'Tis the season to be jolly! The amazing area of Greenville, South Carolina, makes sure to deliver during the holiday season! You will never run out of things to do that put you right in the holiday spirit. Here are some of the most popular holiday attractions in the upstate area of South Carolina.
1. Holly Wild
Spartanburg's Hollywild Animal Park makes a big show of Christmas lights every year like so may others, but that's not the best part. When you enter the park you can buy a bag of bread, and animals like zebras and buffalo will come up to your car and you can feed them. When you reach the end of the trail, you can get out and feed more enclosed animals. They also offer snacks, hot chocolate, and apple cider.
2. Ice on Main
Usually green space throughout the rest of the year, this little area is transformed into a cute ice skating rink during December. It's right in front of the beautiful Marriott Hotel in downtown Greenville.
3. Roper Mountain Lights
Located in Greenville, The Roper Mountain Science Center creates a Beautiful lights display every holiday season. Just look for the giant star among the trees! It's a drive thru display so you're able to avoid the cold by staying in your car. Although you do have the option to get out at a certain point so that you can pay a visit to Santa.
4. Fountain Inn Carriage Rides
The little Town of Fountain Inn gives Christmas carriage rides every season!
5. Peace Center (this year it's "Newsies")
Located downtown Greenville, The Peace center puts on performances regularly throughout the year, but they are particularly popular during Christmas. This Christmas, the Peace Center is putting on the musical, "Newsies." It's based on the 1899 strike of the newsboys in New York city.
6. Dickens of a Christmas
This is Spartanburg's signature celebration! There are Carolers dressed in Victorian garb, live Christmas music, living window displays, horse-drawn carriage rides, and, of course, the lighting of the Christmas tree in Deny's Plaza.
7. A Journey to Bethlehem
Simpsonville United Methodist Church puts on a unique interactive Journey through Bethlehem every year for just one weekend. This is another wonderful attraction, especially if you are tight on money this season.
8. Christmas on the Rocks
The Warehouse Theater, located near Furman, is an award-winning converted textile warehouse. You can see theatre that you can't find anywhere else in the Upstate region. Christmas on the Rocks features a mix of characters from Christmas classics that meet up at a bar. It turns out to be quite interesting.
9. Shopping in Downtown Greenville
Greenville creates a cozy atmosphere in its downtown area during the holiday season. The lights and Christmas decorations are stunning.The Mast General Store, in particular, is a perfect place to do some Christmas shopping. They have everything from toys to candy, to outdoors apparel. Fun fact: it's been around since 1883.
10. The House in Mauldin
Every year the residents of 106 Shearbrook Drive in Mauldin light up their home for the city of Mauldin! The effort they put into the display is outstanding. It's free, and they hand out popcorn and hot chocolate. Of course, donations are appreciated.
11. Christmas Gift Lights Festival
Another beautiful lights display located in Anderson, South Carolina. This one is unique in that it benefits local charities. It also makes for a good Christmas volunteer opportunity. It welcomes volunteers to help with the decorating.
If you are in the upstate area for the Holiday season, make sure to check out some of these popular holiday attractions and favorites! Merry Christmas!
