"Walking in a Winter Wonderland": 10 Must-See Festivities in Greenville, SC

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” in Greenville, SC. In fact, it could easily be the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie, with its quaint downtown, small town vibe, and festive traditions. There’s so much to see, like twinkling lights and joyous parades, and even more to do, like ice skating and Christmas shopping. Greenville is a wonderful place to spend the Christmas season, with its scenic Falls Park and Kringle Village. Additionally, Santa Clauses seem to be everywhere, awaiting photo opportunities at select stores, malls, and breakfast locations. Even if it’s not snowing, one can get into the Christmas spirit and “Walk in a Winter Wonderland” by exploring our list of the Top 10 Holiday Events in Greenville, SC, this December. 

#1 Ice on Main 

• Date: November 25th-January 20th
• Ice on Main is a small, outside skating rink in Greenville's downtown area. For $10 or less, depending on one’s age, individuals can skate for an hour, listening to Christmas music in style. 
• On Tuesdays after 3pm, individuals can skate for $5. And on December 4th, individuals can skate for $4. 

#2 Roper Mountain Holiday Lights

• Date: Fridays in December
• Bring the holiday light shows to the big screen at Roper Mountain’s planetarium, where viewers can attend three separate shows: Holiday Magic, Nutcracker Fantasy, or Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Tickets are only $8! 

#3 Poinsettia Christmas Parade 

• Date: Saturday, December 7th
• Greenville’s signature Christmas parade has been upheld for more than 75 years, and it continues to attract thousands of people every year. And it's free! 

#4 Nights of Lights 

• Date: Friday, December 6th
• Kick off the holiday season during Greenville’s street and tree lighting. At 6pm, join Mayor White and Jane Robelot for a countdown. Then, wander main street and enjoy the vendors, free music, and special guest appearance from Santa Claus himself. 

#5 Holiday Fair & Kringle Village

• Date: December 5th-7th
• Shop from one of the largest vendor markets in the area while enjoying live music and/or the movie Elf. 
• At the North Pole, children can enjoy inflatable snow slides and bouncy gingerbread houses, as well as craft stations and visits to Santa Claus. 

#6 Greenville Zoo Holiday Lights Safari

• Date: December 13th-23rd, December 26th-30th
• Enjoy special holiday decorations at the Greenville Zoo while you wander the exhibits, meeting lively, exotic animals. Enjoy yummy snacks from the concessions, and there may even be a visit by Santa Claus! 

#7 Greenville Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday at Peace”

• Date: December 15th-17th
• Two sensational singers are joining the Greenville Symphony Orchestra this year: Ansley Burns and Shayna Steele. 
• Take in heartwarming, jazzy melodies from the Nutcracker and “Winter Wonderland,” among others. Tickets start at $25. 

#8 Greenville’s Festival of Trees

• Date: November 22nd-December 25th
• Stroll through two hotel lobbies in Greenville, Courtyard by Marriott and The Hyatt Regency, to witness over 50 extravagantly decorated Christmas trees. This is the 39th year that schools and organizations have sponsored trees, in order to raise funds for Bons Secours St. Francis Hospital. 

#9 TD Saturday Market: Holiday Edition

• December 14th
• Join from 9am-1pm for a one day holiday market, with vendors selling products like seasonal produce, specialty goods, and handmade crafts. Santa will be there to take photos as well. 

#10 Christmas at the Farm 

• Date: November 29th- December 1st & December 7th-8th
• Make Christmas tree shopping into an even better memory; during Christmas at the Farm, individuals can enjoy snacks, activities, live music, and more, as they search for their ideal Christmas tree. Note: buying a Christmas tree is not required in order to attend the event. Tickets start at $20. 

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Whether you are looking to sit back and enjoy a show, or get out and move your body through ice skating or shopping, there’s something for everyone during the holiday season in Greenville, SC. Indeed, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

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