Saturdays thru March
The Toasty Farmer
Greenville’s original winter market is moving to a new location this year, at the New Realm Brewery in the West End. Find your favorite market vendors and producers, along with some new ones, and enjoy the bounty of the Upstate’s short winter season. After you shop, stick around to sample an IPA or pilsner and a bite at the brewery’s main bar.
New Realm Brewery, 912 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec.–Mar., Sat., 11am–2pm. toastyfarmer.com
Thru Jan. 15, 2025
United Community Bank Ice on Main
’Tis the season to be . . . ice skating. Lace up your skates—or rent a pair on-site—and head downtown to the Village Green (next to the Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown), which morphs into an ice-skating rink through the holidays. The rink is open into January, so you’ll have plenty of time to practice your camel spins and double axels—and to warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate.
206 S. Main St., Greenville. Nov. 20, 2024–Jan. 15, 2025, daily, times vary. $10. greenvillesc.gov/1654/UCB-Ice-on-Main
Daily thru Jan 5
Christmas at Biltmore
Despite the damage wreaked by Hurricane Helene, Biltmore Estate is cleaning up its grounds in time to present its annual Christmas celebration, complete with thousands of twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine garlands, and poinsettias everywhere you look. 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.
One Lodge St., Asheville, NC. Daily, hours vary. Daytime tickets start at $125; Candlelight Christmas evening tickets start at $145 (admission fee includes a self-guided tour of the house and access to the grounds, shops, and winery). 800.411.3812, biltmore.com
Nov 30–Jan 5
Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens
If you thought Brookgreen Gardens was beautiful by day, just wait until you see it at night during the holidays. Until early January, the gardens sparkle with more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of dazzling lights. Don’t miss this coastal Carolina tradition of walking the garden’s paths in the evening with family and friends to the tune of seasonal music—and with a cup of hot cider in hand.
1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet. Nov. 30, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025, Tues.–Sun., 4–9pm. Adults, $30; kids (4-12), $14. brookgreen.org/events/nights-thousand-candles
Thru 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, immersive drive-thru light show features hundreds of thousands of lights that dance to the tune of holiday music played on your car radio. It’s all part of TIEC’s Winterfest—which includes ice skating (Thurs.–Sun.) and Christmas characters, holiday treats, and carousel rides on December weekends at TIEC’s Christmas Village.
Tryon International Equestrian Center, 28 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. Nov. 29–Jan. 1, daily; 6–10pm. Tickets TBA. resort.tryon.com/winterfest
Thru Dec 25, 2024
Anderson Christmas Lights
Talk about dazzling! This annual holiday light display covers 2.5 miles of road and encompasses 45 acres with nearly 300 different displays, requiring more than 3 million light bulbs. Be sure to stop by Santa’s Village, where you’ll find food, live bands, and princesses—along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Feel free to bring the family pup; Anderson Christmas Lights made Chewy’s list of Top 50 Best Christmas Lights To Bring Your Dog To.
150 Rose Valley Blvd. (across from Anderson Civic Center), Anderson. Thru Dec. 25, nightly, 5:30–10pm. $10/car. andersonchristmaslights.org
Thru Dec 25, 2024
Festival of Trees
Heralding the holidays, the 39th annual Festival of Trees kicks off the season with groups of sparkling trees gracing the lobbies of two hotels in downtown Greenville: the Courtyard by Marriott and the Hyatt Regency. The trees will be decked out in festive style, each with a different theme, by different sponsoring groups in the community.
Courtyard by Marriott, 50 W. Broad St., Greenville; Hyatt Regency, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. Nov. 22–Dec. 25, daily. Free. stfrancisfoundation.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2024FestivalofTrees
Thru Dec 22
Indie Craft Parade Holiday Pop-up Shop
Meet your makers on weekends from now until Christmas at the Indie Craft Parade Holiday Pop-up, where you can browse through the collections of pottery, paper goods, jewelry, children’s toys, body products, and so much more. This month, be sure to check out the special outdoor Holiday Mini Markets (Dec. 7 & 14), each of which will add 25 different makers to the mix.
