The Upcountry has lots to do over the holiday breaks, including holiday light shows, parades, and experiences for the whole family. Here is a list in chronological order, so you, your family, and your friends can pick the best time and events to make the most of your stay!
Christmas Laser Light Show – Date: 12/1 – 3/2023. Location: downtown Gaffney. Get into Gaffney for The Christmas Laser Light show! This is a free event. The show is 30 minutes long and will be continuously looped. 6-10pm.
Greer Christmas Tree Lighting – Date: 12/1/2023 from 5 pm – 8 pm. Location: Downtown Greer, SC. One of the Upcountry’s premier Christmas events takes place in Greer City Park when Santa comes to visit! Live performances will take place at the Amphitheater Stage from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Santa will arrive at the park at 7:10 p.m.
The Pendleton Christkindlmarkt – Date: 12/1 – 16/2023. Location: downtown Pendleton. Held for 3 weekends, you’ll find the perfect place to discover gifts for friends and family. Features homemade crafts, art, baked goods, holiday music and more.
Greer Farmers Market Christmas – Dates: 12/2 – 3/2023, 10 am to 2 pm. Location: Greer City Park. You can expect over 50 curated farmers, producers, and maker vendors, plus bakers, live music, and multiple food options. Enjoy shopping under a tree canopy at the 12-acre Greer City Park, featuring: ADA accessibility, shuttle service from parking lots, bathrooms, and a playground for kids.
Simpsonville’s Christmas Parade – Date: 12/4/2023, 3 pm – 5 pm. Location: City of Simpsonville. Start the holiday season off right with Simpsonville’s Christmas Parade presented by Weichert Realtors-Shaun & Shari Group. This event is a community favorite and a great chance for the season’s first sighting of Santa!
Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit 2023 – Dates: 12/4 – 12/26/2023, timings vary. Location: Residence Inn by Marriott, Downtown Greenville, SC. View festive holiday gingerbread creations from celebrated local chefs and amateurs alike in a winter wonderland-themed lobby at the SpringHill Suites/Residence Inn Downtown Greenville!
Dickens of a Christmas in Spartanburg – Date: 12/5/2023, from 6 – 9 p.m. Location: Downtown Spartanburg, SC. Join the City of Spartanburg for the 29th annual free Victorian holiday extravaganza is sure to put any Scrooge in the festive spirit! You don’t want to miss the upcoming Christmas Market, three stages of entertainment, Horse-drawn carriage rides, Living window displays, Polar Express train rides, and more.
Christmas Inn Our Town Festival – Dates: 12/5-16/2023, timings vary. Location: 200 North Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644. Lantern-lit streets, horse-drawn carriages, the Merry Market on Dec. 9th from 2 pm-8 pm, and Santa will welcome you to one of the Upcountry’s finest Christmas celebrations! Santa will be at Commerce Park every night during the festival with free entry for all visitors. Check out the website above for specific information on carriage ride tickets and more festival timings here.
Poinsettia Christmas Parade – Date: 12/9/2023, starting at 6 p.m. Location: Downtown Greenville – Main Street. For more than 75 years, the parade has signaled the start of the Christmas season in Greenville. Enjoy downtown for viewing the holiday floats & activities.
Annual Easley Christmas Parade of Lights – Date: 12/9/2023 starting at 6 p.m. Rain date 12/10/2023 at 3pm. Location: Downtown Easley, SC. The parade will be filled with floats and performances that will take over downtown. To get the best view, get there early and snag the spot of your choice. It will begin at the intersection of East Main St & Bradley Avenue.
Whether you love holiday light shows or holiday festivals, there is something for everyone during this season in the Upcountry! Don’t forget to check out some of our other great travel guides on www.Upcountrysc.com/explore for more.