ChristmasVille: A Magical Holiday Experience in Old Town Rock Hill
There’s something about the holidays in a small town. Twinkling lights stretch across historic streets, storefronts dress up for the season and familiar traditions bring everyone together.
For four days each December, Old Town Rock Hill turns that feeling into something even more magical. ChristmasVille returns December 3-6, 2026, with carriage rides, live entertainment, festive shopping, seasonal events and plenty of Christmas cheer in the heart of downtown.
What Makes ChristmasVille Special
ChristmasVille transforms Old Town Rock Hill into a festive holiday village inspired by the whimsical artwork of illustrator Vernon Grant, Rock Hill’s adopted son and the artist behind Kellogg’s Snap!, Crackle! and Pop! characters.
His playful style is woven throughout the festival, from colorful artwork and signature gnomes to decorations tucked around downtown.
Since its debut in 2006, ChristmasVille has grown into one of Rock Hill’s favorite holiday traditions, with nearly 70 events and activities packed into four festive days.
What to Do While You’re There
ChristmasVille is the kind of festival that invites you to wander.
Start with a horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Town, lace up your skates at the real ice rink or stop by the gingerbread house contest. Families can look for Santa experiences and kid-friendly activities, while live music, theater and dance keep downtown lively throughout the weekend.
The setting is part of the experience, too. Historic buildings, decorated storefronts and twinkling streets give Old Town Rock Hill an entirely different feel during the holidays.
Between events, leave time to browse local shops, visit festival vendors and grab a meal or something sweet from one of the restaurants and cafés downtown. Once evening settles in and the lights come on, ChristmasVille takes on a different kind of magic. Holiday performances, illuminated streets and festive gathering spaces make it worth staying after dark.
Plan Your Visit
ChristmasVille takes place Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Before you go, check the official ChristmasVille event schedule and pick a few can’t-miss activities. With nearly 70 events packed into four days, a little planning goes a long way.
Thursday evening is a great place to start. The festival kicks off at Fountain Park with the Opening Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival, complete with holiday performances before Santa makes his grand entrance.
Popular experiences like carriage rides and special events can fill up quickly, so arriving early is a good idea. And if your schedule allows, spread the fun across more than one day and leave a little room to simply wander Old Town.
Make It a Weekend
Coming from out of town? ChristmasVille is an easy excuse for a holiday getaway.
Spend the day exploring the festival, grab dinner in Rock Hill and stay overnight to enjoy even more of the festivities. Browse places to stay throughout the area on our Stay page and consider booking early.
ChristmasVille brings together so much of what makes the season special: historic streets, local traditions, festive lights and plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy it all.
Whether you’re planning a family day trip or a full weekend away, add ChristmasVille 2026 to your holiday calendar and experience the season in the heart of Old Town Rock Hill.
ChristmasVille 2026
December 3–6, 2026
Old Town Rock Hill, South Carolina
Explore the full ChristmasVille schedule and plan your visit.