2909 Old Buncombe Rd., Greenville. Nov. 1–Dec. 22, Fri.–Sun., 11am–5pm. indiecraftparade.com/holiday
Dec 4-25, 2024
Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit
Greenville’s got talent. That will be evident when you see the entries in the third annual Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit, which transforms the lobby of the Residence Inn/Springhill Suites downtown into an edible wonderland. You be the judge—for the People’s Choice Award (to be announced on December 26)—of some 50 fanciful gingerbread creations, all made by local chefs and home bakers.
Residence Inn/Springhill Suites, 200 E. Washington St., Greenville. Dec. 4–25, daily. greenvillegingerbread.com
Dec 3, 4, 5 & 7
Christman Inn Our Town
Check out one or all four days of Fountain Inn’s holiday celebration. The fun kicks off on December 3 with the tree lighting, followed by cookies and cocoa with Santa. On Wednesday, the Christmas parade marches down Main Street, while on Thursday evening you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride under twinkling lights. Saturday brings the Merry Market, complete with carousel rides, roaming characters, and a Christmas movie in the park.
Main St., Fountain Inn. Dec. 3–5 & 7, Tues., 5–8pm; Wed., 5:30–8pm; Thurs., 4:30–9pm; Sat., 2–8pm. Free, except for carriage rides. mainstreetfountaininn.com/christmas-inn-our-town
Dec. 4, 11 & 18
Movies at The Mill
On select nights this month, enjoy some holiday cheer as the green behind the Mill at Fountain Inn morphs into an alfresco movie theater. Bring a blanket to wrap up in, and treat the family to this holiday-themed lineup playing on the big screen: How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Elf; and Polar Express. On Sunday, Dec. 15, Santa makes a visit to The Mill and Christmas movies play all day.
The Mill at Fountain Inn, 100 Ellison St., Fountain Inn. Dec. 4, 11 & 18, Sun., 6:30pm. Free. themillatfountaininn.com
Dec 5-22, 2024
Anastasia
Based on the 1997 animated movie by 20th Century Fox, Anastasia travels back in time to Russia c.1927. Post-revolution rumors are circulating that the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov has somehow survived the Bolsheviks’ execution of the Russian Imperial family. When an amnesiac young woman named Anya mysteriously appears, two con men attempt to take advantage of her resemblance to Anastasia to swindle money from the Dowager Empress.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. Dec. 5–22, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $40. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
Dec 5-22, 2024
Winter Wonderettes
The year is 1968. The problem: Santa has gone missing. Enter the Marvelous Wonderettes, a female singing group tasked with using their talent to find the man of the hour. With smooth harmonies, cool choreography, and plenty of ’60s holiday classic songs, this upbeat musical revue is sure to delight audiences young and old.
Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville. Dec. 5-22, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. Tickets start at $35. 864.233.6733, centrestage.org
Dec. 5-7, 2024
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
To make holiday shopping and celebrating even more fun, the Greenville Convention Center will host its annual Holiday Fair in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village. That means more than 375 vendors, live music, a North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, and a European Bier Garden—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Gather the whole family and don’t miss the fun.
Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr., Greenville. Dec. 5–7, Thurs.–Fri., 10am–7pm; Sat., 10am–6pm. General admission, $10; 3-day pass, $25. kringleholidayvillage.com
Dec 5, 2024
A Merry Mauldin Christmas
Make your spirits bright at Mauldin’s annual tree-lighting ceremony. Sponsored by the City of Mauldin and the Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce, this year’s festivities will include live music, a holiday market, pictures with Santa, train rides, and a few surprises.
