Events Calendar
Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Greenville’s best holiday tradition. Be sure to stop by Santa’s Village and the Enchanted Deer Forest for extra holiday magic! Kids 2 and under are free!
Step into the magic of Santa’s Village, where holiday cheer meets hands-on fun for the whole family. Feed and interact with gentle miniature horses, camels, Watusi cattle, pigs, sheep, alpacas, goats, waterfowl, antelope, and more—and don’t forget to purchase animal food to treat the many residents. Cuddle with bunnies, have your photo taken with a baby kangaroo, snap pictures with Santa in his animal barn, and visit the Grinch at his festive Grinch House.
Savor fresh coffee and pastries at Santa’s Sweet Delights, or enjoy hot cocoa, drinks, snacks, and food from our concession stand. Visit the souvenir shop for fun, colorful, and festive items, and leave your mark on the “feel good” graffiti board. Warm up by a crackling fire pit or the grand bonfire, roast marshmallows and s’mores, and steal a kiss under the mistletoe tree. Pose inside the giant lighted present, then find a picnic table to relax and take it all in.
Santa’s Village is more than a visit, it’s a memory in the making.
Biltmore’s next exhibition is an unforgettable exploration of the culture of ancient Egypt, the time of Tutankhamun, the search for and thrilling discovery of his tomb, and the treasures found within.
The event hailed as the world’s most complete Tutankhamun exhibition becomes all the more fascinating in its Biltmore presentation—this is the only experience that reveals the historical connections between the monumental discovery and the Vanderbilt-Cecil family.
This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition premieres March 21 in Amherst at Deerpark®. Reserve your admission tickets and special admission-inclusive overnight packages today.
Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.
Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.
Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.
Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.
Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Annual Holiday Fair!
For 55 years, the Holiday Fair has been a cherished tradition in the Upstate, bringing the joy of the season to families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts alike. Last year, we made history by combining the Holiday Fair with Kringle Village, creating Greenville’s largest holiday event in partnership with the Rotary Club of Greenville. This year, we are excited to continue our relationship with Holiday Fair 2025, benefiting Rotary Club of Greenville.
Don’t miss the magic! ✨
Show Hours:
Thursday, December 4, 2025 ………….. 10-6
Friday, December 5, 2025………………… 10-7
Saturday, December 6, 2025…………… 10-7
Sunday, December 7, 2025……………… 11-6
Parking ……………………………………………….$10.00
The fun continues with the new Sunday Hours, there’s even more holiday magic to enjoy!
September 20, 2025 – February 1, 2026
“I want to pay tribute to the soldiers who served with great sacrifice by creating the sculptural allegory of wounded warrior dogs who were the soldier’s best friend and companion in battle.”
– artist, James Mellick
Since the American Revolutionary War, military working dogs have served with all branches of the United States Armed Forces. First used as pack animals, working dogs have expanded their military roles to include scouting, policing, detection, and combat. U.S. military dogs officially began serving in WWII, following the formation of the Dogs for Defense, Inc. coalition. Today, hundreds of dogs serve with U.S. military forces around the globe assisting with dangerous missions on today’s modern battlefields.
The Upcountry History Museum will spotlight and honor the important role of these four-legged warriors when it hosts War Dogs: K9 Military Heroes. The exhibition combines life-size sculptures designed by Ohio master craftsman James Mellick with combat art and objects on loan from the collections of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard, and the Naval History & Heritage Command.
The project features eight Wounded Warrior and two Canine War Dog sculptures, bringing attention to the history, service and heroism of military working dogs. The collection represents Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois who served in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns.
One of the sculptures honors Lucca, a Marine Corps war dog. Lucca conducted more than 400 missions during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. One of those missions cost Lucca her leg and severe burns but there were no human casualties under her watch. When she retired, Lucca’s handler adopted her.
Twenty pieces of art paint a more complete picture of dogs at work, detailing the most menacing war dogs to goggled high-flying dogs to sleeping warriors and keen detectives. Artifacts include items used by war dogs and their handlers. Dog uniforms, medical kits and Purple Hearts share poignant stories of perseverance and bravery. Military working dogs have served and protected countless lives in war, this inspiring exhibition tells their amazing story.
