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How to Cozy Up to Greenville, SC This Winter

10 Things to Check Off Your Winter Wonderland Bucket List


This time of year, Greenville, SC, looks more like Red-and-Greenville 🎅—with a side of cornbread. 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 celebrate end-of-year wintry festivities. Get in the holiday spirit as performing companies stage beloved classics as well as new favorites; lights and other decorations give downtown a sparkle; and, as the song says, you'll be “walking in a winter wonderland” (probably minus the snow). ❄️

From ice skating to epic theatrical performances to Christmas tree-viewing and some of the best shopping around, here are 10 things to do and enjoy this season when you visit Greenville, South Carolina. 

1.  Ice, Ice Baby ⛸️

Bring the kids, bring a date, bring your skates! The United Community Bank 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! $10 per adult, $8 for kids ages 4-12; prices include skate rental. (Open daily [excluding Christmas Day] November 12 through January 17, 2022, on the Village Green on S. Main St. in Downtown Greenville)

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

Purchase Ice Skating Tickets


2.  The Spotlight's on Stage Right

When the lights go down and the curtains open, Greenville really shows its stuff. We're a place that takes tremendous pride in showcasing our own local talent, as well as playing host to a large number of superb touring troupes each year. Here is just a sampling of some theater performances you should be sure to see this winter: 

Sense and Sensibility (The Warehouse Theatre)

In a theatrical retelling of Jane Austen's classic romantic comedy, the Dashwood sisters (sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne) must decide for themselves which to follow—their heads or their hearts. ($35)

  • Thursdays: Dec. 2, 9, 16 @ 8pm
  • Fridays: Nov. 19, 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 @ 8pm
  • Saturdays: Nov. 20, 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18 @ 8pm; also Nov. 27 @ 2pm
  • Sunday Matinees: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 @ 3pm

ELF: The Musical (Greenville Theatre)

Enjoy this cherished movie come to life on stage as you join Buddy the Elf on his journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his real father. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. ($40)

  • Thursdays: Dec. 2, 9, 16 @ 7:30pm
  • Friday & Saturday Nights: Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 @ 8pm
  • Saturday Matinees: Dec. 11, 18 @ 2pm
  • Sunday Matinees: Dec. 5, 12, 19 @ 3pm

Annie (South Carolina Children's Theatre)

Annie hits SCCT’s Bell MainStage with all the pluck and charm you’d expect from a record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Annie is a little girl who lives, laughs, and fights fearlessly for the things she believes in⁠—perfect for you and your kids (ages 5 and up)! ($22)

  • Fridays: Nov. 26 @ 2pm & 7pm; Dec. 3, 10, 17 @ 7pm
  • Saturday Matinees: Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18 @ 2pm
  • Sunday Matinees: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 @ 2pm

The Final Countdown (Centre Stage)

From holiday classics like “Little Saint Nick” and feel-good classic rock jams like “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “1999,” and “Vogue”, no matter what holiday you’re celebrating, join us for an original holiday rock show like no other! ($35)

  • Thursdays: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & Jan. 6 @ 8pm
  • Fridays: Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 & Jan. 7 @ 8pm; New Year's Eve @ 9:30pm
  • Saturdays: Dec. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Jan. 1, 8 @ 8pm
  • Sunday Matinees: Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Jan. 2, 9 @ 3pm 

The Other Wise Man  (The Logos Theatre)

Experience the Christmas season in a whole new way this year! Artaban, the other wise man, is in search of Christ to worship Him and give Him gifts. This compelling drama powerfully depicts the truth from Matthew 25:40: “When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.” ($33)

  • Tuesday Matinee: Dec. 14 @ 11am
  • Thursday Matinee: Dec. 9 @ 11am
  • Fridays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 @ 7pm
  • Saturday Matinees: Dec. 4, 11, 18 @ 2pm

COVID: The Musical (Cafe And Then Some)

As they emerge from this pan-damn-demic, join Cafe And Then Some as they crawl out from under their respective rocks and attempt to find some sort of new normal—with a touch of holiday cheer thrown in! ($25)

  • Thursday, Friday & Saturdays @ 8pm starting Nov. 11
  • Dinner and Show Seatings: 6:30, 6:45, 7 & 7:15pm
  • Show-Only Seating: 7:30pm


3.  Light Up the Night 🎄

The holiday season officially kicks off when communities light up their Christmas trees! Most events will let you indulge in hot chocolate and cookies while listening to holiday tunes, before counting down to the moment the tree is lit. 

Area tree lightings include:


4.  Parade Around Town

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


5. Festival of Trees Festivities

Check out the diversity of artful decorations at the free 36th annual Bon Secours Festival of Trees, with spectacularly decked-out trees 🎄 on display daily Nov. 19 through Dec. 28, 2021 lining the entranceway of three downtown hotels:

 

6. Orchestra(te) a Performance 🎻

Why not listen to holiday music this time of year? From classical pieces like "The Nutcracker" to timeless Christmas tunes, you'll be sure to have a holly, jolly Christmas! 

