Holiday Events in the
Olde English District
There are several things that make the holiday season special — bright lights, cozy eateries and lively downtowns. A visit to the Olde English District during the holiday season is nothing short of a memorable experience.
From sleigh rides to candlelight tours to parades, here is your guide for celebrating the holidays in South Carolina’s Piedmont region. Pro-tip: Several events are ticketed, so make sure to secure your spot before attending.
Jingle Bell Bazaar: Indoor Holiday Art Market
When: November 11, 2023
Where: The Gateway Conference Center | 3200 Commerce Drive, Richburg
Join the Arts Council of Chester County for the Jingle Bell Bazaar, an indoor holiday art market. Shop for a variety of unique, handmade gifts and seasonal decor from local vendors. There will be handmade jewelry, ornaments, candles, festive pillows, paintings, wreaths, pottery and more.
WinterFest
When: Select nights from November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Where: Carowinds | 14523 Carowinds Boulevard, Charlotte
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at Carowinds’ WinterFest celebration. Enjoy immersive holiday attractions, including bright lights, ice skating, live entertainment, holiday comfort food and more.
Christmas Market At Cotton Hills Farm
When: November 18, 2023
Where: Cotton Hills Farm | 2575 Lowrys Highway, Chester
Get in the holiday spirit at Cotton Hills Farm’s second annual Christmas Market. There will be over 30+ local vendors, food trucks, pictures with Santa, fresh produce and a tractor train.
ChristmasVille
When: November 30, 2023 to December 3, 2023
Where: Old Town Rock Hill | E. Main Street, Rock Hill
During the first weekend of December, Old Town Rock Hill is transformed into a whimsical, storybook wonderland. Enjoy beautifully decorated walkways and scenes around Rock Hill, a visit from Santa, horse and carriage rides, ice skating, tasty treats, unique shopping opportunities, and more.
Holiday On The Ridge
When: December 1-3, 2023
Where: Ridgeway Historic District | Main Street, Ridgeway
Experience holiday cheer the first weekend of December in Ridgeway. The historic town will be covered with lively decorations, as downtown merchants open their doors to music, food and great sales on unique gifts for all. Plus, Santa may even make an appearance.
Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio Open House
When: December 2, 2023
Where: Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio and Gardens | 217 East Gay Street, Lancaster
Bob Doster, an internationally renowned artist, will be opening his studio this holiday season for tours. This annual event features new works by Bob Doster alongside collector’s favorites, refreshments and prize drawings.
Christmas On The Farm
When: December 2, 2023
Where: Kings Mountain State Park | 1277 Park Road, Blacksburg
Christmas is making its way to Kings Mountain State Park’s Living History Farm in Blacksburg, South Carolina. Visitors can expect a festive Christmas market with vendors, hot chocolate, Santa Claus and more.
Christmas In The City
When: December 2, 2023
Where: Historic Lancaster | Main Street, Lancaster
Kick off the holiday season with a burst of festive spirit at the annual Christmas in the City in Lancaster, SC. Enjoy a day of festive activities such as a dazzling bazaar, free trolley rides, craft activities, Santa pictures and a Christmas parade. Held in conjunction with the event, the 10th Annual Winter Native American Art & Craft Festival will also feature jewelry, quilts, baskets, Catawba pottery, and demonstrations by established and emerging Native American artisans from around the region.
South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa Trains
When: December 2, 9, & 16, 2023
Where: South Carolina Railroad Museum | 110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro
All aboard! Take a ride with Santa at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. Santa loves to chat with all the passengers, accept letters with gift wishes and pose for photos.
53rd Annual Clover Christmas Parade
When: December 3, 2023
Where: Downtown Clover | Main Street, Clover
Bring the entire family to Clover to kick off the holiday season with a festive holiday parade. It will feature music, dancers, Santa and more. There will also be a variety of food trucks at Boyd Tire & Appliances at 110 N. Main Street, so come hungry and in the holiday spirit.
Lighting of the Greenway
When: December 8 & 9, 2023
Where: Lindsay Pettus Greenway | 453 Colonial Avenue, Lancaster
Experience the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the Lindsay Pettus Greenway with this free, family-friendly holiday event. In addition to glowing lights, you can expect delicious smores, cookies and hot chocolate while supplies last. Just be sure to bring your flashlight along to help you navigate the trail.
Christmas Candlelight Tours
When: December 9, 2023 & December 10, 2023
Where: Historic Brattonsville | 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells
Celebrate the holidays with traditional festivities that originated in the 1800s. Listen as historically dressed interpreters lead you through the many Christmas traditions. Dance along to brass band and fiddle music while Father Christmas strolls around. Or shop for unique gifts the whole family can enjoy.
Kershaw County Christmas Parade
When: December 9, 2023
Where: Downtown Camden | Broad Streed, Camden
Join in on a Kershaw County tradition. Every year on the second Saturday of December, a crowd of more than 3,000 spectators gathers for the Kershaw County Christmas Parade. This festive parade showcases a variety of fire trucks, floats, pageant winners, classic cars, dancers, live music, Santa Claus and more The parade’s route kicks off at the intersection of Broad Street and Laurens in the heart of Downtown Camden. It then proceeds down Broad Street, concluding at the City Arena. Extend the festive spirit by making it a full-day outing; grab lunch and explore the charming shop downtown.
Lowrys Christmas Parade
When: December 16, 2023
Where: Town of Lowrys | Lowrys Highway, Chester
Watch horses strut through the streets of Lowrys at this annual Christmas parade. Expect to see tractors, homemade floats, horses, and more at this festive tradition. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. and will end around 3 p.m.
Boykin Christmas Parade
When: December 17, 2023
Where: Rembert, South Carolina
The annual Boykin Christmas Parade, taking place on the third Sunday of December, stands out as a unique holiday event in South Carolina. It welcomes thousands of visitors to Boykin, offering a country Christmas experience.