This time of year is always a magical one. Some towns in South Carolina really know how to get into the Christmas spirit – with events and light displays that transform their charming towns and cities into little Christmas villages. Some even feel like they’ve been plucked right from the middle of a snow globe. See for yourself below.
- Anderson
Facebook/The Main Street Program, Anderson, SC
Facebook/Main Street Program, Anderson, SC From the Annual Christmas Walk to the tree lighting and the annual Christmas parade, Anderson is filled with holiday cheer. It’s no wonder this charming little town made the top of our list for 2017. See for yourself why this Upstate treasure seems plucked from a snow globe. Stroll the decorative streets of downtown, check out the gigantic Christmas tree and then visit Carolina Wren Park for outdoor ice skating. More info here.
- Beaufort
Facebook/City Beaufort, SC Unsurprisingly, the South’s most naturally beautiful town is such a delight at Christmas. Roll into town during the daytime to take in the sights, hop on a Christmas carriage tour and then stay until nightfall to see the lamp posts lining the streets lit up like tall candy canes.
- Charleston
Facebook/Holiday Festival of Lights Featuring more than 700 displays and two million lights, Charleston’s annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is always a crowd pleaser! Allow enough time for traffic as you drive your way through the lights displays and then stop to hop on a Victorian Christmas carousel before heading to Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. The Holiday Festival of Lights takes place through Jan. 1, 2018. More info.
- Conway
Facebook/Visit Greenville, SC Downtown Conway comes alive each Christmas with beautifully adorned window displays and a colossal Christmas tree whose lighting it seems the entire town attends. Don’t pass up a chance to visit the Riverwalk - any trip to, or through, Conway wouldn’t be the same without admiring historic Downtown and the Rverwalk.
- Folly Beach
Flickr/John Getchel Sure, Folly Beach has a fantastic Christmas parade each year, but that only lasts one day. For the real holiday sight to see, after you finish shopping head over to the beach to see the annual Christmas tree display and then enjoy a walk on the beach after.
- Greenville
Facebook/Ice On Main There’s simply no doubt why the South’s most up and coming small city made this list. Afterall, downtown Greenville is enchanting - any time of year. Be sure to head over for some skating at Ice On Main in front of the Courtyard Marriott. The ice rink is open through Jan. 16, 2108. See hours and fees here.
- Greenwood
Facebook/Uptown Greenwood, SC Uptown Greenwood has one of the best city lights displays in the state. You’ll fall in love with the blue lighted trees as you make your way to shoppes and restaurants adorned with holiday decorations, perfect for getting in the Christmas spirit!
- Myrtle Beach
Facebook/Broadway at the Beach Check some names off your Christmas list as you strategically make your way through Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. You’ll love the extensive outdoor decor as you make your way around the center. Stay long enough and watch the transformation from day to night as the entire place lights up!
- Newberry
Facebook/City of Newberry, SC GovernmentNorth Pole Nights This quintessential Southern town throws a fantastic Christmas season of joy for residents and visitors alike. On Fridays in December visit Memorial Park for faux snow and pictures with Santa. This enchanting little town gets more like Stars Hollow (the town in the “Gilmore Girls” series) every day and we love it!
- Sumter
Facebook/Swan Lake Iris Gardens Through December 31, 2017 head to Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter for the annual Festival of Lights featuring the world famous Floating Christmas Tree. Make your way through millions of twinkling lights and then head to Santa’s Village to see the big man in red in person, sip hot cocoa and enjoy some live entertainment. More info.
Did we miss your snow globe-worthy town? We’d love to know about it (and see photos) in our Facebook comments!
Facebook/The Main Street Program, Anderson, SC
Facebook/Main Street Program, Anderson, SC
From the Annual Christmas Walk to the tree lighting and the annual Christmas parade, Anderson is filled with holiday cheer. It’s no wonder this charming little town made the top of our list for 2017. See for yourself why this Upstate treasure seems plucked from a snow globe. Stroll the decorative streets of downtown, check out the gigantic Christmas tree and then visit Carolina Wren Park for outdoor ice skating. More info here.
Facebook/City Beaufort, SC
Unsurprisingly, the South’s most naturally beautiful town is such a delight at Christmas. Roll into town during the daytime to take in the sights, hop on a Christmas carriage tour and then stay until nightfall to see the lamp posts lining the streets lit up like tall candy canes.
Facebook/Holiday Festival of Lights
Featuring more than 700 displays and two million lights, Charleston’s annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is always a crowd pleaser! Allow enough time for traffic as you drive your way through the lights displays and then stop to hop on a Victorian Christmas carousel before heading to Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. The Holiday Festival of Lights takes place through Jan. 1, 2018. More info.
Facebook/Visit Greenville, SC
Downtown Conway comes alive each Christmas with beautifully adorned window displays and a colossal Christmas tree whose lighting it seems the entire town attends. Don’t pass up a chance to visit the Riverwalk - any trip to, or through, Conway wouldn’t be the same without admiring historic Downtown and the Rverwalk.
Flickr/John Getchel
Sure, Folly Beach has a fantastic Christmas parade each year, but that only lasts one day. For the real holiday sight to see, after you finish shopping head over to the beach to see the annual Christmas tree display and then enjoy a walk on the beach after.
Facebook/Ice On Main
There’s simply no doubt why the South’s most up and coming small city made this list. Afterall, downtown Greenville is enchanting - any time of year. Be sure to head over for some skating at Ice On Main in front of the Courtyard Marriott. The ice rink is open through Jan. 16, 2108. See hours and fees here.
Facebook/Uptown Greenwood, SC
Uptown Greenwood has one of the best city lights displays in the state. You’ll fall in love with the blue lighted trees as you make your way to shoppes and restaurants adorned with holiday decorations, perfect for getting in the Christmas spirit!
Facebook/Broadway at the Beach
Check some names off your Christmas list as you strategically make your way through Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. You’ll love the extensive outdoor decor as you make your way around the center. Stay long enough and watch the transformation from day to night as the entire place lights up!
Facebook/City of Newberry, SC GovernmentNorth Pole Nights
This quintessential Southern town throws a fantastic Christmas season of joy for residents and visitors alike. On Fridays in December visit Memorial Park for faux snow and pictures with Santa. This enchanting little town gets more like Stars Hollow (the town in the “Gilmore Girls” series) every day and we love it!
Facebook/Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Through December 31, 2017 head to Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter for the annual Festival of Lights featuring the world famous Floating Christmas Tree. Make your way through millions of twinkling lights and then head to Santa’s Village to see the big man in red in person, sip hot cocoa and enjoy some live entertainment. More info.
For another unforgettable Christmastime outing, head to the only Holiday Safari in the state.
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