Thru Dec. 10, Fri.–Sun., times vary. $25. 864.235.2885, scchildrenstheatre.org
Dec 1-2, 6, 10, 13, 20, 22-23, and 31
Swamp Rabbits Hockey
All hail hockey season! Celebrate the chilly temperatures by cheering on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to watch the team at The Well this month, as they play nine games on their home ice. The Swamp Rabbits start the month by challenging the Atlanta Gladiators, and end it on New Year’s Eve Glow Night in a match against the Florida Everblades.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville. Dec. 1–2, 6, 10, 13, 20, 22–23, and 31, Wed.–Sat., 7:05pm, Sun., 3:05pm. Tickets start at $20. 864.241.3800, swamprabbits.com
Dec 1-17
Odd
“An homage to The Odd Couple from a Gen Z perspective” is how The Warehouse describes this world premier play by Cammi Stilwell. Free spirit Phoebe wears her heart on her sleeve, while her roommate and best friend, Margot, plays her cards close to her chest. Fans of rom-coms and farces will appreciate this work, in which Phoebe tries to cheer her friend up by throwing one of the most uncomfortable dinner parties ever.
The Warehouse Theatre, 37 Augusta St., Greenville. Dec. 1–17, Thurs.–Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm. General admission, $35; reserved seats, $40. 864.235.6948, warehousetheatre.com
Dec 1
Night of Lights
Jump-start your holiday downtown by counting down with Mayor Knox White as he lights up the 25,550 LED lights on the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree in front of M. Judson Booksellers (the tree lighting takes place between 6:15 and 6:30pm). Keep the festive mood going by feasting on food-truck fare and listening to live music in the plaza; rumor has it Santa will be dropping by for a visit.
130 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 1, Fri., 5:30–8:30pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/1571/Holiday-Happenings
Dec 9
Poinsettia Christmas Parade
A local tradition, the Poinsettia Christmas Parade has ushered in the holidays in Greenville for more than 75 years. Get downtown early to stake out a spot along Main Street so you don’t miss the decorated floats, marching bands, dance groups, and more go by, followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus, jingling all the way. And don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Downtown Greenville. Dec. 2, Sat., 6pm. Free. 864.232.2273, greenvillesc.gov/1330/Poinsettia-Christmas-Parade
Dec 4
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony
World-renowned soprano and UNESCO Artist for Peace Ambassador Sarah Brightman has performed in theaters, arenas, cathedrals, and Olympic stadiums around the world. For one night, you can hear this spectacular talent in Greenville as she brings her Christmas Symphony tour to our town. In addition to her 180 gold and platinum awards, she even earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
300 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 4, Mon., 7:30pm. Tickets start at $80. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Dec 5
Dickens of a Christmas
Don’t be a Scrooge! Round up the kids and take them to the 29th year of Spartanburg’s signature yuletide festival. From the Christmas market and live music on three stages to Polar Express train rides and living window displays, every member of the family will find something to delight in as Spartanburg celebrates the season in Victorian style.
Downtown Spartanburg. Dec. 5, Tues., 6–9pm. Free admission. cityofspartanburg.org/313/Dickens-of-a-Christmas
Dec 8-10
The Nutcracker
It wouldn’t be the holidays without attending a performance of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, performed live by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, the International Ballet’s excellent rendition of the classic includes all the things you love about this ballet: a Nutcracker toy that comes to life to save young Clara, sword fights with giant mice, and a visit to the Land of Sweets, where Sugar Plum fairies and snowflakes dance.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 8–10, Fri.–Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. $25-$75. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Dec 8–10
Kringle Holiday Village
Fluor Field morphs into a Christmas wonderland this weekend, as Kringle Holiday Village takes over. Bring the kids for face painting, balloon art, magic, and, of course, visits with Santa. Take advantage of photo ops with characters like Buddy the Elf and the princesses from Frozen. Parents will appreciate keeping the chill off with mugs of glühwein while they listen to live music.
Fluor Field at the West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 8–11, Fri., 5–9pm; Sat. & Sun., 11am–6pm. $12/day. kringleholidayvillage.com
Dec 15–17
Holiday at Peace
Looking for some holiday cheer? Get in the Christmas spirit with this beloved Greenville yuletide tradition, featuring the Greenville Symphony Orchestra conducted by Edvard Tchivzhel. The Peace Center’s annual holiday spectacular never disappoints, and your favorite seasonal carols will be accompanied by a few surprises—including, we’re told, a visit from Jolly Old St. Nick himself.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 15–17, Fri. & Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. $20-$65. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Dec 31
Vault & Vator’s Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party
Don your finest Jazz Era costume or modern-day glam and secure your tickets to this New Year’s Eve celebration at downtown speakeasy Vault & Vator. In true Jay Gatsby style, champagne and cocktails will be flowing all evening. Everyone receives a complimentary glass of champagne, and different ticket levels feature additional perks such as reserved seating and a welcome cocktail.
Vault & Vator, 655 S. Main St., Ste. 100, Greenville. Dec. 31, Sun., 8:30pm. General admission, $35; Star Level, $50; VIP, $75. 864.603.1881, vaultandvator.com
