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.

Saturday, December 17, 2022
That’s the Spirit: Mainstage Holiday Special
Dec 17 @ 9:00 pm – 10:15 pm
Alchemy Comedy Theater at Coffee Underground

That's the Spirit: Mainstage Holiday Special

Mainstage productions are a unique mix of all our favorite types of comedy. The first half of this holiday special consists of scripted sketches and improv comedy games. The second half is a fully improvised holiday Event all inspired by an audience suggestion. This show has a limited run only for the holidays so don’t miss it!

The Alchemy Comedy Theater is back and running shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 7:30 and 9pm. Downtown Greenville has street parking available as well as several nearby parking garages.

 

Sunday, December 18, 2022
Angel Tree
Dec 18 all-day
online

Every year, The Salvation Army of Greenville provides Christmas gifts to more than 2,000 children through the Angel Tree Program. Thanks to our generous community, these Angels will have a merry Christmas! Angel Tree gives individuals and partnering corporations an opportunity to “Adopt” less fortunate children and provide them with personalized gifts and necessities. Because all Salvation Army Angels are not served by other holiday assistance programs, donors can be confident their gifts go directly, and without excessive overhead, to children who are truly in need. Angel Tree GREENVILLE, SC Adoptions are NOW OPEN! 

Bon Secours Festival of Trees
Dec 18 all-day
Hyatt Regency Greenville, Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown RiverPlace

The 37th annual Festival of Trees will bring the 2022 holiday season to life! Spectacularly decorated trees line the entranceway of three hotels in downtown Greenville, giving visitors and community members the chance to experience the magic of the holidays. View trees November 18 thru December 26 at Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton – Riverplace, and Hyatt Regency Greenville.

All proceeds will support the purchase of a second mammography coach.

GIVE HELP Mobile Meals of Spartanburg
Dec 18 all-day
online

Mobile Meals glorifies God by providing nutritious meals, services, and fellowship to the frail and homebound citizens in Spartanburg County.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2023 Adventure travel trips
Dec 18 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Adventure is what we do.

Nantahala Outdoor Center has a long history of venturing where many haven’t, pioneering new adventures, and bringing opportunities to experience the outdoors to millions of guests over five decades. Our International Adventure Tours offer unique destinations, exciting adventures and activities, experienced guides, and world-class hospitality. These all-inclusive, small group excursions will redefine how you travel. Experience some of the most breathtaking places in the world without feeling like a tourist.

If your idea of fun is a rafting trip on the Chilko, a quiet lake paddle in Argentina, surf lessons in Ecuador, or trekking in Iceland, our trips have something for every adventure and skill level. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, yoga, surfing, ziplining, wine tastings, or cultural experiences, along with the flexibility to customize your own adventure. Settle in after your travels in some of the most unique accommodations in the world; from cozy lodges and five star resorts, with local cuisine and tastings, every detail is meticulously planned so you can soak up every moment.

We hope these guided, off-the-beaten-path expeditions will foster the same spirit of adventure we encourage in our Southeastern locations, while giving you the opportunity to explore beyond your own backyard.

 

We have officially announced our new 2023 Adventure travel trips for you to explore new destinations, try new adventures, and experience new cultures! Our trips are small groups, offer world-class hospitality, unique lodging and the most diverse activity options for you to try! We’re giving “revenge travel” new meaning.

Seeking Contemporary Art Exhibition Proposals
Dec 18 all-day
online

Call for 2024-2025 Main Gallery Proposals

The submission deadline is Friday, January 27, 2023.

