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Magical Moments this Holiday Season in Greenville, SC

Although our town is known for its warm Southern energy, bustling Downtown, and scenic location at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s also the ideal spot to experience magical moments.

From ice skating to epic theatrical performances to ice hockey matches, hot cocoa, and some of the best shopping around, these festivities will not only help you get into the spirit this winter, but they will also help you feel truly at home for the holidays in Greenville, SC.

Table of Contents

1.  CATCH A LIVE PERFORMANCE OR HOLIDAY-THEMED SHOW

Experience the magic of live theater in Greenville, where local talent shines alongside touring productions. From holiday classics to contemporary performances, the city’s stages offer something for everyone. Immerse yourself in Greenville's venues this holiday season and enjoy captivating shows that bring the season to life.

International Ballet's The Nutcracker
Peace Concert Hall

Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and be dazzled as the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale are featured on the Concert Hall stage. ($29-$99)

  • Friday, Dec. 5 - Sunday, Dec. 7
  • Showtimes at 7:30pm and 3pm

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
Centre Stage

With nods to A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and more tales, fact-paced comedy is full of festive cheer, unexpected twists, and humorous improv that will have you celebrating the season in a way you never expected.

  • Thursday, Dec. 4 - Sunday, Dec. 21
  • Showtimes at 7:30pm and 3pm

Irving Berlin's White Christmas
(Greenville Theatre)

Your dreams of a white Christmas come to life with showstopping dance numbers, dazzling costumes, and songs you know and love in this holiday musical that the whole family can enjoy. ($45)

  • Friday, Nov. 28 - Sunday, Dec. 21
  • Showtimes at 2pm, 3pm, and 7:30pm

The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
Peace Concert Hall

An adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann's story, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," join Clara and her family & friends as they arrive in Greenville. ($33-$93)

  • Friday, Dec. 19 - Sunday, Dec. 21
  • Showtimes at 2pm and 7:30pm

The Game
The Warehouse Theatre

In this new comedy, Alyssa and Homer feel disconnected in their marriage. She focuses on work while he's lost in an online game. Turning to a support group, strangers band together to win their partners back. ($35-$60)

  • Friday, Dec. 5 - Sunday, Dec. 21
  • Showtimes at 3pm and 8pm

Annie
South Carolina Children's Theatre

Little orphan Annie sets out from Miss Hannigan's orphanage to find her family in 1930s New York, and finds adventure, new friends, and a home along the way.

  • Friday, Dec. 5 - Sunday, Dec. 21
  • Showtimes at 2pm, 6pm, and 7pm
Patrons skate outdoors at the United Community Ice on Main rink in downtown Greenville, SC.

2.  HIT THE ICE 

Bring the kids, bring a date, and bring your skates! The United Community Ice on Main is open this winter, clad with hot chocolate, coffee, treats, and an environment made for a good time. Don’t miss it on the Village Green on S. Main Street in Downtown Greenville! This winter activity will be the perfect addition to your holiday itinerary. Prices include skate rental. (Children 2 and younger: FREE, Children ages 3+ and Adults: $10-$12)

  • Open daily from Nov. 19 - Jan. 19
  • Regular hours: Monday - Thursday, 2-9pm, Friday, 2-10pm, Saturday - Sunday, 11am - 10pm
  • See website schedule for special hours during school breaks and holidays

NOTE: Pre-purchasing tickets online is recommended. Skate sessions are limited to 60 skaters each 1-hour skate session. Only one non-ticketed spectator will be admitted per ticketed participant.

Purchase Ice on Main Tickets

This holiday season, enjoy FREE parking in select Downtown parking garages.

Dates: Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Sunday, as well as West End parking lots and along Main Street.

Parking will also be FREE in select garages from December 23 to 25, as well as on New Year's Day.

Visit Greenville Parking for a complete listing of City parking locations, including 900+ free on-street spaces!

3.  SHOP UNIQUE GIFTS AT LOCAL BOUTIQUES AND MARKETS

For ideas on where to find the perfect gift, Greenville is home to 800+ shops! Find something for everyone on your list at local stores, or check out these holiday markets:

For more gifting recommendations, check out our Holiday Gift Guide!

Two women shop at various vendor stalls at the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville Christmas Market in South Carolina.

4. EXPERIENCE LIVE MUSIC AND HOLIDAY CONCERTS

Enjoy the harmonies of choral groups, the grandeur of orchestras and symphonies, or the energy of local and touring concerts. From intimate venues to grand stages, you'll find unforgettable performances that bring the season to life.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
📍 Bon Secours Wellness Arena

TSO returns to the Upstate with two shows in December. The high-energy second set will showcase TSO's greatest hits and fan favorites. ($55)

  • Friday, Dec. 12 @ 4pm & 8pm
Get Tickets

Christmas with the Chorale
📍 McAlister Auditorium at Furman University

Join the Greenville Chorale for their 2025 performance of Christmas favorites, plus a sing-a-long carol and visit from Santa himself. ($50/Adults, $20/Students, $10/Children Under 12)

  • Tuesday, Dec. 9 @ 7:30pm
Get Tickets

Holiday at Peace
📍 Peace Concert Hall

Gather your family and friends and witness the Greenville Symphony Orchestra for Greenville’s favorite Christmas spectacular, which will feature your favorites combined with fresh, new themes. ($27-$97) 

  • Friday, Dec. 12 - Sunday, Dec. 14
  • Showtimes at 2pm, 7pm
     
Get Tickets

5.  Discover Restaurants Perfect for Chilly Winter Evenings

Warm up this winter at Greenville’s coziest dining spots, where inviting atmospheres meet delicious flavors. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food, seasonal specialties, or a quiet nook for an intimate meal, you’ll find plenty of options to make your dining experience unforgettable.

