Discover the seductive Christmas spirit of Greenville, South Carolina

Although most people associate the December holiday with seasonal snow-covered landscapes, sleigh rides and decorated snowmen in the front gardens, southern cities never fail to offer their own version of the holiday’s festive activities. Perhaps the most notable is Greenville, South Carolina.

Reminiscent of a Hallmark film, Greenville does everything for the holidays with tree-lined sidewalks that shine with Christmas lights, Santa’s motorized sleigh slides down Main Street with an elf in tow and ice skaters enjoying an outdoor rink that is a mini replica of the Rockefeller Center. What’s more, Christmas singers harmonize through the streets as dozens of giant trees dress up for the annual Festival of the Trees Festival across the city. Although this year may look different from previous festivities, there will be no shortage of holiday cheer in Greenville, with exclusive shopping opportunities at stores like OP Taylors, Poppington’s and toy store Greenville Soy Candle Company. With an average December temperature of 55 degrees, visitors will be able to enjoy the holiday festivities outdoors, Christmas pop-ups and the Christmas Essentials Market.

Ice on Main, which runs until January 31, will be done to limit capacity with specific dates, timed entries on the ice rink and improved health and safety guidelines, while the Main Street Essential Market – Holiday Edition – will be held on November 28, December December 5th and 12th. Buy local and fresh essential grocery items while maintaining health and safety guidelines. Market vendors will present seasonal products, special items like honey, natural juices, pasta / parsley, along with festive crafts, Christmas baskets and more.

Based on the classic holiday movie, The Upcountry History Museum Will host White Christmas: The Exhibition, a 2,000 square foot exhibition featuring originals White Christmas props for movie costumes, sheet music, personal memories of cast members, archival materials and replica sets.

Don’t miss the Local Christmas market very happy to rest travelers, just minutes from Greenville, where evergreen arches drip from the eyes, and hot chocolate, hot cider and delicious food truck food are waiting to be tasted. The Christmas carols carry in the fresh air, the soft wool involves a spinning wheel and, again, you will be reminded of the timeless rhythm of the season. Make sure to bring the little ones, as Santa Claus will make an appearance. The 35th annual Tree Festival will feature decorated trees lined up at the entrance to three hotels in downtown Greenville, giving visitors and community members a chance to experience the magic of their vacation. See the trees through December at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton – Riverplace and Hyatt Regency.

Greenville’s Poinsettia postcards feature more than three dozen 2.5-meter-tall seasonal outdoor cards across Main Street Plaza, decorated by local students and non-profit organizations. Other holiday events include a virtual Christmas tree and lighting the square, a window decoration contest on the main street, where shops and restaurants get into the Christmas spirit by decorating their windows for the season. Count down with Mayor White on the Night of Lights on December 4, as officers light up Greenville’s Christmas tree and decorate the surrounding square. On December 5, Santa Claus will visit Chimney Rock State Park, a climbing attraction, to train for his big night of deliveries. There is no way that Santa Claus can get down so many chimneys without practice. What better place to prepare and get in shape than in one of the biggest chimneys in the world at Chimney Rock State Park?

Celebrate the holidays from December 18th to 20th with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Presented by local television personality Megan Heidlberg, the annual “Vacation in Peace” program will feature special guests, including the Greenville native and superstar soprano Karen Parks and all of her Christmas favorites. The International Ballet on December 20 for the 2020 Nutcracker Tea Party will look slightly different this year. Your ticket will be in the form of a gift box packed with all the things you need to be a guest and celebrate with them virtually.

Visitors to Greenville next year will enjoy Juniper. Scheduled to debut in early 2021, in addition to the next AC Hotel Greenville, the restaurant and rooftop location will be a destination for drinks and dinner, and will offer several high-energy zones, handcrafted cocktails and unparalleled views of downtown Greenville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. From its historic location and distinctive menu, to the careful design and local artwork, Juniper will celebrate and honor Greenville. Surrounded by the downtown skyline and the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and serving creative cocktails in a spacious and contemporary setting, Juniper promises a completely unique experience in the interior of the state.