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.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Winter Lights
Dec 31 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 6, 2025
Ladies’ Wellness Soirée: Love Yourself!
Feb 6 @ 6:00 pm
Randall House

Enjoy an unforgettable evening dedicated to celebrating women’s health and the power of friendship across the decades. Engage in interactive activities, lighthearted discussions, and plenty of opportunities to connect and empower each other. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate, learn, and grow together while supporting OneDay, a Prisma Health-Upstate Foundation initiative supporting the expansion of behavioral health services and access across the Upstate.

❤️ Give the gift of friendship and bring a friend. Use promo code GALENTINES at checkout for our discounted BESTIE BUNDLE. ❤️

Event Details:
• Thursday, February 6
• 6-9 p.m.
• Randall House – 215 Randall St, Greer
• Cocktail attire

Learn more at OneDayGVL.org

Friday, February 14, 2025
2025 Valentine’s Train
Feb 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with a scenic train ride along the picturesque Tuckasegee River. Departing at 6:00 PM from Bryson City, our journey will take you through the enchanting 836-foot-long tunnel before returning at approximately 9:00 PM. Indulge in a chef-prepared three-course meal featuring a Caesar salad, your choice of 8 oz. prime rib or Norwegian salmon with seasonal sides, or a vegetarian option of balsamic glazed grilled Portobello eggplant over quinoa. Conclude your meal with a decadent chocolate mini mousse and a complimentary glass of champagne in a souvenir stemless wineglass. Each guest will also receive a rose to commemorate this special evening. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience!

Thursday, March 6, 2025
I Remember Glenn Springs: Stories with Ben Greer
Mar 6 @ 7:00 pm
Old Stone Church

Ben Greer is an author, poet, and educator who was born and raised in Glenn Springs. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and Hollins University. He published his first novel, Slammer, at 26 to rave reviews and went on to publish 4 others. His first book of poetry was published at 59. His latest book of poetry is called Naked Prince: New & Selected Poems.

Ben has also written three plays, including Little Tin Gods, produced by Theatre South in 2008. Having taught at the University of South Carolina for 33 years, he is retired and lives in Columbia.

Join us at the Old Stone Church on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7:00pm to hear Ben’s stories and memories of growing up in Glenn Springs. This event is free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Bunny Hopper Express
Mar 29 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.

Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!

Sunday, March 30, 2025
Bunny Hopper Express
Mar 30 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.

Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!

Thursday, June 19, 2025
I AM an Artist – Free Juneteenth Youth Art Table
Jun 19 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Mattoon Presbyterian Church

Celebrate Juneteenth with art, creativity, and community at the I AM an Artist – Youth Art Table, hosted at historic Mattoon Presbyterian Church!

Youth in Grades 3–8 (and siblings) are invited to:

🎨 Paint rock art
✍️ Fill out an “I AM” affirmation card
🧩 Add a piece to our community mural
🎁 Take home art giveaways + an “I AM an Artist” button
🍽️ Enjoy a free, culturally rooted meal featuring okra, black-eyed peas, watermelon, hibiscus tea & more
This event kicks off the MLJLW Memorial Art Scholarship honoring Ms. Mildred Leatherwood and her great-grandson Ian — helping young people in Greenville grow through art.

Friday, July 4, 2025
Meat Sweats July 4th Cookout
Jul 4 @ 11:30 am – 6:00 pm
Fireforge Crafted Beer

🤤 It’s Rib O’ Clock at Fireforge! Join us for “Meat Sweats” on Friday, July 4th with pit & grill masters from Fireforge & Project Host: all-afternoon fun from 11:30 am to 6 pm.

Nosh on a variety of meats & sides while enjoying the party band sounds of Big Radio from 3-5 pm. We’ll be releasing the menu throughout the day as our myriad of smoked & grilled delights are ready. Don’t sleep on our sassy sides – AND, save room for our favorite summer beer: 🍑 Pool Honeys Peach Milkshake IPA, which will be released on July 4th! In addition, 10% of Taproom Sales from the day will benefit Project Host.

After Meat Sweats, our regular Fireforge kitchen menu & Friday evening operations will resume through 10 pm.

Meat Sweats Menu:
🐖 John’s Texas Style Smoked Pork Shoulder
🐓 Chris’s Smoked Pulled Chicken w/ Cornell-Style BBQ Sauce
🐄 Nick’s Beef Burnt Ends: slow-cooked beef chuck roast & bbq sauce
🌭 Alex’s Chop Shop Butchery Smoked Grass Fed Beef Foot Long Hot Dogs
-Cowdog: cowboy beans, bacon, salsa, beer mustard
-Plainsman: plain dog with mustard & ketchup
🍖 Nick’s Baby Back Ribs: dry rubbed
🍗 John’s Smoked & Fried Chicken Wings: dry rubbed, Alabama white sauce

Sassy Sides:
🧀 Spinach & Artichoke Mac N Cheese
🍅 Chips & Salsa Roja
🍉 Compressed Local Watermelon & Smoked Sea Salt
🥬 Chopped Coleslaw: Duke’s mayo dressing & poppy seeds
🥔 Crushed Red Potato Salad: Duke’s, local egg, bread & butter pickles, onion, celery.
🫘 Cowboy Beans: slow-cooked pinto beans with tomatoes & spices

Thursday, October 23, 2025
Paint + Sip Party Haunted House Theme
Oct 23 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Blue Spirit Art Studio and Gallery

Join us for a Haunted House Themed Paint and Sip Party! Price includes: 1 specialty cock/mocktail, supplies and materials, and guided instruction.