Immerse yourself in our wall-to-wall festive experience with great photo opportunities, food and drink specials and all around holiday fun!

International Cuisine:

Date Night Spots:

Comfort Food & Barbecue:

Bites & Brews:

Dessert Spots:

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6.  EXPLORE WORKSHOPS, ACTIVITIES & COOKING CLASSES
Looking for a holiday activity with a creative twist? Look no further than Hollowed Earth Pottery in Hampton Station. Try your hand at spinning a potter's wheel, and even craft your own giftable masterpiece! From seasonal workshops to one-night "Make Your Own Mug" classes, it's a festive way to create memories and handmade holiday keepsakes.

Hollowed Earth Pottery Classes

Add a splash of holiday cheer at Vino & Van Gogh that's equal parts festive and fun. Gather your group for a wine-and-paint class to create seasonal artwork. Perfect for a get-together with friends, family fun, or even a date night to decompress from the holiday hustle during your visit to Greenville.

Vino & Van Gogh Event Calendar

Spice up your season at The Cook's Station with a cooking class or wine tasting. Learn how to prepare a holiday meal of gift the culinary enthusiast in your life a cooking experience. As a plus, their curated shop is full of gourmet gifts and kitchen essentials for every foodie.

The Cook's Station Cooking Classes
Pottery from Hollowed Earth Pottery
Candle-making class at Greenville Soy Candle Co.
2024 Miles Partnership Summer Photoshoot in Greenville, SC.
View festive holiday gingerbread creations from celebrated local chefs and restaurants in a wooded, winter wonderland-themed lobby. Then, cast your ballot for your favorite to win the People’s Choice award!

7. RELAX WITH A WARM DRINK AT LOCAL CAFÉS

Stay warm this winter with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee from one of the 60+ coffeehouses in Greenville County. These local spots offer seasonal drinks and the perfect environment to relax and recharge.

8. FIND CELEBRATIONS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE SEASON

Experience the best of winter with Greenville’s top seasonal events, from tree lightings to ice hockey matches.

4th Annual Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit
Oak & Honey

The Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit is back this season at Oak & Honey! Step into a sweet wonderland inside the Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites Downtown Greenville, and find intricate, locally made gingerbread creations. This must-see seasonal attraction is the perfect post-ice skating stroll or pre-dinner photo op.

Daily, December 3rd-25th

Gingerbread display at the 2022 Gingerbread Exhibit in Asheville NC

Tree Lighting Events
(Various Locations)

From Fountain Inn to Greer, Mauldin, and Greenville, each town brings its own special magic to these annual celebrations. Enjoy live performances, holiday treats, and sparkling lights as each tree is illuminated for the season.

People admiring the Downtown Christmas Tree

Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Watch the Greenville Swamp Rabbits thump some pucks and kick some tail (on the ice)! What better way to enjoy the wintry weather than cheering along with the Rabbettes rink-side at a fast-and-furiously-paced hockey match?!
Various dates through April 2026, including 36 home games.

Stomper the Mascot

Very Merry Mini Golf
Takeoff Mini Golf

Very Merry Mini Golf at Takeoff Mini Golf invites you to putt your way through a fun holiday light show! Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights and cheerful decorations as you take on this fun, seasonal mini golf course. ($15)
November 21st through December
 

A glow-in-the-dark golf ball at Takeoff Mini Golf's annual Christmas Golf event.

9. ATTEND A LOCAL PARADE & EMBRACE TRADITION

Several parades in the area, featuring whimsical floats, marching bands, dancers, dignitaries, pageant winners, clubs, schools, businesses, and Santa Claus (always the featured guest), kick off the holiday season. Join visitors and residents alike who love to take part in these once-a-year events!

  • Mauldin: "A Merry Mauldin Christmas"; Thursday, Dec. 4 @ 5pm 
  • Greenville: "Poinsettia Christmas Parade"; Saturday, Dec. 6 @ 6:30pm
  • Simpsonville: "Simpsonville's Christmas Parade" Sunday, Dec. 7 @ 3pm
  • Greer: "The 12 Days of Christmas": Sunday, Dec. 7 @ 2:30pm
  • Fountain Inn: "Spirit of Christmas Parade": Wednesday, Dec. 3 @ 5:30pm 
  • Travelers Rest: "Christmas on Broadway"; Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 10am
  • Slater-Marietta: Sunday, Dec. 14 @ 3pm
A Christmas-decorated free trolley makes its way down Main Street during the annual Poinsettia Parade held every December in Greenville, SC.

Seasonal Fun

No matter the season, Greenville, SC, is bursting with fun! Whether you're planning a spring getaway, a summer adventure, a fall retreat, or a winter escape…

Classic autumn view of Liberty Bridge over the waterfall with Falls Tower, the downtown Greenville skyline, and Paris Mountain in the distance.

White VGSC logo with South Carolina state outline and registered trademark

Visitor Center
City Hall Building, 206 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601
800-717-0023 (toll free) 864-233-0461

Hours:

8am - 4:45pm (Mon. - Fri.)

9am - 5pm (Sat.)

Noon - 4pm (Sun.)

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