Mauldin Outdoor Amphitheatre, 101 E. Butler Rd., Mauldin. Dec. 5, Thurs., 5–8pm. Free. mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/festival-season/christmas-season
Dec 6, 7, 14, 15, 19, 28, 29, 31
Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey
Hockey season goes hand-in-hand with the holidays. So make a plan to watch the Greenville Swamp Rabbits as they hit the ice. This month, you can catch all the slick action as the Swamp Rabbits play eight games at home against a host of different teams, including the Orlando Solar Bears, Atlanta Gladiators, Jacksonville Icemen, and the Norfolk Admirals. Come on December 14 for the annual Teddy Bear Toss.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville. Dec. 6, 7, 14, 15, 19, 28, 29 & 31, Tues.–Sun., times vary. Tickets start at $28. 864.241.3800, swamprabbits.com
Dec 6-8, 2024
Holiday at Peace
If you’ve lived in Greenville for any length of time, you’re no doubt familiar with the Peace Center’s annual holiday spectacular. Experience the magic of the season with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by nationally renowned soloists and dancers from the International Ballet. Hear your favorite carols and more, and, if you haven’t already, make this show one of your beloved yuletide traditions.
Peace Center, 101 W. Broad St., Greenville. Dec. 6–8, Fri.–Sun., times vary. $25-$75. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Dec 6
Night of Lights
Jumpstart your Christmas spirit at 6pm as Mayor Knox White switches on the 25,550 LED lights that adorn the official 30-foot-tall city Christmas tree in front of M. Judson Booksellers. Food trucks, vendors, and live music will be on-hand, and we hear that the evening will feature a very special guest, in the form of Jolly Old St. Nick himself.
Main St. at Court St., Greenville. Dec. 6, Fri., 5:30–8:30pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/1571/Holiday-Happenings
Dec 7, 2024
Poinsettia Christmas Parade
A beloved local tradition, the Poinsettia Christmas Parade has ushered in the holidays in Greenville for more than 75 years. You’ll want to get downtown early to stake out a spot along Main Street so you don’t miss seeing the decorated floats, marching bands, and dance groups go by, followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus, jingling all the way. And don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite float.
Downtown Greenville. Dec. 7, Sat., 6:30pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/1330/Poinsettia-Christmas-Parade
Dec 9, 2024
Together in Good Spirits
Take a break from holiday card writing and treat yourself to a multicourse dinner at CAMP. At this event, presented by euphoria, chefs Nico Abello and Diego Campos combine their talents to craft a menu that perfectly complements the smooth notes of premium whiskeys and seasonal cocktails. In addition to a night of refined food, fine spirits, and good fellowship, a portion of each ticket goes to support Project Host’s Cooking for Kids program.
CAMP, 2 E. Broad St., Greenville. Dec. 9, Mon., 6:30pm. $195. euphoriagreenville.com
Dec 13-15, 2024
The Nutcracker, International Ballet
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 The Nutcracker ballet: a Nutcracker toy that comes to life as a handsome prince, sword fights with giant mice, and a visit to the Land of Sweets, where Sugar Plum fairies and snowflakes entertain Clara and her prince.
Peace Center, 101 W. Broad St., Greenville. Dec. 13–15, Fri.–Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. $25-$85. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Dec 14
Very Merry Christmas Market
Come to Travelers Rest at 10am to see the Very Groovy Christmas Parade, and afterward, continue the merriment at Trailblazer Park for the Very Merry Christmas Market. The largest of the TR Farmers Markets of the year will feature more than 110 vendors and artisans—enough to find a special something for everyone on your holiday gift list.
Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. Dec. 14, Sat., noon–4pm. travelersrestfarmersmarket.com/events/2024/12/14/christmas-market
Dec 16
A John Legend Christmas
If you’re home for the holidays, don’t miss this chance to make your season merry and bright by treating yourself to tickets to see singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor John Legend at the Peace Center. Expect to hear holiday favorites from his hit album, A Legendary Christmas, and listen to Legend recount the stories behind the music.
Peace Center, 101 W. Broad St., Greenville. Dec. 16, Mon., 7:30pm. $225-$350. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Dec 31
Juniper’s New Year’s Eve 2025
Four parties and one night of revelry usher in the new year atop the AC Hotel. The downtown skyline is the backdrop for this can’t-miss celebration, complete with premium liquors, light bites, and a dessert station. Round up your posse and dance the night away to music by party bands and DJs. As the clock strikes midnight, toast to 2025 with a flute of Chandon Brut.
AC Hotel, 315 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 31, Tues., 8:30pm. General admission, $150; Fast Pass, TBD (includes early admission, valet parking, and a priority bar line). junipernye.com
