With less than a week until Christmas, children are excitedly looking forward to presents.

Anderson County is decked out with wreaths, parties, colorful lighting and displays to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Parents and family members are busy shopping for presents, while stores are busy with last-minute shoppers.

Everyone is preparing for the festive season. Here are some holiday events in Anderson County.

If residents need more incentive to get in the holiday mood, they can go ice skating or attend a parade or a tree-lighting ceremony. Most towns have scheduled their events and have information posted.

Here are some holiday events in the city leading up to Christmas.

Anderson Lights of Hope will bring Christmas to life

Organizers have miles of Christmas lights at Anderson's Lights of Hope at 150 Rose Valley Blvd. The event honors the program's 30 years of holding the light display.

The Anderson Christmas Lights are open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and runs through Christmas Day on Dec. 25. The ticket price is $10 per car.

The program's purpose is to serve as an advocate for the disadvantaged and provide training and education for individuals to further their careers, according to the Anderson Lights of Hope website.

Visit Ballyhoo Petting Zoo 12 days of Christmas Break

Ballyhoo Petting Zoos 12 days of Christmas Break is here and open Wednesday through Sunday.

Ballyhoo Zoo is located at 9 Norris Road and is open and operated Thursday-Saturday from 10 AM - 6 PM and Sundays from 1 PM - 6 PM.

The Zoo will provide free cups to everyone with general admission tickets.

The general admission fee is $16 for adults. $9 for seniors and students, $8 for children ages 3-15 and toddlers are free.

16-ounce feed cups are filled with animal treats that can be enjoyed by most of our animals.

Feed Caddies come with a feed cup and a variety of specialty treats for exotic species.

For an immersive experience, customers can sign up for the Encounter Band. This includes a feeding cup, caddy, and hands-on interaction with zoo animals.

The Zoo will also host a Community Day event for Anderson County residents on Dec. 24th.

The Zoo will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and all Anderson County residents can get free admission.

Feel like a kid again skating at Carolina Wren Park

County Bank will host ice skating through Dec. 31 at Carolina Wren Park, 111 E. Whitner St., Anderson.

The fee is $5 for ages 7 and up and free for ages 6 and under.

The rink will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.

Anderson's Gingerbread House Contest

The first annual Gingerbread House Contest will be held December 23, at 7:00 p.m. at 1100 West Franklin Street in Anderson.

Residents can win $50 in gift cards.

Nacht Before Christmas

Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery & Winery located at 115 Federal St, will be hosting a Nacht before Christmas event starting Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. to Dec. 23 at 10 p.m.

Carolina Bauernhaus is offering a Craft Beer Collector's Ticket.

This ticket includes a CBA Beer Santa Mug, a draft pour of your choice, and a delicious Ivey's cookie.

This year's collection brings back a variety of flavors, from the refreshing minty taste of Peppermint Nacht, to the fruity blend of Orange-Cranberry Nacht.

Other flavors include Eggnacht, Cinnanacht, and more, each with its own unique twist on our classic Imperial Stout.

Wake and Bake Bar and Grill

Wake and Bake Bar and Grill located at 4016 Clemson Blvd will host a Christmas PJ party with Remedy 58 on Saturday, Dec. 8th.

Remedy58 is a soulful, three-piece band out of Greenville. The bar will serve hors d'oeuvres and residents are welcome to bring their favorite Christmas candy or sweets to share.

The bar will also be doing dirty Santa gifts. If you want to participate in dirty Santa, bring a wrapped gift of at least $10!

Wheel & Fowl Fine Cigars and Spirits

Wheel & Fowl Fine Cigars and Spirits located at 121 N. Main Street will host a Christmas Party.

The Christmas party will feature Luke Deuce performing live for the first time at Wheel and Fowl.

Luke Deuce is a rising country music singer and songwriter from the Upstate

The bar will also have an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, with prizes for best (worst), specialty drinks and more.

Have we missed any upcoming Christmas events in Anderson County? If so, please email me at trose1@gannett.com and let me know. Be sure to check back for updates during the Christmas holiday.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Tree lightings, parades, skating bring in Christmas time in Anderson