In this article, Top Rated Real Estate Agent and Team Leader Dan Hamilton takes a break from offering Greenville real estate advice to share his must-see Greenville events this holiday season. Keep reading to discover his family’s favorite Greenville traditions!
I have lived in Greenville since I was 5 years old, and Christmas has always been a special time in the city. This year, I’m sharing some of my family’s favorite Greenville holiday events and Christmas traditions that we never miss.
I’m just sharing a few of my favorite events here, but if you’re looking for more ways to spend time with your family this holiday season, check out my team’s holiday guide. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas Tree Farm, a Christmas Parade, or a New Years Eve Party, the Hamilton & Co. Holiday Guide has you covered with over 70 Greenville Holiday Events!
The 37th Annual Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees has been a Greenville Christmas tradition since I was a kid, and I always enjoy sharing it with my family. Every year, dozens of Christmas trees can be found at three Greenville hotels – Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Embassy Suites by Hilton (Riverplace), and Hyatt Regency Greenville. Each tree is decorated by a different company or organization, and all proceeds this year support the St. Francis Foundation’s purchase of a second mammography coach.
I love touring the trees each year with my family, and my kids love picking their favorite among the many creatively decorated trees on display. This is a great free, family-friendly event and a wonderful Christmas tradition!
Bob Jones University Christmas Tree Lighting & Carol Sing
As a BJU graduate with children currently enrolled at multiple grade levels, the Bob Jones Christmas celebration is a can’t miss event. My real estate team Hamilton & Company was also a corporate sponsor of the event this year. In addition to a tree-lighting ceremony, this free event includes choral performances, a Christmas Village and Alumni Market, Christmas storytelling and cookie decorating, and so much more. I have kids ages 10-20, and each one of them can find an activity to enjoy at this event.
Unfortunately Bob Jones’ Tree Lighting has already happened this year, but keep it in mind for next year! This is an annual event and it gets bigger and better with each passing year!
Ice on Main
A Greenville favorite as well as a personal one, Greenville’s Ice on Main is a must-see this holiday season. The skating rink is located in the heart of downtown Greenville right in front of the Courtyard Marriott. Hours of operation vary, but the rink is typically open 7 days a week from about 2pm-10pm so there’s lots of flexibility! Tickets are reasonably priced at $8 for children and $10 for adults for an hour of skating.
Ice on Main is a Hamilton family favorite for sure; we hit the rink at least once every year and it’s always a lot of fun. Even if ice skating isn’t your thing, be sure to walk past the rink! In its prominent location on Main Street, Ice on Main definitely makes downtown Greenville feel like Christmas every year.
Boyd Mountain Tree Farm
Our family gets our Christmas tree from Boyd Mountain Farm every year and are always impressed with the service and beautiful trees! Boyd Farm has been owned and operated by the Boyd family for over 100 years, and the family began planting Christmas trees in 1984. Some of the trees on their farm are over 25 years old! Looking for a weekend getaway? The farm also features a handful of beautifully restored log cabins which are available to rent.
Boyd Mountain’s “Choose N Cut” at the farm is closed for the season, but the farm’s retail location (1373 Dellwood Road, Waynesville, NC) is still open 7 days a week and I’ve been told it still has lots of beautiful trees to choose from! You can check out their Facebook page for more updates.
Pelzer Light People
Are you looking for a unique light show? Then head to Pelzer for the Pelzer Light People’s annual performance! This group has been spreading Christmas joy for over 30 years and are a family favorite.
The Pelzer Light People dress up in elaborate light suits and stand outside the Pelzer Gym every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7pm-9pm waving at passing cars, handing out candy, and spreading Christmas cheer. The group also visits shut-ins and will be attending tree lightings and parades in the Anderson area. Check out their Facebook group for a full 2022 schedule.
2022 Teddy Bear Toss
Whether or not you’re a hockey fan, attending a Swamp Rabbits game is a Greeville bucket list item. If you’re looking to make the ice hockey experience especially memorable for your kids, consider going to the Teddy Bear Toss Match on December 10th!
Bring new or gently-used stuffed animals with you, and when the Rabbits score their first goal of the game, join the rest of the crowd in throwing your stuffed animals onto the ice! All the stuffed animals will be donated to local children in need. If you are looking for a fun and engaging way to teach young children about giving this season, I definitely recommend this game!
Christmas Eve at Waffle House
Finally, this isn’t a Greenville-specific tradition, but one my family loves nonetheless. Every Christmas Eve, our family enjoys dinner at Waffle House. It’s a great way to spend time together as a family during a busy season without the hassle of putting together a large meal.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
Don’t forget, you can access my real estate team’s complete guide to the holidays HERE. This article combines new, exciting Greenville events with some of my team’s favorite long-standing traditions to bring you a complete guide to enjoying the Christmas season in the Upstate.
On behalf of the entire team at Hamilton & Company Keller Williams, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We love making Greenville feel more like home for its residents by sharing our local recommendations! Interested in investing in Greenville? My team at Hamilton & Co. is the top-rated real estate team in the Upstate, and would love to help you buy a home here. Give me a call at 864-527-7685 and tell me what you’re looking for. I’d love to help you make your real estate dreams come true! — Dan
