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Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.

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Sunday, December 14, 2025
Magic of Lights at Hollywild Animal Preserve
Dec 14 2025 – Jan 3 2026 all-day
Hollywild Animal Preserve

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.

The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec 14 @ 12:00 am – 3:00 pm
Twichell Auditorium, Converse University

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.

PANCAKES AT THE NORTH POLE
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Main Event Greenville

Main Event locations nationwide will transform into the North Pole for Pancakes at the North Pole, a festive, family-friendly ticketed holiday event designed to bring the magic of the season to life.

Guests will enjoy a holiday pancake banquet, hands-on crafts, two hours of unlimited activities, and a meet-and-greet photo experience with Santa. Families can jump into cookie decorating, write letters to Santa, explore craft stations, and soak in the holiday spirit throughout the center.

Event Inclusions:
Holiday pancake banquet and breakfast experience
Exclusive photo op with Santa – bring your own camera!
Cookie decorating contest
Letter-to-Santa writing station
Craft area with seasonal activities
2 hours of All You Can Play activities
1 hour Fun Card

Ticket Price:
$32.77 per person
Tickets are available online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pancakes-at-the-north-pole-main-event-greenville-tickets-1967787406103?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

 

Holiday Market at Holliday Brewing
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Holliday Brewing - Inside Mosaic Room

Looking for unique gifts? Need to stock up on farm fresh products for your holiday visitors? Visit our Holiday Market inside Holliday Brewing on Sunday Dec 14 from 2pm – 6pm for one stop shopping. Grab a bite and a pint while your there. Cheers to the holidays!

Jim Brickman: The Gift Of Christmas
Dec 14 @ 4:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Jim Brickman’s distinctive piano style and captivating live performances have revolutionized the popularity of instrumental music, making him a driving force behind modern American music. The hit-making songwriter is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 22 Number One albums and 32 Top 20 Radio Singles. He’s garnered two Grammy nominations, Gospel Music’s Dove Award, two SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards, a Canadian Country Music Award, and is a member of Pandora’s “2 Billion Streams” Club.

 

2025 National Gingerbread House Competition
Dec 14 2025 @ 6:00 pm – Jan 4 2026 @ 6:00 pm
Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn invites guests to experience the 33rd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition, showcasing over 45 extraordinary edible creations from bakers of all ages. Entries will be displayed throughout the resort from November 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The competition, held on November 17, offers more than $40,000 in cash and prizes. While judging is closed to the public, the public is welcome to view the displays after 6 p.m. on Sundays and anytime Monday through Thursday, excluding certain holidays and dates.  Free but there is a parking fee.

Holidays at Peace
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center
Greenville Symphony Orchestra presents “Holiday at Peace: Greenville’s favorite Christmas family tradition”.
Showings:
December 12, 2025  |  Fri
7:00pm
December 13, 2025  |  Sat
7:00pm
December 14, 2025  |  Sun
2:00pm
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Photos with Santa at Gather GVL 🎅
Dec 18 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Gather GVL

Join us for Photos with Santa, hosted by the Children’s Museum! 🎅✨

Bring the whole family to snap a festive photo with Santa, capture holiday memories, and get into the seasonal spirit. Perfect for kids, families, and anyone who loves a little holiday magic!
Come ready to smile and create memories that will last a lifetime! 📸🎄

Friday, December 19, 2025
Winter Lights Trolley
Dec 19 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Winter Lights is excited to provide an all-new premium trolley experience, in partnership with Biltmore Park Town Square and Gray Line Trolley Tours! Skip the lines and ride the Winter Lights Trolley!

Enjoy dinner and shopping at Biltmore Park Town Square before hopping on the Winter Lights Trolley to experience Winter Lights!

Ride the Winter Lights Trolley Friday November 28 and select Fridays and Saturdays in December. Trolleys depart from Biltmore Park Town Square every half hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 per-person and available select dates only.

A Christmas Carol
Dec 19 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Echo Theatre at Foothills Playhouse

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a hardened and bitter man who is visited by three mysterious spirits on Christmas Eve. As past regrets, present realities, and future warnings unfold before him, Scrooge is given a chance to open his heart and embrace the joy of generosity, grace, and redemption.

With rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a message that still resonates today, this classic holiday tale is perfect for the whole family. Join us for an evening of wonder, warmth, and a renewed celebration of what truly matters most.

Saturday, December 20, 2025
Hot Cocoa with Santa
Dec 20 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hope Center for Children

Make some holiday magic for your kids with the help of Triple P — and skip the mall prices! 🎅🏽 Families living in the City of Spartanburg with children ages 8 and younger are invited to our FREE Hot Cocoa with Santa event. Join us for:

✨ A meet-and-greet with Santa (includes professional photo for digital download)

✨ Craft time with your kids

✨ $10 grocery gift card to put toward your celebration at home

✨ Positive parenting tips to make this holiday season a less stressful one

Space is limited and registration is required! Questions? Email [email protected].

