Spartanburg’s Best Holiday Happenings in 2018
It’s no secret that the holidays can be the most stressful time of the year. Between finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list (then keeping them a secret), prepping feasts for different events, and decorating your home and yard, it’s kind of amazing that we all still somehow agree that this is the most wonderful time of the year.
Before stress has a chance to get the best of you, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to enjoy all the wonderful things about the holidays. And while we might be a little biased, we think a weekend trip to Spartanburg is the perfect way to do just that. In addition to our incredible craft breweries, SC Chef Ambassador-owned restaurants, and thriving arts scene, we’re making spirits bright at events and activities like:
Skating on the Square
Like a scene out of a Hallmark movie, come glide along our open-air ice rink right in the heart of downtown Spartanburg. Listen to your favorite Christmas music playing in the background, warm up with a piping hot cup of cocoa, and munch on some popcorn as you take in the scene around you—the smiling faces, the chill in the air, and the sound of skates on ice.
Admission for Skating on the Square is only $10 and includes your skate rental. The rink is open daily through mid-January—even on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day—and is available for private parties.
Holiday Light Safari
There’s just something about Christmas lights that makes you stop in your tracks and spend a moment gazing in child-like wonder. Come experience that feeling for yourself as you navigate your way through 100 acres of dazzling lights displays at Hollywild Animal Park in Wellford, SC.
The car ride through the impressive display lasts about an hour, but the fun certainly doesn’t stop there. Visit Santa’s village where you can warm up near the bon fire, greet the various barnyard animals, and adventure up to Mrs. Claus’ attic for a panoramic view of the park. For an even more magical experience, explore the Enchanted Deer Forest to hand-feed animals right from the comfort of your car.
Whether you’re planning a festive date night, are trying to do something extra special for your little ones, or just a local trying to impress out-of-town guests, Holiday Light Safari is the way to go. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.
Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Sometimes a healthy-dose of laughter is all you need to recharge. And if laughter is the best medicine, we’re writing you a prescription for tickets to the Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Come sit back in relax in the Chapman Cultural Center’s comfortable seats on and take your mind off your to-do list for a while as you watch the mayhem that ensues when “the worst kids in the history of the world” decide to audition for their Sunday school’s annual Christmas pageant all in hopes of getting free snacks.
You can catch a performance of this play on November 30 or December 1. This show is suitable for all ages, so get your tickets for the whole family here.
Nutcracker
In a list of Christmas’ most iconic activities, seeing a performance of The Nutcracker is right up there with trimming the tree and decorating gingerbread men.
From December 7-9, tag along with Clara and her magical Nutcracker on their journey to the Land of Sweets. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the inspiring choreography or lavish costumes as over 100 incredible dancers take the stage and bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless and splendid classical score to life.
Purchase your tickets now, because you do not want to miss this spectacular performance.
Light Up Inman
There are Christmas parties, then there are Christmas Parties, and Light up Inman is of the later variation.
The eventing kicks off with a parade at 5:30, then transitions into a festival complete live dance and choral performances, a reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” carriage rides, a bouncy gym and slide, miniature train rides, hot chocolate and other goodies, photos with Santa, the 9th annual snowball drop and prizes, and the lighting of the largest tree in the Upstate! See more event details and pricing information here.
Holiday Craft Market
Nothing soothes the soul like a little retail therapy. Come treat yourself to a new handbag, or cross some gifts off your list as you shop one-of-a-kind cutting boards for the chef in your life, hand-carved and painted wooden Christmas figurines for the holiday-lover, gourmet treats like southern cheddar wafers and toffee crunch for the shackaholic, custom jewelry for your favorite coworker, beautiful 2D and 3D works of art for the new homeowners, all-natural dog biscuits for your furbaby, and more, all while listening to festive music and supporting local artists and fine craftspeople.
The 2018 Holiday Craft Market at the Chapman Cultural Center on Saturday, December 15 from 10:00am-4:00pm. Learn more about the event and vendors here.
Let our charming county be your holiday oasis. Book a little getaway at one of our quaint, historical bed and breakfasts located in park-like settings just off the beaten path, or in the luxury of our modern, art-infused hotels which are overflowing with amenities. We can’t wait to see you here!
Where are your favorite places to celebrate the holidays in Spartanburg? Share all your favorite must-visit attractions with #OneSpartanburg for a chance to have your photos featured on our social media accounts (and obviously follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest if you don’t already)!
