Top 5 Christmas Events in Greenville, SC
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Winter in Upstate South Carolina is a more relaxed, enjoyable time of the year with cooler, drier weather, fewer crowds, and a diverse lineup of festive events. The most action is found in Greenville, the Upstate’s hub. I have always loved the fall and winter months as I am more of a cold weather person. I love snow, ice skating, and holiday activities.
After moving here, I was excited to find out that the city had a real ice rink which is a rarity for the south. While the forecast will likely call for no snow (although rare snowstorms are possible), there is still enough of a chill in the air to to make it “feel like” the holiday season. I was lucky enough to see a rare 4 inch snowstorm while living in the city. So, bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and enjoy my guide to holiday festivities in the Upstate.
While the area does not offer grand displays like you would find in big cities like New York and Chicago, there are enough fun local events on the lineup to keep things interesting. And because the temps do not get bone chilling cold like the Northern cities, you can still enjoy the outdoors most of the time (check out my guide to must-see waterfalls).
Ice on Main
My favorite holiday event is Ice on Main. There is no activity that says Christmas is almost here to me quite like ice skating. Really, what Hallmark movie does not feature the trademark ice rink scene? Growing up in Chicago, I always visit beautiful Millennium Park whenever I return home for the holidays.
While the South may not be known for winter sports, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional winter activity of ice skating in the center of Main Street, which is home to one of the only non-synthetic rinks in the state.
You will be surrounded by festive lights with holiday music softly playing in the background. After a vigorous skatking session (it burns tons of calories), I like to visit a local restaurant (Tupelo Honey is walkable) or grab a cup of hot cocoa at Methodical Coffee.
Note: Be aware this rink gets really busy (unfortunately way too many people and skating aids are allowed at the same time). I would definitely try to avoid weekends, if possible.
Location/Pricing info: The rink is located at: 206 S. Main. Rink admission is fairy cheap at $10 during the week and $12 on weekends. Sessions are now limited to an hour, which is a great idea to control the crowds. 2025 dates: Nov. 19th-Jan. 19th.
The Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is an annual celebration featuring dozens of themed trees. These beauties are displayed across 4 hotels downtown and the event is free to the public. The Hyatt Regency hotel features the most elaborate display of the bunch with dozens of creatively designed trees lining the atrium.
I love to order a Starbucks’ Peppermint mocha (conveniently on-site) and stroll around looking at all the pretty lights and decor. This event runs the entire month of December so there is plenty of time to check it out.
As an added bonus, the Hyatt is home to an excellent local restaurant called Roost (I love their weekly soup and salad buffet).
Location/Pricing info: The Hyatt is located at: 220 N. Main. Free 2 hr parking is usually available along Main St.
Poinsettia Parade
The Poinsettia Parade, now going strong for over 75 years, officially marks the start of the holiday season. This high energy parade, featuring festive floats and spirited music, draws thousands of locals and visitors each December. We attended this parade on a really cold and rainy night and although it was totally uncomfortable, I really enjoyed seeing all the fun floats like the Peanuts creation in the pic above. Plus, it was easy to score a great view due to the lack of crowds.
Scope out your spot on Main Street early to avoid the traffic and hassle of finding parking and get ready to be entertained by more than 90 festive floats. Make it a full night out by visiting one of the many local restaurants populating Main Street. (Greektown Grill & Soby’s are my recommended local choices).
Location: The parade route runs along Main St. The 2025 date is: Dec. 6th at 6:30pm.
Night of Lights
Night of Lights is another local holiday tradition to look into. This is a newish event which started in 2018 and the crowd turn out was pretty huge. During this fest, you can enjoy the lighting of the town Christmas tree, live entertainment, and several food trucks. After opening night, the lights remain throughout the season.
Along with the lighting of the grand tree, you can ice skate, browse art galleries, check out the shops, and treat yourself to a nice dinner. I really love the Clemson Christmas tree decked out in the team colors – it adds a unique local touch. Tip: I recommend checking out all the fun novelty gifts at Mast General – I have purchased so many great gifts here.