Saturday, November 15, 2025
Annual Christmas Bazaar
Nov 15 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Skylyn Drive Presbyterian Church

ADMISSION IS FREE! Everything you need for the holidays – decor, gifts, stocking stuffers, trees, frozen foods, arts & crafts, handmade items, dishware, pictures, children’s items and more. Checks/cash only – no credit/debit cards. Our Annual Christmas Bazaar is a community favorite, so don’t miss it this year!

Friday, November 21, 2025
Town Square Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
Nov 21 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Join us in Biltmore Park Town Square on Friday, November 21, 2025, for an enchanting start to your holiday season. The Town Square Tree Lighting and Holiday Market promises to be an evening of magic and wonder.

Wander through the charming holiday market filled with over 35 local artisans, farmers, and craftspeople offering unique finds that will be perfect for gift-giving and holiday gatherings. You can even take home a freshly cut, Christmas tree from a local farm. Enjoy the warm, festive ambiance, sip on a rich cup of hot cocoa and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures and gifts.

Don’t miss the highlight of the evening – gather with family and friends to countdown for the lighting of the Biltmore Park Christmas tree at 6:30 pm! Experience the holiday cheer with the community, as twinkling lights illuminate the tree. The Christmas tree and the market will be surrounded by an abundance of festivities including a special holiday story time hosted by Barnes & Noble after the tree lighting, bringing joy to all ages.

Celebrate the season with the Biltmore Park community and make it a night to remember!

Friday, November 28, 2025
Winter Lights Trolley
Nov 28 @ 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, November 29, 2025
Christmas at the Farm
Nov 29 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Arran Farm

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!

🎄 Thrifted Finds Market
Nov 29 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Oxford Barber Co.

Get ready to deck the halls and your wardrobe! The Thrifted Finds Market is returning for a special Holiday Edition on November 29th, bringing a curated mix of vintage fashion, streetwear, Y2K finds, jewelry, and unique gifts — perfect for holiday shopping. Whether you’re searching for cozy Russell hoodies or one-of-a-kind pieces, this event is the spot for gifting (or treating yourself ).

Stick around and enjoy even more festive fun! The Village of West Greenville will also be hosting their Holiday Market the same day, making it the perfect opportunity to support multiple local businesses.

Date: Saturday, November 29th
Time: 12 PM – 5 PM
Location: 578 Perry Ave, Greenville (Oxford Barber Co.)

Additional Nearby Event:
The Village of West Greenville Holiday Market
1186 Pendleton St | 12 PM – 7 PM

• Free Parking: 1 Branwood St, 556 Perry Ave, and the field across from the Christmas Market
• Paid Parking: 571 Perry Ave ($5/hr or $15/day)

Vendor applications are currently open. Secure your spot through the link in our bio.

Sunday, November 30, 2025
Christmas at the Farm
Nov 30 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Arran Farm

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!

Holiday Market at Gather 🎄
Nov 30 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Gather GVL

Join us at Gather GVL for our Holiday Market on Sunday, November 30th from 12PM–4PM! 🎁✨
Shop unique gifts from local vendors, enjoy delicious food, sip on festive drinks, and soak up all the cozy holiday vibes. It’s the perfect Sunday outing to kick off the holiday season — bring your friends, family, and festive spirit! ❤️🎅

📍 Location: Gather GVL
🕛 Time: 12PM–4PM
🎄 Entry: Free & family-friendly

Thursday, December 4, 2025
Annual Holiday Fair
Dec 4 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

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!

Holiday Fair benefitting Rotary Club of Greenville
Dec 4 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Holiday Fair benefitting the Rotary Club of Greenville takes place Thursday, December 4th through Sunday, December 7th.

The holiday extravaganza will attract thousands of local and out-of-town visitors and will build on holiday traditions of the past while offering new elements that create memories for the future. Attendees will enjoy more than 500 vendor booths, featuring one-of-a-kind gifts, decorations, accessories and more, an indoor snowball arena, SC’s largest modular train layout, North Pole kid’s play area, visits with Santa and tastings from local favorites Six & Twenty Distillery and Methodical Coffee.

*Early bird pricing ends 12/3. Ticket prices increase on 12/4.

Holiday Workshop: Decorate A Stocking
Dec 4 @ 6:00 pm
Gather GVL

Bring your little elves for a fun, hands-on holiday workshop! Kids can decorate their very own stockings using all supplies provided. Join us at 6:00 PM and let the festive fun begin — supplies available while they last. Perfect for kids to get crafty and spread holiday cheer!

Friday, December 5, 2025
Magic of Lights at Hollywild Animal Preserve
Dec 5 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.