Celebrating the holidays in Greenville comes naturally to the season since Greenville is one of the friendliest towns in the southeast. The weather is mostly mild and it’s a good time to be outside enjoying the charms of the towns in the region and the people who bring so much to the season.
The Lights
Christmas lights might top your list of things you want to see and experience and there’s no place quite like the tree lighting and nightly display at Main Street, from Court to Broad. If you want to see lighted trees closer to home, check out the Anderson Lights of Hope, Roper Mountain Holiday Lights, the Greer Christmas tree, Laurens Christmas tree, and the City of Mauldin’s Christmas tree.
When evening hours or the weather don’t permit a trip outdoors, check out the four hotel lobbies where The St. Francis Festival of Trees puts up its trees at four noteworthy hotels in the region that include:
- Hyatt Regency
- Hampton Inn & Suites in Downtown Greenville
- Embassy Suites
- Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Greenville
The Food
No matter where you find your holiday celebration in Greenville, you’ll be close to great food. But if you want to eat out for Christmas Eve or Day, be sure you check with your favorite eatery and make reservations well ahead of time.
Local Favorites
The United Community Bank Ice creates an outdoor skating rink on the Village Green open for the whole family. You’ll also find treats like hot chocolate and coffee to keep you warm.
Head out to Christmas Inn Our Town for an evening in Fountain Inn, 17 miles southeast of Greenville. You can view gingerbread houses and hear live music and meet local crafters. The kids can visit with Santa Claus and everyone can take carriage rides.
Catch more live music at Younts Center for the Performing Arts to take in the Christmas Cabaret. It will thoroughly entertain you with live Christmas music and incredible choreography.
If you like daytime celebrations, check out the holiday parades at Travelers Rest, Fountain Inn and Greer. You’ll see 90-plus floats, local marching bands, dignitaries, dancers, clubs, local businesses and of course, Santa Claus. The parades occur in early December in the late morning and afternoons.
Shopping
When you want something local and memorable, go downtown and take in the carolers and vote on the local retailer’s holiday displays. Don’t worry about lunch or dinner, there are plenty of renowned places to enjoy. Not hungry but want to rest? Book a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Greenville. Make your reservations early because it’s a popular way to celebrate the season.
