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.
Greenville’s favorite holiday tradition returns as International Ballet and Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova present The Nutcracker. The International Ballet pre-professional Company and Academy students are joined by acclaimed principal guest artists for an enchanting production.
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra with the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale in the iconic snow scene. Join Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they battle mice, travel through a winter wonderland, and visit the Land of the Sweets. With glittering sets and costumes, this magical production is not to be missed.
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.
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!
Greenville’s favorite holiday tradition returns as International Ballet and Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova present The Nutcracker. The International Ballet pre-professional Company and Academy students are joined by acclaimed principal guest artists for an enchanting production.
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra with the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale in the iconic snow scene. Join Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they battle mice, travel through a winter wonderland, and visit the Land of the Sweets. With glittering sets and costumes, this magical production is not to be missed.
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.
Our annual 2-Day festival is BACK, Dec 6 & 7, 10AM-2PM in Greer City Park. Get in the holiday spirit and complete your shopping with us and 60+ farmers, maker, and bakers. Your friends and family will be delighted with their high quality, locally handmade items. We have plenty of goods to bring to your holiday parties such as cookies, coffee, dips, and more.
Enjoy your time with us with live music, food court, and kids activities. Come back both days for something different each day. Learn more online at GreerFarmersMarket.com
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!
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!
Greenville’s favorite holiday tradition returns as International Ballet and Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova present The Nutcracker. The International Ballet pre-professional Company and Academy students are joined by acclaimed principal guest artists for an enchanting production.
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra with the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale in the iconic snow scene. Join Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they battle mice, travel through a winter wonderland, and visit the Land of the Sweets. With glittering sets and costumes, this magical production is not to be missed.
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.
Our annual 2-Day festival is BACK, Dec 6 & 7, 10AM-2PM in Greer City Park. Get in the holiday spirit and complete your shopping with us and 60+ farmers, maker, and bakers. Your friends and family will be delighted with their high quality, locally handmade items. We have plenty of goods to bring to your holiday parties such as cookies, coffee, dips, and more.
Enjoy your time with us with live music, food court, and kids activities. Come back both days for something different each day. Learn more online at GreerFarmersMarket.com
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.
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.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is returning to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on December 9, 2025.
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.
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.
For 35 years in Spartanburg, the delightful story of Clara and her adventures on Christmas Eve has been a part of over 90,000 families’ holiday season. This year, we celebrate with new costumes, new choreography, and enchanting surprises, all while partnering with the brilliant music of the Spartanburg Philharmonic (for our fifth season together).
This 35th Nutcracker is dedicated to Carlos Agudelo, Artistic Director.
- December 12, 2024 at 7 PM
- December 13, 2024 at 3 PM
- December 13, 2024 at 7 PM
- December 14, 2024 at 3 PM
*There is an elevator to the main floor of Twichell Auditorium; but there is no elevator to the balconies. Please call the Box Office if you need wheelchair accessible seating, 864-596-9018.