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Select Nights Starting November 21 5:00 – 9:00PM
Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23).
Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
Night of Lights
5:30 to 8:30 pm | December 5
Come watch Main Street light up while you rock around our 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with 25,550 LED lights. We’ll count down with Mayor White and special guest, Jane Robelot from WYFF 4, as we light the official City of Greenville Christmas tree Located in front of M. Judson Booksellers. This exciting free event includes food trucks and vendors, live music, and a special visit from Santa Claus. The official tree lighting will take place between 6 and 6:15 pm, so be sure you come early to ensure you don’t miss out on the magic.
Make Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) your first stop on First Friday! Located in the historic Brandon Mill complex in the creative arts district of West Greenville, GCCA is a perfect place to begin the Metropolitan Arts Council’s monthly art walk.
The Art Center is open for extended hours, 6pm to 9pm, on the first Friday of every month for First Friday activities. In addition to viewing multiple exhibitions from both locally and nationally-recognized artists, at GCCA you’ll have the opportunity to meet the resident working artists, see their studio spaces and works in progress, and learn more about their personal style and artistic process.
The mission of GCCA is to enrich the cultural fabric of the community through visual arts promotion, education, and inspiration. Founded by a dedicated group of artists, teachers, and community leaders, the Art Center offers programs for people of all ages, backgrounds, and economic circumstances.
Greenville’s Downtown Trolley (Route 903) provides visitors to the downtown area easy and free transport to the West Greenville area from July through September, every Thursday and Friday, 6pm to 11pm, and Saturdays, 5:30pm to 11pm. For real-time scheduling, download the FindGreenlink app on your phone and come visit!
The Cayce Historical Foundation is pleased to offer a slate of three singers songwriters
at this year’s FREE Winter Concert on December 5, 2025! The concert
will be held 6:00-9:00 on the lawn of the Cayce Historical Museum at 1800 Twelfth
Street, Cayce, SC. The Winter Concert will feature Bonnie Stewart, Gritty Flyright,
and Carolina Clay.
Join Bonnie Stewart, Gritty Flyright, and Carolina Clay at the Museum for a night of
original music and holiday favorites! The concert will run 6:00 until 9:00. While the
concert is held under a tent, no heating is provided so we ask everyone to dress for
the weather.
This Event is supported by a Cayce Accommodations Tax Fund grant
Donations to the Cayce Historic Foundation (certified 501(c)(3)) are Welcome!
Wade Hampton High School Choral Department presents:
Madrigal Feaste 2025
What is a Madrigal Feaste?
We recreate a Renaissance style feast with a catered meal, costumes, singing, and entertainment. Our Royal Court, Jester, and his colleague, Mertonsire, are excited to introduce our special guest, Admiral Anchorbottom, who will regale you with tales of the sea and there are sure to be some shenanigans along the way! It will be a very “punny” evening and will surely put you in the holiday spirit!
Ticket Details:
Tickets will NOT be available at the door and must be purchased by December 1st. We will have two shows with banquet style seating in the WHHS Castle (magically transformed atrium!). Seating will be first come, first served, so we encourage early arrival to enjoy our holiday market. The Town Cryer will begin announcing the guests at 6:45 and escorting them to the banquet hall.
Friday, December 5th at 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 6th at 7:00 PM
Tickets are $30 and include dinner and entertainment (bad jokes are included for free!).
Join GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Anne Wilson for “I Still Believe in Christmas, An Evening with Anne Wilson,” a limited run of Christmas shows this December. Come hear the music of the Christmas season, and new music from Anne’s highly anticipated upcoming album STARS. Don’t miss a festive and merry night of music and worship, this December!
Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.
Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.
Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.
Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.
Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Annual Holiday Fair!