GCCA’s Main Gallery exhibitions strive to educate and inspire by promoting diverse ideas while encouraging innovative, contemporary approaches to visual arts. GCCA is currently seeking proposals to fill our exhibition schedule for the 2024-2025 calendar year.
The Main Gallery provides approximately 2,000 square feet of exhibition space and has featured the work of local, regional, national, and all disciplines of the visual arts. Our movable gallery wall system allows for dynamic designs and fresh experiences for every exhibition. Each exhibition is on display for approximately two months.
Please note that GCCA will not accept exhibition proposals submitted via email or traditional mail. All submissions must be completed via the online application. There is also a non-refundable $30 application fee to be submitted electronically with the application form (the fee aids with the operations of GCCA and its galleries). The application fee and proposal submission do not guarantee acceptance for an exhibition in GCCA’s Main Gallery. An exhibition agreement and additional information will be provided if the proposal is accepted
Sumerel + Woodbine Holiday Collection
Dec 18 all-day
Woodbine Studio & Gallery

Our Holiday Pop-up is back by popular demand! We had such an amazing turnout, and so much fun, that we decided to do it again.

Join us for this one-of-a-kind Holiday Show. Our carefully curated holiday collection is sure to inspire the joy of gift giving (and receiving) in even the scroogiest of scrooges.

Holiday Collection Featured Artists: Allison Brown, Christine Blackburn, Griffin Cordell, Christina Covington, Andrew Cozier, Baylee Crawford, Tessha Dickey, Jeff + Goda, Greg Flint, Paul Flint, Louisa Henry, Cecilia Ho, Julia Hill-Montgomery, Luis Jaramillo, Nancy Jaramillo, Catherine Labbé, Leslie Lakes, Kellie LeGrand, Rocking K Apiaries, Meredith Skinner, Judy Verhoeven, Whistle Pig Art, Joel Wilkinson, Debbie Wilson

The Best of the Beach and the Rainforest
Dec 18 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

With the beautiful ocean view from your cabana, it’s hard not to stay in, relaxing in the luxurious accommodations in Belize. But there is adventure to be had! This trip offers the best of both world’s combining tropical ocean activities with jungle adventure, while you and your companions enjoy flexibility in your choice of daily guided activities and adventure levels.

Beach Activities

  • Swimming
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Sunrise Yoga
  • Fly Fishing

Rainforest Activities

  • Mayan Ruin Tours
  • Nocturnal Jungle Walks
  • Hiking Antelope Falls
  • Ziplining
  • Rappelling
  • River Tubing

Bucket List Traveler

Voted in the top 5 best winter vacation locations by U.S. News Travel, the Galapagos offer so much adventure in the archipelago!

 

An eco-enthusiasts bucket list trip!  Set sail to lesser-explored islands and spot giant tortoises, sea lions, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas! Snorkel, surf, hike, and experience the islands and their unique ecosystem.

Remote Tropical

Uncrowded point breaks, warm water, predictable waves, friendly locals, great food and drink…this is a real surfer’s paradise! Join us on a surf safari in the Ecuadorian town of Mompiche.

Great waves and a multitude of other activities from surf lessons, SUP, horseback riding, massages and more, enjoy it all from your ocean front home away from home!

Sandy Sunsets

In Baja, some can simply sip drinks, eat local fish tacos and watch the sun disappear into the Pacific, while adventure seekers can choose the rush of surfing a perfect wave, hiking the coastline or sea kayaking with turtles, sea lions and breaching whales. Walk through sherbet colored canyons or soak up the night’s canopy of scattered stars. On  our multisport adventure to Baja, you can do it all!

VIRTUAL RAILFAN is live from the Hub City RR Museum in Spartanburg
Dec 18 all-day
online

Our annual Train Day event attracts hundreds of visitors

The Virtual Railfan cameras were installed on Tuesday, July 6th at the Hub City Railroad Museum. There is one camera looking north and one looking south. The Hub City RR Museum wants to thank the City of Spartanburg for allowing us to install the cameras, and to Virtual Railfan for the install. We have already seen over 300 railfans at one time watching the video feed.
Links to live feeds:
[North Camera feed]
[South Camera feed]

The Longest Night Run 50 Miles – 50k – 26.2 – 13.1 – 10k
Dec 18 @ 8:00 am
The Preserve

