SC has among best cities to spend Christmas in the US, Good Housekeeping says. Here’s where & why
There is probably no better a compliment at Christmas for a city to be compared to a Hallmark movie. And Greenville got the nod.
Good Housekeeping recently released its 2024 list of best Christmas cities and said, “Want to star in your own version of a Hallmark Christmas movie? Book a trip to Greenville to experience peak Christmas hype.”
It was the only South Carolina city on Good Housekeeping’s list.
This week, the work to transform Greenville’s Main Street into Christmas town begins, city spokesperson Beth Brotherton said.
A private company does most of the work.
“The decorated and preserved storefronts along Main Street, twinkling lights in the trees, the ice rink, public plazas all provide a wonderful canvas,” Brotherton said. “If we had a nickel for every time someone said, ‘you want to feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie,’ we could probably pay the Hallmark Channel enough money to film here!”
And city officials are delighted with the mention by Good Housekeeping, she said.
Good Housekeeping mentioned “festive activities and holiday-inspired events” as well as the 3rd annual Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit from chefs and home cooks. The results will be on display at Oak & Honey restaurant, 200 E Washington St.
“Also, be sure to pop into Poppington’s for their famous Grinch-inspired green popcorn for a sweet treat,” Good Housekeeping said.
Brotherton mentioned these holiday happenings:
UNITED COMMUNITY BANK ICE ON MAIN
Nov. 25 - Jan. 20, 2025
* Opening Ceremony at 2 p.m. Nov. 25
Greenville’s only outdoor ice rink with a variety of promotions and special events scheduled. For more information and a complete calendar listing, visit Ice on Main. Hours vary.
NIGHT OF LIGHTS
Dec. 6, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
*Official Tree Lighting Ceremony to begin at approximately 6:15 pm
30-foot Christmas tree adorned with 25,550 LED lights at the intersection of Court Street and Main Street (in front of M. Judson Booksellers). Live music, food and shop for holiday items from TD Saturday Market vendors.
CHRISTMAS SWEATER LUNCHEON (Invitation only event for participants in Community Center programming)
Dec. 6 at 11:30 am
Unity Park
The City’s Recreation Division will host the annual Active Adults Christmas Sweater Luncheon at Unity Park. The event will feature lunch, holiday-themed games and entertainment.
POINSETTIA CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dec. 7 at 6:30 pm
*VIP Area Opens at 5 pm
Over 70 musical marching units, elaborately decorated floats and Santa Claus. Greenville Drive Owner Craig Brown will serve as this year’s grand marshal. The parade will also honor city staff for their relief efforts following Hurricane Helene.
TD SATURDAY MARKET - HOLIDAY EDITION
Dec. 14, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
artisan gifts, seasonal fresh produce, gourmet foods and fresh-cut flowers from nearly 50 participating vendors
HOLIDAYS AT THE ZOO
Dec. 13 - 23 and 26 - 30
Tens of thousands of lights, including some uniquely set to music, Santa’s Village and other holiday-themed areas. To purchase tickets, visit Greenville Zoo, SC | Official Website
WINDOW WONDERLAND
December 2024
Downtown merchants will transform Main Street into a holiday wonderland. Vote for your favorite merchant display.
POINSETTIA POSTCARDS
December 2024
Local nonprofits and school groups will construct and decorate grand holiday postcards displayed throughout Greenville’s Main Street plazas.
Kidding Around website offers these ideas:
- Santa’s Sleigh Rides in Downtown Greenville.
- 2024 Festival of Trees
- Holiday trees on display from Nov. 22 through Dec 25 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown and the Courtyard Greenville Downtown.
- Holiday at Peace
- Greenville Symphony Orchestra’s annual seasonal celebration, Holiday at Peace Dec. 6- 8.