Here are a few orchestral, ballet, and vocal performances to see this season:

Purchase IB Tickets


The Nutcracker (Peace Center)

Always a classic family holiday tradition to watch, International Ballet's version of The Nutcracker has graceful choreography paired with a storyline that makes it a show that you won’t want to leave the stage. ($20-$75)

  • Friday, Dec. 10 @ 7:30pm
  • Saturday, Dec. 11 @ 7:30pm
  • Sunday, Dec. 12 @ 3pm
Purchase GSO Tickets


Holiday at Peace (Peace Center)

Come and listen to Greenville Symphony Orchestra's annual Christmas pops performance, which is a Greenville staple. WSPA TV’s Jamarcus Gaston hosts a program filled with your holiday favorites including music from “The Nutcracker” and “Frozen” and plenty of special guests! ($22-$65)

  • Friday, Dec. 17 @ 7:30pm
  • Saturday, Dec. 18 @ 7:30pm
  • Sunday, Dec. 19 @ 3pm
     
Purchase MCC Tickets


Hooray for the Holidays
(Mauldin Cultural Center)

Let this musical revue put you in the holiday spirit by bringing Christmas cheer to you and your family, right when you need it! Enjoy a festive concert celebrating your favorite holidays, performed live by local vocalists. ($15)

  • Friday, Dec. 3 @ 7:30pm
  • Saturday, Dec. 4 @ 7:30pm
  • Sunday, Dec. 5 @ 3pm
  • Friday, Dec. 10 @ 7:30pm
  • Saturday, Dec. 11 @ 3pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday, Dec. 12 @ 3pm

 

Purchase CBT Tickets


The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville (Peace Center) 

Watch Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through Greenville's iconic landmarks and beautiful scenery in this reinvented holiday classic by Carolina Ballet Theatre. ($20-$55)

  • Friday, Dec. 3 @ 7:30pm
  • Saturday, Dec. 4 @ 2:30pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday, Dec. 5 @ 2:30pm

7.  Go Shopping 🎁

Downtown Greenville merchants will transform Main Street into a decked-out holiday oasis ready to help you celebrate the season. Visitors can stroll the streets and vote for their favorite "Window Wonderland" display from Dec. 6 through Dec. 17. Enjoy your perusing even more while you do your holiday shopping in December as life-size holiday "Poinsettia Postcards" will be on display in plazas along Main Street. For ideas on where to go shopping anywhere in the area, check out our 700+ shops! (You may need to narrow it down by category!)

If you're into Farmers Markets, be sure to stop by the TD Saturday Market - Holiday Edition. It will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 & 11 from 9am-1pm where you can shop for unique artisan gifts, shop locally grown fresh produce, or purchase fresh-cut flowers. 

Since it's gift giving time, be sure to shop local for the best quality presents! Most markets and bazaars offer a wide selection of vendors selling holiday gifts, arts, crafts, and edible goods—with visits from Santa Claus, of course. From accomplished blacksmiths, potters, toy makers, woodworkers, soap and candle makers to jewelers, printmakers, and food purveyors, you won't go home empty-handed. 

A few of our Holiday Market recommendations: 


8. Wake Me Up Before You Cocoa!  ☕

Stay warm this winter with a cup of hot chocolate. Try stopping in a few of these joints for total deliciousness (whipped cream optional):


9.  Get Crafty (Literally!)

If you need just one more thing to do this holiday season, why not take a class to learn how to make homemade ornaments or jingle bells? Or, you can stick with cloth and try your hand at needle felting or quilting. 

TR Makers Co. :

  • Ornament Making: Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 & 18; 10:30am-3pm
  • Holiday Needle Felting: Tuesdays, Nov. 16 6:30-8:30p; Dec. 14: 10am-12pm
  • Memory Square Quilting (for Beginners): Monday, Nov. 15 10a-12p; Tuesday, Dec. 14: 6:30-8:30pm 

MAKE MADE jewelry:

  • Handmade Jingle Bells MAKE + SIP Class: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10a-1:30p
  • Fold Formed Christmas Ornaments MAKE + SIP Class: Saturday, Dec. 18, 1-4p

 

10. See How Much Fun it is to Ride in a No-Horse Open Sleigh

Santa has left the North Pole for South Carolina and is making practice runs with his sleigh! Beginning Sat. Nov. 20th, Santa will be leaving City Hall (206 S. Main St, Greenville) and taking those on the "Nice List" around downtown Greenville for 15-minute rides. Rides are offered on Fridays & Saturdays from approx. 6-9:30pm. Santa's sleigh can hold 15 people at a time. ($10/adults; $5/kids ages 3-10). 

Sign Up for a Sleighin' Time
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