A Christmas Carol
Dec 20 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Echo Theatre at Foothills Playhouse

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a hardened and bitter man who is visited by three mysterious spirits on Christmas Eve. As past regrets, present realities, and future warnings unfold before him, Scrooge is given a chance to open his heart and embrace the joy of generosity, grace, and redemption.

With rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a message that still resonates today, this classic holiday tale is perfect for the whole family. Join us for an evening of wonder, warmth, and a renewed celebration of what truly matters most.

Winter Lights Trolley
Dec 20 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Winter Lights is excited to provide an all-new premium trolley experience, in partnership with Biltmore Park Town Square and Gray Line Trolley Tours! Skip the lines and ride the Winter Lights Trolley!

Enjoy dinner and shopping at Biltmore Park Town Square before hopping on the Winter Lights Trolley to experience Winter Lights!

Ride the Winter Lights Trolley Friday November 28 and select Fridays and Saturdays in December. Trolleys depart from Biltmore Park Town Square every half hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 per-person and available select dates only.

A Christmas Carol
Dec 20 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Echo Theatre at Foothills Playhouse

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a hardened and bitter man who is visited by three mysterious spirits on Christmas Eve. As past regrets, present realities, and future warnings unfold before him, Scrooge is given a chance to open his heart and embrace the joy of generosity, grace, and redemption.

With rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a message that still resonates today, this classic holiday tale is perfect for the whole family. Join us for an evening of wonder, warmth, and a renewed celebration of what truly matters most.

Sunday, December 21, 2025
Knit-n-Give
Dec 21 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Mission Rathbun House

Are you looking for an excuse to knit or crochet for a good cause? Help make baby hats and blankets and adult hats, scarves, and slippers to support at-risk newborns and homeless adults.  Your handmade knitwear will keep our neighbors warm.  Volunteers with basic skills in knitting or crocheting are welcome. Please bring your own needles or crochet hooks and a pattern.

Check out Knit-n-Give on WLOS: http://wlos.com/news/only-on-wloscom/close-knit-group-of-women-use-their-talents-to-help-asheville-charities

 

 

Friday, December 26, 2025
Winter Lights Trolley
Dec 26 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Winter Lights is excited to provide an all-new premium trolley experience, in partnership with Biltmore Park Town Square and Gray Line Trolley Tours! Skip the lines and ride the Winter Lights Trolley!

Enjoy dinner and shopping at Biltmore Park Town Square before hopping on the Winter Lights Trolley to experience Winter Lights!

Ride the Winter Lights Trolley Friday November 28 and select Fridays and Saturdays in December. Trolleys depart from Biltmore Park Town Square every half hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 per-person and available select dates only.

Saturday, December 27, 2025
Winter Lights Trolley
Dec 27 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Winter Lights is excited to provide an all-new premium trolley experience, in partnership with Biltmore Park Town Square and Gray Line Trolley Tours! Skip the lines and ride the Winter Lights Trolley!

Enjoy dinner and shopping at Biltmore Park Town Square before hopping on the Winter Lights Trolley to experience Winter Lights!

Ride the Winter Lights Trolley Friday November 28 and select Fridays and Saturdays in December. Trolleys depart from Biltmore Park Town Square every half hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 per-person and available select dates only.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Noon Years Eve Party
Dec 31 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Gather GVL

Celebrate the New Year early at Gather GVL’s Noon Year’s Eve Party! 🎉

Kids and families are invited to join us for:

Coloring sheets 🎨
Dancing and music 💃🕺
Apple juice cheers + cheese balls at noon 🥤🧀
Big balloon drop at noon 🎈

Bring the little ones for a festive, kid-friendly countdown and make early New Year memories!

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Racial Justice Workshop
Jan 13 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

The YWCA Racial Justice Workshop is open to our entire YWCA Asheville community – including our staff, volunteers, board, donors, program participants, Fitness Center and community members. This 90-minute workshop will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am and will be facilitated by Gerry Leonard, Racial Justice & Outreach Specialist and Lexus Walker, Tzedek Social Justice Fellow.

 

Sunday, January 18, 2026
Knit-n-Give
Jan 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Mission Rathbun House

Are you looking for an excuse to knit or crochet for a good cause? Help make baby hats and blankets and adult hats, scarves, and slippers to support at-risk newborns and homeless adults.  Your handmade knitwear will keep our neighbors warm.  Volunteers with basic skills in knitting or crocheting are welcome. Please bring your own needles or crochet hooks and a pattern.

Check out Knit-n-Give on WLOS: http://wlos.com/news/only-on-wloscom/close-knit-group-of-women-use-their-talents-to-help-asheville-charities