Christmas parades, ice skating, markets and more Greenville area events this holiday season
Toss out the remaining turkey and decorate the Christmas tree as the holiday season is now in full swing across the Greenville area.
Festivals, holiday markets, and ice-skating highlight some of the events happening around the Upstate.
As the new year approaches and the festivities continue, there are endless options for winter happenings scattered throughout Greenville and Anderson, here are a few places you can join the Christmas and holiday fun:
Did we miss an important Christmas event in Greenville or Anderson County? If so, please email me at ajackson@gannett.com and let me know! And be sure to check back for updates through the Christmas and Holiday season.
Poinsettia Christmas Parade, Greenville
The city's 75th annual Christmas parade will storm downtown from Augusta to Main Street beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Nearly 95 marching bands, walking groups, and holiday-themed floats will make their way through downtown Greenville.
Carl Sobocinski, president of Table 301 Restaurant Group, will serve as Grand Marshall of the 2022 Christmas Parade.
Be sure to check out Greenville's parade road closure map for driving and parking guidance.
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Greenville Christmas Market, Greenville
The inaugural Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge brings a wealth of holiday shopping and Christmas spirit through seasonal songs, Santa, and snacks as this event run through New Year's Day. Check the complete schedule here.
Grand Bohemian's Christmas Market will resemble a traditional Salzburg Christmas, a 15th-century European-style Christmas, filled with holiday music, a meet-and-greet with Santa, plus retailers, artisans, and food and beverage for all to enjoy.
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Town of Pendleton Christmas Parade
Expect to see nearly 35 float units which include marching bands, horses, and, of course, Santa Claus.
The event begins at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11
"There's always something new and exciting that happens at this parade," said Joanne Hill, parade coordinator. In 2021, the Pendleton Christmas Parade experienced its first gypsy vanner — a British draft horse. "I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to be different this year," said Hill.
The Pendleton Christmas parade begins on East Queen Street, traveling to Exchange and Main Street then will end on Depot Street.
The cost of admission is free, yet attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items as a donation to the Clemson Community Care program.
Window Wonderland, Greenville
Make window shopping festive this holiday season as Window Wonderland begins Friday, Dec. 2. Window Wonderland features Christmas art inside of the windows of merchants and businesses along Main Street in downtown Greenville.
Take a look at some of 2021's best holiday windowpanes, and also, stay on the lookout for a voting website to select the top decorated window in downtown.
Western Carolina Sailing Club Parade of Lights, Lake Hartwell
The 8th annual parade will host their boating and light show as a benefit towards Toys for Tots and Good Neighbor Cupboard at Green Pond Landing - Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Accepting a new unwrapped toy and/or can goods for the food bank, and the parade route will begin at Green Pond landing and sailing westward towards Portman Marina.
City of Anderson Christmas Parade
Anderson City Christmas parade will be held Sunday, Dec. 4. The parade will begin downtown, starting at South Main Street, and feature marching bands, floats, and Santa.
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Christmas Through the Decades, Pendleton
The town of Pendleton's Christmas past makes its way through the Ashtabula Historic Home this season, celebrating and commemorating the town and home's history. The tour will be held on Dec. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m.
"Take a tour of our wonderful historic home, and also receive an introduction to our five other historic properties, who in the future, may host a Christmas celebration," said John Perkins, exec director of Pendleton Historic Foundation.
Piedmont Christmas Parade
The Bonnes Amies Club of Piedmont expects nearly 40 parade units to enter the Piedmont Christmas Parade, as marching bands, Wren and Woodmont sports teams, plus antique and vintage cars will coast through the Piedmont community, Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m.
The parade route will begin at the intersection of Blossom Branch Road and Highway 86, and end at The First Baptist Church of Piedmont.
After the parade, Santa will be available at Candy Cane Lane in the Piedmont Community Building.
United Community Bank Ice on Main, Greenville
Greenville's only ice skate park is open to the public, running through Jan. 16 at 206 S. Main Street, next to city hall.
Show off a holiday pirouette at a cost of $10 dollars for an hour of excitement on ice. Dates and times are as follows: Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Countybank Holiday Ice, Anderson
For the 8th consecutive year, Carolina Wren Park will serve as the home for the Anderson holiday ice rink slated to open the first weekend of December through January.
Best of the rest
■ City of Belton Christmas Parade — Dec. 3, 3:30 p.m. — Main Street/Square in Belton
■ Denver Christmas Parade — Dec. 18, 3 p.m. — corner of Watkins & Denver Road
■ Pelzer & West Pelzer Christmas Parade — Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m. — Main Street near West Pelzer Municipal Center
– A.J. Jackson covers arts, entertainment and more for The Greenville News and Anderson Independent Mail. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on Twitter @ajhappened.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Christmas parades, ice skating, markets and Greenville area events
