Holiday Happenings – South Carolina

Photo Credit: DiscoverSouthCarolina.com

Believe it or not, the holiday season is coming up quick! This year things may look a little different, but there’s no doubt the holiday cheer will endure just the same – especially in South Carolina. Here are some of the state’s most spirited ways to celebrate the season:

Holiday Festival of Lights (Charleston, SC)
Since 1990, Charleston’s James Island County Park has been transformed by millions of sparkling holiday lights during its well-known Holiday Festival of Lights(link is external). This lowcountry tradition features over 700 different holidays displays from a golfing Santa to a twinkling swan gliding across one of the park’s many inland lakes. The entire festival is designed to be viewed from the comfort of your own vehicle and is open every evening, from November 13th to December 31st, no matter the weather.

Hometown Holidays Festival  (Lake City, SC)
During the first weekend in December, downtown Lake City’s streets become a winter wonderland during the Hometown Holidays Festival(link is external) from December 6-8, 2020. Friday kicks off the weekend’s activities with the classic “After Dark” Christmas parade followed by the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The weekend will be filled with family friendly activities like ice-skating, live holiday music, exclusive sales and dance performances. There will also be a variety of holiday pop-up shops where guests can indulge in more holiday cheer by creating Christmas crafts and writing letters to Santa. Moore Farms Botanical Garden hosts their Festival of Trees in conjunction with the city’s activities. Visitors can utilize the two Garden Open Days to explore the 65-acre garden’s abundant plant displays and also vote for their favorite of a collection of Christmas trees decorated by local non-profits.

Greenville, SC – South Carolina’s Christmas Capital
For a taste of the North Pole in South Carolina, head to Greenville(link is external). Holiday spirit comes alive in the tree-lined streets as carolers serenade passersby. Santa’s motorized sleigh(link is external) (a converted 1993 Ford Aerostar) even takes a trip down Main Street accompanied by some of his elves. Dozens of giant trees decorated for the annual Festival of Trees competition tower over sidewalks twinkling with colorful Christmas lights. There’s even  an outdoor ice rink(link is external) designed to look like a mini-Rockefeller Center. Thanks to an average temp of 55 degrees, last minute shoppers can comfortably explore the outdoor activities, Christmas Pop-Up shops, and Christmas Essentials Markert. Hometown favorites like  OP Taylors (link is external)Toy store, Poppington’s(link is external) and the Greenville Soy Candle Company(link is external) are also the perfect place to find a gift for anyone on your list.

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Brie Logue, Tourism Public Relations Manager, [email protected]
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