Nov 19, 2025-Jan 19, 2026
United Community Ice on Main
It’s that time again: time to show off your figure-skating moves at Greenville’s answer to Rockefeller Center. Lace up your ice skates (or rent a pair on-site), and take a spin around the rink on the Village Green (next to Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown). It’s open through mid-January, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice your camel spins and double axels, and warm up with hot chocolate afterwards.
206 S. Main St., Greenville. Nov. 19, 2025–Jan. 19, 2026. Daily, times vary. Mon.–Fri., $10; Sat.–Sun., $12. greenvillesc.gov/1654/United-Community-Ice-on-Main
Thru Jan 4, 2025
Christmas at Biltmore
Thousands of twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine garlands, poinsettias everywhere you look—this is Christmas at Biltmore Estate. The grandest of the 31 trees in the house is the 35-foot-tall Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall, which glitters with 500 ornaments—a tradition the Vanderbilt family started in 1895. If you’re wanting to get a jump on the holiday spirit, this is the place to do it.
One Lodge St., Asheville, NC. Thru Jan. 4, daily, hours vary. Daytime tickets start at $130; Candlelight Evening tickets start at $150 (admission fee includes a self-guided tour of the house and access to the grounds, shops, and winery). biltmore.com
Thru Jan 4, 2025
Winter Lights at North Carolina Arboretum
Unique among holiday light displays, Winter Lights illuminates the foliage and flowers at Asheville’s North Carolina Arboretum. This outdoor walk-through event sparkles with more than one million lights, including those on the 50-foot-tall tree. Keep an eye out along the paths for artist Thomas Dambo’s Trolls. Fashioned from fallen branches, wooden pallets, and twigs, the “baby” Trolls stand seven to nine feet tall.
North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC. Thru Jan. 4, daily, admission times 6, 7 & 8pm. $84.71 (per personal vehicle). ncarboretum.org
Nov 27-Dec 25
Anderson Christmas Lights
Dazzle your family this season with a drive through Anderson’s annual holiday light display. Covering 2.5 miles of road and encompassing 45 acres, 300 different displays here require more than 3 million light bulbs. Be sure to stop by Santa’s Village, where you’ll find hot chocolate, s’mores, live bands, and local vendors, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
150 Rose Valley Blvd. (across from Anderson Civic Center), Anderson. Thru Dec. 25, nightly, 5:30–10pm. $15/car. andersonchristmaslights.org
Thru Dec 25, 2025
Bon Secours Festival of Trees
For its 40th year, the Festival of Trees decks the halls of area hotels with trees festooned for the holidays, as it has since 1986. Take your family to experience the magic of this beloved holiday tradition at the Courtyard by Marriott and the Hyatt Regency downtown, where more than 50 trees have been decked out by local schools, florists, and organizations in twinkling lights and ornaments.
Courtyard by Marriott, 50 W. Broad St.; and Hyatt Regency, 220 N. Main St., Greenville. Thru Dec. 25, daily 8am–10pm. Free. givebsmh.org/event/festival-of-trees-2025-bon-secours-st-francis-foundation-greenville-sc
Nov 28-Dec 21, 2025
White Christmas
As the song says, you can “Count Your Blessings” when you see Greenville Theatre’s rendition of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. No matter the weather outside, there will be snow on stage to accompany this beloved holiday story. Expect show-stopping dance numbers, dazzling costumes, and songs you’ve loved for years, like “Happy Holidays,” “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” and, of course, “White Christmas.”
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St., Greenville. Nov. 28–Dec. 21, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $45. 864.233.6238, greenvilletheatre.org
Dec 3–25
Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit
Visions of sugarplums will pirouette in your head after you see the entries in Greenville’s fourth annual Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit. Open to professional, amateur—and this year for the first time, junior bakers—the exhibit will fill the lobby of the Residence Inn/Springhill Suites downtown with amazingly intricate gingerbread creations that are guaranteed to inspire your creative spirit.
