Your Guide to Christmas in the Upstate…
This is an uplifting article, so we’ve vowed not to mention the pandemic. However, there’s no denying that it’s cramped our style.
We’re determined to remain positive (and festive) this holiday season. Thankfully, the Greenville area offers up plenty of holiday cheer this year! Families in search of lights and action, cameras in hand, don’t have to drive too far.
In this post, we thought we’d share a handful of family-friendly activities that are sure to ignite the inner child in you:
Ice on Main – A personal favorite! There are a few changes that have been made in light of COVID-19. You have to reserve tickets online via their website here. Tickets are good for one hour of skating – rescheduling is not permitted. One spectator per ticketed skater. Guests are encouraged to use the hand sanitizers located throughout the event site. Face coverings are required at all times. For more details click here.
Festival of Trees – Strolling through the Christmas trees at Hyatt Regency, Courtyard Marriott, Embassy Suites and Westin Poinsett lobbies are a season staple. My family went last weekend – the decorations didn’t disappoint!
Mice on Main – These little guys have nothing to do with Christmas, but it’s a fun activity to safely enjoy while the kids are on break. There’s a window decorating contest among downtown businesses. Have fun admiring those while on your mouse hunt!
Poinsettia Postcards – Local schools and non-profits have built and decorated holiday postcards for you to enjoy as you walk along Main Street in downtown Greenville. Share your photos by tagging @gvilleevents on social media. Don’t forget to tag us too @greenville360 too! You can also vote for your favorite by Friday, December 18th here.
Whispering Winds Carriage Rides (Downtown Greenville) – All rides are private and masks must be worn at all times. Call (864) 220-3650 to purchase your ticket.
Santa’s Sleigh Rides Downtown – Operating as usual this year, visit the link here to sign-up for your time slot.
Model Train Station at Taylors Mill – Grab your train lover and head to Taylors Mill – we’ve heard they’re all decked out for Christmas! For more details click here.
Upstate History Museum’s White Christmas Exhibit – The museum is always a good idea – especially for homeschool families. White Christmas runs through Saturday, January 30th 2021. Visit in-person, or book a virtual tour here.
Bob Jones University Drive Thru Lights Display – The display can be viewed from dusk until dawn by entering the Wade Hampton Boulevard entrance. Runs through Monday, January 4th 2021.
Upstate Holiday Light Show at Greenville Pickens Speedway – I’m super excited about this one! I’ve lived here my whole life and never been. They’re open 7 days a week, rain or shine. Santa Land and ice skating are closed due to COVID, but the kids can enjoy feeding the animals in the drive thru petting zoo. For more details click here.
HollyWild – The Village will not be open this year, however, the deer park has been expanded for added animal interaction and easier navigation. Cost + hours of operation are listed on their site here.
Mauldin Family Christmas Spectacular – If you’re in the mood for a night of live entertainment, call or visit their site here for a list of showtimes and ticket information. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken at the door. The Christmas Spectacular runs through Sunday, December 20th. For more details click here.
Christmas Inn Our Town – Take the short drive to Fountain Inn for carriage rides and visits with Santa. On-going now through Sunday, December 20th 6-9pm. Carriage rides are by appointment only, make your reservation here. Visit their website here for COVID-19 protocols.
Magical Musical Holiday Light Show – This is another one on my t0-do list. The festivities take place at Norton-Thompson Park through Monday, December 28th from 5:30-10pm. Santa joins in the fun every Friday-Sunday from 6-9pm. Walk through, or enjoy the lights from the comfort of your car – flip to 91.7 for holiday tunes. Admission is FREE.
Also, don’t forget about Greenville’s Trolley service (there’s something magical about the trolley this time of year.) Merry Christmas to everyone – parking downtown will be FREE on Christmas Eve + Christmas Day!
Hardly all inclusive, hopefully this list will help sprinkle a little joy into your world.
*Disclaimer: This IS 2020. Please check websites before visiting these sites. Details are subject to change, and change, and…
Want to find more things to do around the Upstate? Click here for to check out our events calendar.