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

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Monday, December 17, 2018
PJ Story Time with Miss Debi – Christmas Classics
Dec 17 @ 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm
M. Judson Booksellers

Wear your PJs and come to a special late-night story time with Miss Debi. Tonight will be all about the Christmas classics. The holidays are built on traditions, so we’ll read some good ol’ standards like ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and The Polar Express. They’re classics because everyone loves them! Wear your PJs and come ready for a story and a craft with Miss Debi. (Will she wear her PJs, too? Come and find out!)
$5 per child; pre-registration required so we can be sure to have enough crafts for everyone!

Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Guild Member’s Show
Dec 18 all-day
Reclaimed Creations
Dec 18 all-day
NC Arboretum

Reclaimed Creations is a unique sculpture exhibit created by renowned artist Sayaka Ganz. Utilizing reclaimed plastic objects, such as discarded utensils, Ganz creates amazing sculptures that visually appear unified at a distance, but are in fact separated when examined up close. Described as using a “3D impressionistic” style, Ganz’s exhibit includes installations of animals in motion, which are in rich in color and energy, to create an illusion of form.

About the Artist

Born in Yokohama, Japan, Sayaka Ganz grew up living in Japan, Brazil and Hong Kong. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. A lecturer and teacher, Ganz’s work has been displayed at various institutions around the globe, including the Hermann Geiger Foundation in Cecina, Italy, the Isle Gallery in Isle of Man, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.

My work is about perceiving harmony, even in situations that appear chaotic from the inside. When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes and items being held on only by small points; step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general (but not identical) direction. Similarly, it is important to gain perspective by stepping back from current problems and look at the larger picture. Then one can perceive the beauty and patterns that exist.”

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 18 all-day

All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!

Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.

Winter Craft + Storytime
Dec 18 @ 9:30 am – 10:00 am
Spartanburg County Public Libraries

We’ll be making a snowman or snowflake craft that children can keep. We’ll meet in the Hoechst-Celanese Classroom (lower level) of the Spartanburg Headquarters Library. All supplies will be provided. Attend library storytimes before or after the craft at 10 and 11am.

https://www.facebook.com/events/266851497348132/

Empower Hour
Dec 18 @ 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].

Ravelry Group
Dec 18 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Woodruff Library

Category: Craft, DIY & Maker
Contact Phone: 864-476-8770

This group meets weekly to work on projects in knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, cross stich and more. Participants can bring their works in progress and sharpen their skills as we share tips and ideas.

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 18 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Power Train Tuesday 5 pm Class
Dec 18 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Carolina Triathlon

Train with power and focus.
6 week program for $125, individual class for $25.
Class starts at 5 pm, please arrive at 430 to get bike set up so class starts at 5. You may drop your bike off earlier in the day and we will have you ready to go at 5.
Call 864 331 8483 to reserve your spot.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2033040360051042/

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 18 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.

Winternight Whisperings: Valentine Wolfe at Hughes Main Library
Dec 18 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Greenville County Library System

In the bleak midwinter, Victorians liked nothing more during the holiday season than to light a candle and tell ghost stories. Ghosts of Christmases Past will walk once more, conjured with Victorian Chamber metal band, Valentine Wolfe’s haunted music and story teller Tally Johnson’s eerie ghost stories. Email [email protected] or call 527-9293 to register.

Please note: This event is designed for ages 15+ and takes place at the Hughes Main Library in downtown Greenville.
25 Heritage Green Place
Greenville, SC 29601

https://www.facebook.com/events/255985448452183/

A Christmas Together: An Evening of Stories, Songs & Family
Dec 18 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Come celebrate with the Overlook Theatre Company as we share some of our favorite stories and songs of the season. Featuring members of the theatre’s performance troupe, this evening of family, tradition (and a few surprises) is sure to inspire everyone’s holiday spirit.

Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company

Music Bingo at Wild Wing Cafe
Dec 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Come join Wild Wing Cafe for an amazing night of music, prizes, and drink specials. It’s Music Bingo! Test your music knowledge and compete against your friends and other patrons. It’s easy to play, and everyone is welcome!

The Yarn
Dec 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
M. Judson Booksellers

If you haven’t checked out The Yarn, a fantastic free-form storytelling event hosted by Greenville Wordsmiths, what are you waiting for? This family-friendly, super-positive open mic happens every month, and centers on a theme. Put your name in the hat, and tell your story that touches on this month’s theme when it’s your turn. Short or long, stories are told from memory and come from the heart. Everybody wins.

7pm. Completely free!

December’s theme is Jolly (feel-good stories about happy memories that put a smile on your face)!

Wednesday, December 19, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 19 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Guild Member’s Show
Dec 19 all-day
Reclaimed Creations
Dec 19 all-day
NC Arboretum

Reclaimed Creations is a unique sculpture exhibit created by renowned artist Sayaka Ganz. Utilizing reclaimed plastic objects, such as discarded utensils, Ganz creates amazing sculptures that visually appear unified at a distance, but are in fact separated when examined up close. Described as using a “3D impressionistic” style, Ganz’s exhibit includes installations of animals in motion, which are in rich in color and energy, to create an illusion of form.

About the Artist

Born in Yokohama, Japan, Sayaka Ganz grew up living in Japan, Brazil and Hong Kong. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. A lecturer and teacher, Ganz’s work has been displayed at various institutions around the globe, including the Hermann Geiger Foundation in Cecina, Italy, the Isle Gallery in Isle of Man, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.

My work is about perceiving harmony, even in situations that appear chaotic from the inside. When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes and items being held on only by small points; step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general (but not identical) direction. Similarly, it is important to gain perspective by stepping back from current problems and look at the larger picture. Then one can perceive the beauty and patterns that exist.”

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 19 all-day

All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!

Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 19 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.