Greenville, SC (WNN)- December is officially here! Which means it's time for Christmas lights. This month, I've decided to write a series of articles highlighting places where you can view Christmas lights during the festive season. For my first place in the series, I've started with one of my favorites. Downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
Downtown Greenville, SC, is only an hour and 28 minutes away from Cherryville. Although, depending on where you live, it may be further, but not by much. The distance makes for a great weekend trip.
One of the first places I'd recommend you visit before heading out to see the Christmas lights is Falls Park on the Reedy. From there, you'll be able to walk on a bridge and see waterfalls from above. I'd suggest walking down to where the waterfalls are because the view is extraordinary.
However, if you cannot wait and would like to get straight into the Christmas Festivites, as you cross the bridge, you will come across the Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge. The holiday market hosts local vendors, live music, serves holiday-themed food and beverages, and even offers the opportunity for children to visit with Santa. You can explore the Greenville Christmas Market in Downtown Greenville on select dates from November 28th, 2025, to December 28th, 2025.
When you get ready to leave the falls, take a walk down Main Street. You'll see lights on the trees, and you may even see Santa's sleigh driving down Main Street.
There's also a chance to go ice skating downtown. The rink is on the left side of the street, right before you get to M Judson Booksellers. Admission is $12.00 for adults (age 13+). $12.00 for Children (Ages 3-12) and Free for Children (Ages 2 and Younger). Hours are Monday through Thursday: 2 pm-9 pm, Friday: 2 pm-10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday: 11 am-10 pm.
You'll get an hour to skate. I recommend buying tickets in advance, as spots tend to sell out quickly. The link to tickets can be found here.
As you continue down Main Street, one stop I'd suggest making is inside the Hyatt Regency hotel, located at 220 N. Main St. Inside, you'll find over 50 Christmas trees decorated by local schools, florists, and organizations.
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Festival. It has been a beloved holiday tradition in Greenville since 1986. Each year, proceeds benefit different health care improvements for the community. This year, Festival participants are helping people with heart problems. The money raised will go to the William Carpenter Heart Fund, which supports essential equipment and supplies for heart patients at Bon Secours St. Francis.
The trees are viewable at any time during the hotel lobby's open hours, which are 8:00 am – 10:00 pm.
While you're downtown, consider exploring Greenville's many shops and boutiques, grabbing candy and a bag of popcorn from the Mast General Store, or stopping by the small businesses along Main Street for holiday gifts. The area is also filled with great restaurants, such as the Lost Cajun, if you're looking for dinner after seeing the lights.
For more information on things to do in Downtown Greenville, click here.
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