Dinner cruises, light displays, timeless concerts and oh-so-charming people make South Carolina a glorious Christmas destination. Thanks to our charming small towns, South Carolina has become one of the most popular winter stops in the country. If you are an out-of-state visitor and can spare a few days this season, we strongly suggest you put South Carolina’s festive enthusiasm to the test!
Beautiful Towns, Spirited Activities
The Palmetto State has a variety of Awesome Christmas towns you can visit. You could try Charleston, Aiken, Anderson, or Greenville, just to name a few. Charleston, South Carolina, has most things to see – beautiful old homes in the downtown area, plantation homes, the old open air market, beaches, museums, art galleries…you name it! Or you could go to Myrtle Beach area. It’ll really get you in the Christmas spirit. There are many fantastic activities in the area, and a lot of shopping opportunities. Rock Hill is another small town that makes the state really quite during Christmas.
https://www.palmettopark.com/blog/best-christmas-towns-in-sc/>> Check out our article on the 5 best Christmas Towns in South Carolina.
What to do in South Carolina during Christmas
No matter what your interests are, there’s always something to make your holiday in the South truly memorable.
Mountain Christmas in Greenville
Christmas comes early in Greenville, one of Carolina’s most popular small towns. On 5th of December this year, you can participate in the Poinsettia Christmas Parade in Downtown Greenville. This lively parade involves marching bands, as well as school and community groups dressed for the season.
Throughout the holiday month of December (1st – 30th), the Roper Mountain Holiday Lights in Greenville feature a towering display of lights to depict the holiday tradition. There are more than 200,000 lights – complemented by animation and landscape lighting – that provide a spectacular Christmas light show.
Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
See marching bands, floats, popular performing groups, classic and vintage vehicles, and of course Santa on December 5th in Columbia, SC. This year’s Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade will start at the corner of Bull and Gervais street.
Christmas in the Hopelands
Every year in December (13th–23rd, 26th-27th), the Hopelands Gardens in the town of Aiken are illuminated with more than 100,000 lights. You get over 1.5 miles of spectacular lighted pathways where you can enjoy a thrilling Christmas time with your family between 6.00 pm and 9.30 p.m.
ChristmasVille in Rock Hill
On 3rd – 6th of December this year, Rock Hill will become ChristmasVille, bringing plenty of holiday cheer to the historic town. This annual transformation makes Rock Hill one of the perfect places to spend a day or night and kick off your holiday season on a high note. ChristmasVille has proved to be one of the most fun street festivals in the whole state.
Night of a Thousand Candles
One of Palmetto State’s premier light festivals. Brookgreen Gardens comes to life in the soft glow of thousands of hand-lit candles and numerous parking lights. You can enjoy a warm cup of coffee, take in the sounds of holiday music, and celebrate the season in style with family and friends.