The Longest Night Backyard Elimination Race

The Preserve at Lakewood is a 120-acre parcel of land which features forest land, rolling grass trails, parking for 150, and of course, The Sustainability Education Center. The land is home to countless plant and animal species. Upon visiting, you can see red cedar and maple, hickory and flowering dogwood trees, white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail, woodchucks, box turtles, various types of mockingbirds, woodpeckers, blue jays and more.
This style of race is a bit different than most! You have a set number of laps to complete your race distance but you also have a set period of time you must complete each of those laps. Each lap you will be given 25 minutes to complete the 1.5 mile cross country style course at the preserve (wide grass paths). If you finish the loop in 10 minutes than you have 15 minutes to hang out by the fire! The race stage is set on an old farm that with a large barn in an open field for parking and camping. If it gets too cold or rainy feel free to bring your gear and hang out inside the barn with the rest of the crew who will be doing laps with you, ringing the bell, and watching the moon set and the sun rise as we bring in all of our amazing finishers!
Upstate Race Series – Upcoming Events HERE
Join us for one of our 30 events throughout the year. With something for everyone we have races that extend throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. From Lake Hartwell through the Foothill Mountain Range. Locations that cover all of the State Park systems into the Streets of Anderson, Greenville, Travelers Rest, and Spartanburg. We have events that offer opportunity to every level of runner looking to take on their next challenge!

Event Details

  • What: Elimination Style Race with multiple distances from 10k to 50 Miles
  • Where: 220 Lakewood Dr. Greenville, SC 29607.
  • When: December 17th & 18th
    • 50miles (34 Laps) – Saturday at 6:00pm
    • 50k (21 Laps) – Saturday at 11:25pm
    • Marathon (18 Laps) – Sunday @ 12:40am
    • Half Marathon (9 Laps) – Sunday @ 4:25am
    • 10k (4 Laps) – Sunday @ 6:30am
  • Packet Pickup: 1 Hour Prior to your race start time near starting line
  • Pre/Post Run Food Options: Meal tickets can be purchased during registration for Breakfast & Dinner
  • Finisher awards will be handed out at the conclusion of the last lap

Runner Swag

  • Finisher Medal
  • Custom Race Logo Sticker
  • Upstate Ultra Sticker
  • Pancake Breakfast
  • Upstate Ultra Apparel (optional)

Sunday Morning Coffee, Tea, and Conversation
Dec 18 @ 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Hyatt Regency Greenville

Join us this Sunday the 18th at 8:30 am (or later if 8:30 is too early) for a breakfast beverage in Greenville!
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: (1) We plan to get our coffee at Roost but buy it as take-out; (2) We will gather in the Upper Level of the Hyatt Regency hotel (at the same level and next door to Roost) to enjoy the annual Festival of Trees; (3) We will meet at 8:30 rather than the usual 9:00 am so that those of us who are interested can watch the World Cup soccer final at 10:00.

To find us, look for the small Italian flag in the middle of our seating. We will be seated indoors.

We look forward to your getting together with us for another gathering featuring great breakfast drinks and interesting conversation.

I would like to invite you to consider joining my other groups if they interest you. I would love to have you join.

  1. Greenville wine social meetup. This meetup is a wine and appetizer potluck social gathering. A wine theme is selected for each. https://www.meetup.com/greenville-wine-social-meetup-group/
  2. Greenville Social Bicycle Rides. We engage in low-speed group tours of neighborhoods, bicycle trails (such as the Swamp Rabbit Trail), bikeable streets, and occasional “pub crawls.” This meetup is a once-a-month (or more!) event.
    https://www.meetup.com/greenville-social-bicycle-rides/
National Gingerbread House Display
Dec 18 @ 9:00 am
The Omni Grove Park Inn

The 30th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in-person at The Omni Grove Park Inn on Monday, November 21, 2022 with an Awards Ceremony following in the Grand Ballroom. Competition judging will be conducted in-person and is closed to the public. The competition’s esteemed panel of judges, including Chef Carla Hall, will announce a winner on November 21st at the ResortAll entries will be on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn (290 Macon Ave., Asheville) throughout the holiday season.

