Gratitude in abundance - Family fun for the week of Nov. 17

Coming this week, you can take your pick of holidays and seasons – get the family up and running (literally) on Thanksgiving Day, see holiday lights or Christmas trees, or just ease on down the road. The Upstate shines this month. Find all this and more than 100 things to do in the November calendar at upstateparent.com.

To include your organization’s family friendly events in Upstate Parent, email chris@worthyplace.com.

Fall on the Farm is 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Roper Mountain Science Center. For details, visit ropermountain.org.

The 38th Annual St. Francis Festival of Trees is Nov. 17 – Dec. 25 at Courtyard Marriott Downtown and Hyatt Regency Greenville. View the trees for free. All proceeds from sponsored trees assist with transitioning the Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center to the nexus of a Cancer Program. For details, visit stfrancisfoundation.com/event/festival-of-trees.

Winter Lights is at the North Carolina Arboretum Nov. 17 –Dec. 31. Winter Lights is a walk-through light show that also features story times, food for purchase, the “Polar Express”-themed Rocky Cove Railroad and more. For tickets and details, visit ncarboretum.org.

Lights of Love is at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Ronald McDonald House, at 706 Grove Road, Greenville. The event will feature a display of festive lights that will transform the Ronald McDonald House into a winter wonderland. Tour the house, visit with Santa, and more. Purchase a luminary bag to help light the house. All proceeds from the event will go towards providing comfortable accommodations, meals, and support services for families with sick or injured children who are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. Visit rmhc-carolinas.org/participate/lights-of-love.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” opens Nov. 17 and continues through Dec. 10 at South Carolina Children’s Theatre. For tickets and details, visit scchildrenstheatre.org.

Santa’s Wonderland continues through Dec. 24 at Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops in Greenville. Visit Santa and get a free printed 4x6 photo. Reserve a time to see Santa up to a week in advance through the digital reservation system on cabelas.com. Enjoy holiday-themed games, crafts and giveaways. Send a Christmas wish list to the North Pole via mailbox. Reservations are recommended and can be made at cabelas.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland.

Wonder Club meets at 10 a.m. Nov. 18 at TCMU-Greenville. Wonder Club encourages young learners to follow their curiosity. Just in time for the holidays, children will practice manners and etiquette at the dinner table. Using decades of experience, expert Rita Santan teaches etiquette to children in a fun and engaging way. Advanced reservations required. For details, visit tcmupstate.org/greenville/wonderclub.

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker is at 10 a.m. at the Five Forks Library and at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18 at the Hughes Main Library. This is a story-based performance with dancers from the International Ballet. Best for ages 3 and older. Visit greenvillelibrary.org.

A Kids-Only Thanksgiving Treats class is Nov. 18 at The Cook's Station. For details and registration, visit thecooksstation.com.

Mini Makers: Nighttime Wonders is 9 – 10 a.m. Nov. 21 at TR Makers Co. Recommended for ages 2 – 5 with a grown-up. For details, cost and registration, visit trmakersco.org.

Toddler Story Time is at 10 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Spartanburg Main Library. Best suited for ages birth – 3. Ask for tickets at the Children’s Room entrance starting at 9:30 a.m. See details at spartanburglibraries.org.

Turkey Tales Story Time is at 10 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Greer Library. For details, visit greenvillelibrary.org.

Toddler Time with Moana is at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Upcountry History Museum. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org.

Tell Me About It Tuesday: Giraffes is at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Greenville Zoo. Included with admission. For details, visit greenvillezoo.com.

Miracle at Southernside returns to Southernside Brewing Nov. 21 – December. Events include visits with Santa, parties for kids and adults, and more. Visit southernsidebrewing.com.

“The Wiz” opens Nov. 21 at the Peace Center. For tickets, visit peacecenter.org.

Enchanted Forest Art Camp for ages 4 – 10 is 9 a.m. – noon Nov. 22 at Yellowbobbypins Art Camp at Hampton Station. The cost is $50 each. For details and registration, visit yellowbobbypins.com.

Roller Time Skating Academy’s Thanksgiving Skate Camp is 9 a.m. – noon Nov. 22 at Roller Time Family Skate Center Piedmont. Grades K4 – 5. The cost is $35 each. Register here.

Buddy’s Health and Safety House, an education-tool-on-wheels from Prisma Health visits TCMU-Greenville from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nov. 22. The house teaches everything from hand hygiene and toilet safety to furniture tip-overs, food preparation, stove safety and avoiding dangerous cleaning supplies. For details, visit tcmupstate.org.

Disney on Ice – Mickey’s Search Party is Nov. 22 – 26 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. For tickets, visit bonsecoursarena.com.

The United Community Bank Turkey Day 8K is Nov. 23 in Spartanburg. For details and registration, visit palspartanburg.org/TD8K.

The TreesUpstate Turkey Day Run is Nov. 23 in Greenville. For details and registration, visit runsignup.com/Race/SC/Greenville/TreesGreenvilleTurkeyDay8k.

The Electric City Gobbler 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run are Nov. 23 in Anderson. For details and registration, visit runsignup.com/Race/SC/Anderson/ElectricCityGobbler5K.

Looking ahead:

View Upstate Parent’s full November calendar here.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Gratitude in abundance - Family fun for the week of Nov. 17