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, November 30, 2025
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

Wild Lights
Nov 30 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

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!

Leslie Odom, Jr. The Christmas Tour
Nov 30 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Experience the Magic of the Season with Leslie Odom, Jr.

 

Monday, December 1, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 1 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

 

Wild Lights
Dec 1 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

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!

Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 2 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

 

Wild Lights
Dec 2 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

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!

Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular
Dec 2 @ 7:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Celebrate the season with the Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular featuring dazzling illusions, breathtaking, grand-scale magic, and festive surprises for the whole family. This high-energy, interactive show blends their signature humor, jaw-dropping magic, and holiday cheer, creating a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for the season. Don’t miss this enchanting celebration filled with wonder, spectacle, and joy!

The Tenors: Joy to the World Tour
Dec 2 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Celebrate the wonder of the holiday season with The Tenors: Joy to the World Tour—an unforgettable evening of music, magic, and holiday spirit.

This festive season, The Tenors return to the stage with their signature blend of stunning harmonies, powerhouse vocals, and undeniable charm. From timeless Christmas classics to fresh new renditions of your favourite holiday songs, Joy to the World is a heartwarming concert experience perfect for audiences of all ages.

More than just a performance, Joy to the World is your favorite holiday tradition—a heartwarming celebration that brings people together and captures the true spirit of Christmas.

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 3 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

 

Wild Lights
Dec 3 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

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!

Ding Dong: It’s a Super Gay Christmas!
Dec 3 @ 7:00 pm
Greenville Theatre

The Greenville Gay Men’s Chorus will present its annual holiday show—Ding Dong: It’s A Super Gay Christmas—on Wednesday, December 3 at Greenville Theatre in Heritage Green. The 7:00 p.m. performance will be a sparkling celebration filled with holiday classics, unexpected twists, and plenty of campy cheer. It’s the most festive concert of the year!
Tickets are $20-$30 and are available through the Chorus website: greenvillegaymenschorus.com.

Thursday, December 4, 2025
Magic of Lights at Hollywild Animal Preserve
Dec 4 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.

Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 4 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.

 

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.

Wild Lights
Dec 4 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo

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!

2025 National Gingerbread House Competition
Dec 4 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.

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!

2025 Festival of Lessons and Carols
Dec 4 @ 7:30 pm
Twichell Auditorium

The Spartanburg community is invited to join us on December 4, 2025, at 7:30 PM to enjoy the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols in Twichell Auditorium. The prelude will begin at 7:30 PM with the program starting at 8:00 PM.

Festival of Lessons and Carols celebrates the Christmas season with traditional carols and hymns, along with student-led scripture readings. Spartanburg Master Chorale, Converse Wind Ensemble, and Converse Chorale will perform these beloved, traditional songs between the readings. The audience will be invited to sing along in many segments of the service.

In addition to the two Christmas trees on Twichell stage, luminaries will line the front campus for the evening’s glow. Luminary submissions that are received by Friday, November 7, 2025 will be recognized during The Festival of Lessons and Carols program.

Funds collected from the sale of luminaries will be contributed to the Student Benevolence Fund.

Festival of Lessons and Carols is free and open to the public. For any additional information, contact Reverend Eliza Smith DeBevoise at [email protected].