10+ Magical Things to Do in Downtown Greenville During The Holidays

 

The holiday season is in full swing. If you’re looking for a big dose of holiday cheer, visit Downtown Greenville. It's lit and packed with festive activities and holiday backdrops at every turn. The best part? Most activities are free and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. 

1. Take a stroll down Main Street

There’s no shortage of lights and installations throughout downtown Greenville, from the trees wrapped up in lights to larger-than-life holiday postcard backdrops to Christmas carols. You will experience it all in one go. To enjoy all the holiday views at their brightest, take a stroll down Main Street at dusk. 

 

 

You can view the lights from the comfort of your car or walk around at your own pace. Just a heads up. It can get pretty cold in December, so have the right number of layers for the walk. 

 

2.  The annual Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees is an annual Christmas tradition that dates back to 1986. Beautifully  decorated trees adorn the halls of major hotels in downtown Greenville and are the reason alone to visit. To view trees, visit Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton – Riverplace, and Hyatt Regency Greenville. They are on display from Nov. 18 through December 26. 

 

3. Poinsettia Postcards

You will find some cool postcard displays at every corner throughout downtown in December. Constructed by nonprofit organizations and schools, they add unique and artsy vibes to the downtown district. 

 

 

You can vote for your favorite postcard design to partake in the festivities and show your appreciation for the beautiful art initiative.

  

 

4. Window Wonderland 

Many businesses along Main Street go all out to transform their store windows into elaborate, jaw-dropping displays. Another magical holiday experience that is known as Window Wonderland. When passing by those displays, you cannot help but get excited about the holiday season. You can also vote for your favorite window decor to let the people who gave you an extra dose of holiday cheer know that their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

 

5.  City of Greenville Christmas Tree

For the merriest photo, head over to the official City of Greenville Christmas tree, which is located in front of M. Judson Booksellers. Adorned with thousands of lights and framed by beautiful historical buildings, a 30-foot tree makes for a lovely photo op. 

 

 

It gets crowded at times, but if you stick around and wait a few minutes, the chances are you will have the perfect spot by a tree to take your photos with no other people in your photo frame. 

 

6. M. Judson Booksellers

Located in the historic courthouse building, right behind the main Christmas tree, M. Judson Booksellers is a book heaven with many great reads for all ages and interests. 

 

 

We accidentally came across it after taking photos with the main Christmas tree in front of the building and decided to explore what's inside to escape the cold. It turned out to be such a lovely place with endless book displays, souvenirs, and a coffee shop-Camilla Kitchen, with a small cozy seating area. After being in the cold, sipping on the hot chocolate in that coffee nook felt like pure bliss. 

 

 

7. Ice on Main

What better way to ring in the holiday spirit than gliding your way through an outdoor ice rink in the heart of downtown? The space at Village Green, in front of the Courtyard Marriott, is transformed into a glittering icy wonderland with bright lights overhead and cheerful Christmas music spurring skaters on. Purchase tickets online ahead of time to reserve your time on the ice. 

 

 

Ice On Main in 2022 runs from Nov. 14 to Jan. 16, marking its 12th anniversary as an unofficial start of the holiday season in Greenville. General Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children 3-12, and free for kids 2 and under. Be sure to check any seasonal discounted skating options and free special events, like a curling demonstration, here.

 

8. Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge

The Greenville Christmas Market is a new holiday tradition in town. And you cannot think of any better place for the Christmas market to begin than on the lawn in front of the Grand Bohemian Lodge next to Falls Park on the Reedy. It features 12+ booths with seasonal gifts, handcrafted goods, Christmas decorations, and culinary treats. There are also special events for the whole family, such as photos with Santa, live music, and the Kid's corner.
 

 

At the time of our visit, fewer booths than expected were open, but we enjoyed the experience nonetheless. Cozying up at the Lodge and marveling at its grand interior and all the Christmas decor made our outing special. The unique, nature-inspired backdrop is everything. Simply visiting this location is a treat in itself. The market carries on the charm of a bygone era. So magical. More info  is HERE.

 

 

9. Poinsettia Christmas Parade 

For more than 75 years, Greenville has been celebrating the start of the holiday season with a Christmas parade. Floats and marching bands wind their way down Main Street, past all the historic buildings, lavishly decorated hotels, and creative store window displays. Each float has its unique theme and style, and there's no shortage of them. 

Traditionally, the parade takes place in downtown Greenville on the first Saturday in December.  However, this year both the TD Saturday Market and Poinsettia parade will take place on Dec. 9. You can also stream the parade on the Very Local app.

 

 

10. Gingerbread House Competition – Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites

Holidays are always sweeter with gingerbread treats, especially when those sweets are made by renowned restaurant chefs and displayed in an impressive, winter wonderland-themed hotel lobby for everyone to marvel at. The gingerbread house contest features many edible scenes from Jack Skellington's House to Unity Park to rows of whimsically decorated gingerbread houses, complete with pounds of icing, assorted candies, and colorful sprinkles. Those sculptures not only get you in the holiday spirit but also give you some inspiration for your own gingerbread homemade creations.
 
What's more? There's a special gingerbread storytime presented by the Children's Museum of the Upstate in the hotel lobby. This is a free event where the kids not only listen to a story but also try to build their own gingerbread house using cardboard and imagination. For more info, visit here.

Display dates: through Dec. 26, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily.

 

11. Group Therapy Pub & Playground

Group Therapy is a pub and a fun entertainment venue, featuring an 18-hole mini golf course, ice curling, ping pong, axe throwing, backyard games, and even a ball bath to take those pics for the gram. 

 

 

Now bundle up and go on the festive walk through Downtown Greenville. There’s nothing like experiencing it firsthand. If I missed anything you like to do during the holidays in the downtown area, please share it in the comments below. 

 

 

Happy Holidays and have fun discovering more!

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