For 55 years, the Holiday Fair has been a cherished tradition in the Upstate, bringing the joy of the season to families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts alike. Last year, we made history by combining the Holiday Fair with Kringle Village, creating Greenville’s largest holiday event in partnership with the Rotary Club of Greenville. This year, we are excited to continue our relationship with Holiday Fair 2025, benefiting Rotary Club of Greenville.
Don’t miss the magic! ✨
Show Hours:
Thursday, December 4, 2025 ………….. 10-6
Friday, December 5, 2025………………… 10-7
Saturday, December 6, 2025…………… 10-7
Sunday, December 7, 2025……………… 11-6
Parking ……………………………………………….$10.00
The fun continues with the new Sunday Hours, there’s even more holiday magic to enjoy!
Christmas at the Farm is an ALL INCLUSIVE Christmas experience, made for the whole family, full of fun holiday activities, all centered around picking out your Christmas tree. Each ticket includes the following: Unlimited Hot Chocolate, Unlimited S’mores, TCMU Arts & Crafts, Escape Artist Escape Room, Photo Booth, Yard Games, “Chalk Talk” Station, Playground Access, Vendor and Food Truck Access, Live Music and so much more! Please join us and come find your perfect Christmas tree, making memories that will last a lifetime!
Santa Claus is coming to Hatcher Garden!
Santa is taking a break from his busy schedule at the workshop and he is bringing Mrs. Claus with him to Spartanburg for a brief visit. Meet them both at the Gazebo on December 6 (St. Nicholas Day), whisper your wish list, and get your picture taken with the Jolly Old Elf! A couple of Santa’s Elves will also be on hand to help you decorate a Christmas cookie to enjoy at the Jess Taylor Pavilion!
September 20, 2025 – February 1, 2026
“I want to pay tribute to the soldiers who served with great sacrifice by creating the sculptural allegory of wounded warrior dogs who were the soldier’s best friend and companion in battle.”
– artist, James Mellick
Since the American Revolutionary War, military working dogs have served with all branches of the United States Armed Forces. First used as pack animals, working dogs have expanded their military roles to include scouting, policing, detection, and combat. U.S. military dogs officially began serving in WWII, following the formation of the Dogs for Defense, Inc. coalition. Today, hundreds of dogs serve with U.S. military forces around the globe assisting with dangerous missions on today’s modern battlefields.
The Upcountry History Museum will spotlight and honor the important role of these four-legged warriors when it hosts War Dogs: K9 Military Heroes. The exhibition combines life-size sculptures designed by Ohio master craftsman James Mellick with combat art and objects on loan from the collections of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard, and the Naval History & Heritage Command.
The project features eight Wounded Warrior and two Canine War Dog sculptures, bringing attention to the history, service and heroism of military working dogs. The collection represents Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois who served in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns.
One of the sculptures honors Lucca, a Marine Corps war dog. Lucca conducted more than 400 missions during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. One of those missions cost Lucca her leg and severe burns but there were no human casualties under her watch. When she retired, Lucca’s handler adopted her.
Twenty pieces of art paint a more complete picture of dogs at work, detailing the most menacing war dogs to goggled high-flying dogs to sleeping warriors and keen detectives. Artifacts include items used by war dogs and their handlers. Dog uniforms, medical kits and Purple Hearts share poignant stories of perseverance and bravery. Military working dogs have served and protected countless lives in war, this inspiring exhibition tells their amazing story.
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.
Select Nights Starting November 21 5:00 – 9:00PM
Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden!
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23).
Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
The Cayce Historical Museum invites everyone to join us for our annual Open House and Christmas Market
All are welcome to visit the Cayce Historical Museum at 1800 12th Street for our annual Open House and Christmas Market. This year’s festivities will include the new Christmas through the centuries lantern tour, local craft vendors, and cider and ginger snaps. The big man will be on hand for present requests as local acoustic musicians play throughout the house. Come see the museum decked out in holiday splendor and stop by the caboose to snap a photo for your Christmas card!
The Cayce Historic Foundation, certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, relies on donations to fund events at the Museum and historic preservation work in Cayce, please consider helping out with a donation!