Residence Inn/Springhill Suites, 200 E. Washington St., Greenville. Dec. 3–25, daily. Free. greenvillegingerbread.com
Dec 4-21, 2025
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)
An irreverent twist on traditional Christmas stories, this fast-paced show will have you holding your sides with laughter. If you’ve always wanted to hear the short version of the Christmas classics, you’ll appreciate this wild ride through stories from A Christmas Carol to The Nutcracker, performed by just three actors. There will be plenty of improvisation and audience participation, so bring your singing voice.
Centre Stage. 501 River St., Greenville. Dec. 4–21, Thurs.–Fri., 7:30pm; Sat.–Sun., 3pm. $33. 864.233.6733, centrestage.org/events
Dec 4-7, 2025
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
Whether you’re hunting for gifts amongst the more than 500 vendors filling Greenville Convention Center, or you want to explore Kringle Holiday Village with the kids, add this event to your holiday plans. In Kringle Village, you’ll find a North Pole-themed play area and Santa’s Workshop for the kids, and a European Bier Garden where adults can raise a stein or two. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Greenville.
Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr., Greenville. Dec. 4–7, Thurs., 10am–6am; Fri. & Sat., 10am–7pm; Sun., 11am–6pm. Admission, $10. (parking, $10). meetgcc.com/holiday-fair-kringle-village
Dec 5-21, 2025
Annie
For their holiday musical, South Carolina Children’s Theatre presents Annie, a timeless story with an inspiring message of hope. It may start out as a hard-knock life for little Annie and the other girls at the New York City Orphanage, but with perseverance, hope, and a lot of grit, Annie sees that the sun will come out tomorrow, as she finds a new home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks and a cuddly pup named Sandy.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta St., Greenville. Dec. 5–21, Fri.–Sun., times vary. $25. scchildrenstheatre.org
Dec 5-21
The Game
A new comedy by Bekah Brunstetter, The Game profiles Alyssa and Homer, a couple whose marriage is going through a rocky period. While she is focused on work, he has lost his job and taken refuge in an online video game. At her wit’s end, Alyssa organizes a women’s support group who band together to devise a plan to get their partners back.
Warehouse Theatre, 37 Augusta St., Greenville. Dec. 5–21, Thurs.–Sun., times vary. $35-$60. 864.235.6948, warehousetheatre.com
Dec 5-21
Home for the Holidays: Spirit of the Season
This festive 90-minute celebration features song, dance, and holiday magic with an all-star cast. Suitable for all ages, this is Mountain Theatre Company tradition closes out the year in dazzling style. This musical revue was written and created by Scott Daniel, executive director of Mountain Theatre Company.
Mountain Theatre Company, 507 Chestnut St., Highlands, NC. Dec. 5-21, times vary. $58-70.828.526.2695, mountaintheatre.com
Dec 5-7, 2025
The Nutcracker by International Ballet
The timeless tale of Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker prince comes to life on stage with the help of the dancers of Greenville’s International Ballet, the Greenville Youth Chorale, and Greenville Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Dancing the lead roles are principal guest artists Ekaterina Nechayeva (an International Ballet Academy alum) and Rafael Quenedit from Cincinnati Ballet. No matter how many times you’ve seen this ballet, it never loses its magic.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 5–7, Fri.–Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. Tickets start at $29.70. 864.467.3000, peacecenter.org
Dec 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21
Village Outdoor Holiday Market
This family-friendly holiday market features artisan booths, crafts, musical entertainment, and warmth by the fire, plus daily food truck vendors. Look for the unique set-up on the courtyard of Mill Village Ministries. Follow @villagewgvl for a full list of events and entertainment as well as a chance to win goodies each day of the market. Don’t forget to grab your Village Holiday Gift Guide and browse the area to select your favorite storefront window display.
Mill Village Ministries courtyard, 1186 Pendleton St., Greenville. Fri. 2pm-7pm; Sat. 12pm-7pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm. www.villagewgvl.com, @villagewgvl
Fri, Dec 5
Night of Lights
Count down with Mayor Knox White as he lights the official Christmas tree in front of City Hall. The 30-foot-tall tree will light up the night with 25,550 LED lights, illuminating the food trucks, live bands, and local vendors that will be on hand—not to mention a special appearance by Kris Kringle himself. The tree lighting will take place between 6–6:15p.m.; come early so you don’t miss out on the merrymaking.
