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.

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.

 

Empower Hour
Dec 2 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

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!

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!

Thursday, December 4, 2025
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!

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!

Friday, December 5, 2025
Trolls: A Field Study
Dec 5 @ 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 5 @ 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!

Wild Lights
Dec 5 @ 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!

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Fretwell Holiday Market
Dec 6 all-day
Fretwell

🎄Saturday, DECEMBER 6th @fretwellmarket is having special guest 💚THE GRINCH 💚for keepsake snapshots from 10am-1pm — and of course all of the best in local goods and gifts for holiday shopping!!

Magic of Lights at Hollywild Animal Preserve
Dec 6 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 6 @ 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 6 @ 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!

Christmas at the Farm
Dec 6 @ 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!

Santa in the Garden
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hatcher Gardens and Woodland Preserve

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!

Uncommon Holiday Market
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – Dec 7 @ 5:00 pm
Battery Park Hall

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Come celebrate & shop with us at our 11th annual Holiday Market. We’ll have vintage Christmas, art, plants, jewelry, homemade toys and gifts for those on your list.
The market will be held downtown at the beautiful Battery Park Hall, adjacent to the Haywood Park Hotel, 46 Haywood Street. Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.
Admission is FREE! Park in metered street parking or in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center or Wall Street Parking Decks. Sunday metered parking is FREE.
Adoptable puppies with Mountain Pet Rescue will be here.
This is an INDOOR market and service dogs only are allowed.
Food & coffee onsite.