Location/pricing info: Night of Lights takes place along the Main Street. The event is free to attend. The 2025 opening night festival is Dec. 5th from 5:30-7:30 with the tree lighting at 6.
Poinsettia Postcards
For the month of December, beautiful artistic postcards decorate Main St. These festive themed postcards make a walk down Main Street even merrier. Each is designed by a local school or non profit. Locals and visitors can vote for their favorite and see the winners later in the month.
After checking out all the gorgeous postcards, stop by Spill the Beans for a cup of coffee, tea, or a scoop of gelato. Coffee Underground also serves great coffee in a cozy big space. Methodical Coffee serves the best hot chocolate in town.
Note: The city offers free parking in city garages on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and several other dates throughout December. You can learn more on the city website.
Special Events
TD Holiday Saturday market – The very popular Farmers Market, held on Main St. from May-October returns one day in mid December for a special holiday market. From 9am-1pm, you can shop for produce and last minute gifts.
Holiday Fair – The Holiday Fair is a 50+ year old tradition where you can shop for unique handmade arts and crafts at the Convention Center.
Swamp Rabbit Holiday Flea Market – A small holiday fair takes place every December at the popular Swamp Rabbit Cafe, a local cafe/coffeeshop/co-op store. They also host a holiday pie night on 2 separate occasions. Anyone with a sweet tooth will definitely want to plan a visit – their homemade pastries are amazing! I really love their coffee and blueberry slab pie. Location: 205 Cedar Lane Rd. 2025 Dates: Nov 29th, Dec. 6th, 13th, and 20th, from 10am-3pm.
Santa 5k – Each December, hundreds of Santas race down Main Street . This is a fun festive event, regardless of whether or not you are a seasoned runner and a great way to get into the holiday spirit while also getting in an invigorating workout. More info on the Santa Run.
Window decorating contest – Most of the local businesses lining the streets of downtown compete with each other for the prize of best window display. You will see all sorts of creative displays as you stroll down Main Street. I love strolling around this time of the year. Everything is just so festive and happy.
Kringle Holiday Village – Fluor Field transforms into a holiday winter wonderland with a European inspired holiday market. As most of these holiday villages are free in cities across the US, the $15 fee is quite steep. The event features entertainment and kids activities. Not recommended for adults or couples, however, families may think it is worth the admission for the kiddie rides/attractions.
Free holiday movies – The Peace Center downtown often screens holiday classics. Also NCG Cinemas in Spartanburg screens Elf, The Grinch, and The Polar Express for free on select December weekends.
Other fun things to do over the holidays
Take cute holiday photos. There are lots of spots around Main St. to take cute family or couple photos.
See a show! There are a number of fantastic productions each season at various theaters throughout the region. Past productions included The Nutcracker at the Peace Center, It’s a Wonderful Life at the Little Theater, and the Trans Siberian Orchestra at the Bon Secours Wellness Center. Check the Peace Center, Bon Secours and Center Stage websites for news on upcoming productions.
Shop for old-fashioned gifts at Mast General Store. Located in the heart of downtown, this nostalgic general store offers an old time candy counter, holiday decorations galore, and plenty of unique knick knacks. I often shop here for out-of-state family members, especially those hard to shop for. Location: 111 N. Main.
Breakfast at Stax’s Omega Diner. Stax Omega is my favorite place for a traditional breakfast. They also put up the most festive holiday decorations. You will not find more Christmas cheer at any other Upstate restaurant. The food here is excellent, service is always friendly, and the decor is delightfully over-the-top. Location: 72 Orchard Park.
Note: there are a number of drive-thru light shows. In my opinion, they are overpriced and overrated. Thus, an easy skip.
Fun in nearby Asheville
National Gingerbread Competition – Although this event is not actually located in the Upstate, it’s worth a mention as it is definitely worthy of the hour drive to Asheville. This comp has been running for over 30 years. On my first visit, I was totally astonished by the creativity and passion. You can check out some of the great gingerbread houses we saw on our visit. Location: 290 Macon Ave. Asheville, NC .