Main St., Greenville. Dec. 5, Fri., 5:30–8:30pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/1571/Holiday-Happenings
Dec 6, 2025
Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade
Heralding the holiday season, the Poinsettia Parade marches down Main Street the first Saturday in December. You’ll want to get downtown early to stake out a spot along Main Street so you have a good view of the decorated floats, marching bands, and dance groups as they go by, followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Once the parade has passed, be sure to cast your vote for the most creative float.
Downtown Greenville. Dec. 6, Sat., 6:30pm. Free. greenvillesc.gov/1330/Poinsettia-Christmas-Parade
Dec 6
Bakeshop: Pastries at Home
Get ready for the holidays at this hands-on class. You’ll jingle all the way as you learn to make hot cocoa bombs, fluffy marshmallows, and seasonal goodies like holiday bark and more. Whether you give them as gifts or put them on your own holiday table for family to enjoy, this workshop will send you home with a sleigh-full of sweet creations and holiday recipes to amp up any festive spread.
Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center, 556 Perry Ave., Ste. B114, Greenville. Dec. 6, Sat., 9am–1pm. $105. chigreenville.com/recreational-classes.html
Dec 12-Jan 4
Holidays at the Zoo
Like your holiday cheer with some creature comfort? Then you’re bound to have a roaring good time walking through the zoo, which will be adorned with thousands of shimmering lights and festive decorations, all set to the tune of seasonal music. Come appreciate your favorite animals in a whole new light.
Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Dr., Greenville. Dec. 13–Jan. 4, 4–8pm. Price TBA. greenvillezoo.com/163/Special-Events
Dec 12-14. 2025
Holiday at Peace
Appropriately billed as “Greenville’s Favorite Family Christmas Tradition,” Holiday at Peace is the perfect celebration of the season. This year’s program features the stunning vocals of Michael Maliakel, the star of Broadway’s Aladdin. Filled with new surprises, the holiday spectacular brings together nationally renowned artists and beloved local talent to perform your favorite carols and more. If you haven’t already, make this show one of your family’s yuletide must-dos.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 12–14, Fri.–Sat., 7pm; Sun., 2pm. Tickets start at $27.50. peacecenter.org
Dec 13
Hartness Half Marathon & 5K
If a cross-country-style half marathon is your idea of preparing for the holidays, lace up your running shoes and get yourself over to the Hartness community on Greenville’s Eastside. In both the half marathon and the shorter 5K, you’ll traverse pavement, trails, both dirt and gravel roads, and grassy fields, and get a glimpse of the Hartness property along the way. Perhaps best of all, your registration fee benefits Make-A-Wish Greenville.
500 Hartness Dr., Greenville. Dec. 13, Sat., 9am–1pm. Half marathon, $80; 5K, $30. hartnesshalf.com
Dec 13, 2025
Very Merry Christmas Market
Make merry in TR, starting with the Very Groovy Christmas Parade on Main Street at 10a.m. Afterwards, make your way over to nearby 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—more than enough to find a special handmade gift for everyone on your holiday list.
Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest. Dec. 13, Sat., noon–4pm. travelersrestfarmersmarket.com/events/2024/12/14/christmas-market
Dec. 19-21
The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Carolina Ballet Theatre presents this twist on the beloved classic. Artistic director Hernan Justo and the talented dancers bring the story to life while adding the charm of Greenville. With epic battles, dancing sweets, and a memorable debutante ball, don’t miss this heartwarming tale that is infused with the spirit of Greenville.
Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville. Dec. 19-21, Fri. & Sat., 7:30pm; Sat & Sun., 2pm. Tickets start at $33. peacecenter.org
Dec 31, 2025
New Year’s Eve Drone Show and Flip-Flop Drop
Looking for a different way to ring in the New Year? Head to Folly Beach, near Charleston, where a spectacular fireworks show colors the night sky, starting at 7pm. You can view the fireworks all along the beach, but you’ll want to be on Center Street before midnight to take in the giant sparkling Flip-Flops that descend to mark the first stroke of the New Year.
Center St., Folly Beach. Dec. 31, 7pm. Free. visitfolly.com/festival/new-years-eve