The official 2022 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 28, 2022 and will continue through Monday, January 2, 2023. Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed.

HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM

Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $680,000 to not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. Starting Saturday, October 1st, guests can drive up to the main entrance at The Omni Grove Park Inn and be assisted by a valet for $35 for day guests and $30 for overnight guests. Self-parking for day guests is $25 and $20 for overnight guests. A portion of the parking proceeds is donated to the community in support of local not-for-profit organizations.

SC Arms Collectors Association – Gun + Knife Show
Dec 18 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Biltmore House Rooftop Tour
Dec 18 @ 10:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Limited Capacity: 12 Guests per Tour
A truly memorable experience featuring rare photo opportunities, this exclusive guided tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction of Biltmore House in areas unavailable on the regular house visit. Imagine yourself a Vanderbilt (or cherished Vanderbilt guest) as you take in stunning views seen only from the house’s rooftop and balconies.

Advance reservation required. Tour includes 250 stairs with no elevator access. Wheelchairs, strollers, and baby backpacks are prohibited. Backpacks are not allowed on any guided tours. Guests are required to leave backpacks in a locker or in their vehicle. To participate in this tour, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Complimentary Wine Tastings Biltmore
Dec 18 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Capacity is limited.
Tasting room by reservation only. Make reservations in-person on the day of your Winery visit.

To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Reservations are required for all wine tastings and must be made on the day of your visit. Because our complimentary wine tastings fill up quickly, we recommend you reserve your tasting when you arrive for your visit.

Greenville Gingerbread House Display
Dec 18 @ 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Oak & Honey

View festive holiday gingerbread creations from celebrated local chefs and restaurants in a wooded, winter wonderland-themed lobby. Then, cast your ballot for your favorite to win the People’s Choice award!

As you stroll, enjoy specially created, seasonal food and drink specials from Oak & Honey (during restaurant hours).

 

Bring friends and family and share in this festive experience together!

Starting December 1st until December 26th, 2022
Viewing hours: 11am to 9pm daily
Restaurant hours: Tues-Thurs 3pm to 11pm / Fri & Sat 3pm to midnight

United Community Bank Ice on Main
Dec 18 @ 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
United Community Bank Ice on Main

United Community Bank Ice on Main is an open outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. This year, this winter tradition and favorite activity of many in the Upstate is open from November 11, 2022 to January 16, 2023. Located at Village Green near the Courtyard Marriott, you’ll truly be skating in a winter wonderland when you come skate with us! The rink is open 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day.

Ice On Main Skaters on Ice

World Cup Viewing
Dec 18 @ 11:00 am
Dave & Buster's

Come enjoy the World Cup at Dave & Buster’s. We have over 30 HDTV’s for your viewing pleasure. Bring the whole family we have something for everyone!

Elf’d UP-A Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Dec 18 @ 11:30 am
The Embassy Suites---8th floor

Tired of the usual Christmas routine? Make plans to join Up On The Roof for Elf’d UP, the over-the top holiday pop-UP bar that’s become a favorite winter tradition in the UPstate.  The fun begins November 23 and an Elf’in’ good time is promised!  If Christmas can’t come soon enough, you’ll have more than a month to soak UP some serious holiday vibes. And for those who aren’t quite feeling the spirit of the season (yet), the Griswold-inspired design scheme, ornate lights and kitschy decorations at Elf’d UP are sure to lighten + brighten your mood.  From Thanksgiving Eve through the end of the year, make plans to get Elf’d UP on the rooftop and immerse yourself in our wall-to-wall festive experience, including Instagram-worth photo opportunties, Christmas themed drink specials and more holiday cheer than you’ll know what to do with.  Let’s get blitzen!

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Dec 18 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.