Christmas in Greenville, SC: Holiday Fun & Christmas Morning Recipes
I don’t know what your town looks like at Christmas, but Greenville, South Carolina, is packed with options.
There are nights of parades, plays, live music, and holiday lights, both professionally produced and on private homes channeling their inner Clark Griswold. During the day, you can shop Christmas sales, go ice skating, take a cookie-decorating class, or even judge a gingerbread house contest.
All of this eventually culminates in what I hope is a morning—or early afternoon—spent with your favorite people, giving you even more reasons to be thankful for your blessings.
As is our tradition, here are a few recipes to help you enjoy a relaxed Christmas breakfast around the tree.
Start Christmas Morning with Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Let’s start with some mulled apple cider steeping in the slow cooker and filling the house with a warm, inviting aroma. Since our sense of smell is closely connected with memory and emotion, you’ll already have the makings of a memorable Christmas morning.
This simple recipe from Dinner at the Zoo combines apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, orange, and optional star anise. Everything goes into the slow cooker, leaving you free to enjoy the morning while the cider warms and the spices fill the house.
For serving, add cinnamon sticks, sliced apples, oranges, or cranberries. And if your Christmas morning calls for it, bourbon is an optional addition.
Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze
It’s always good to have a little something sweet to pick at as you get up to find the scissors, refill your coffee, or check what Santa left under the tree. This Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze from Natasha’s Kitchen brings together fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a sweet orange glaze.
The loaf is made with fresh cranberries, orange juice and zest, butter, eggs, and a simple flour mixture. Once baked and cooled, it is finished with a drizzle of powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
The combination of cranberry and orange makes this a particularly fitting choice for a Christmas morning breakfast or holiday brunch.
Now for Something Savory: Ham & Palmetto Cheese Sliders
Now is the time to talk about the main course—something with a little protein to get you through the day’s festivities.
These Baked Ham & Palmetto Cheese Sliders from Hip Mama’s Place are easy to assemble ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to eat. They combine King’s Hawaiian Rolls, thinly sliced ham, Palmetto Cheese, Dijon mustard, honey, and a few simple seasonings.
Bake the assembled sliders until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are heated through. They’re easy to serve, easy to eat, and substantial enough to carry everyone through a morning of opening presents and whatever comes next.
Ongoing Holiday Activities in Greenville
But what is there to do during the first twenty-four days of December? Plenty. Greenville keeps the Christmas spirit alive throughout the season, with holiday lights, decorated storefronts, ice skating, gingerbread displays, and special events.
The city also offers an Interactive Holiday Map highlighting festive activities throughout downtown, including holiday light displays, Window Wonderland entries, and other seasonal attractions. (They haven’t posted the link for it just yet, but I will let you know when they do!)
United Community Ice on Main is a popular winter tradition in downtown Greenville, offering outdoor ice skating along with seasonal promotions and special events throughout the holiday season. Hours and special events vary, so check the current schedule before visiting.
Window shopping has never been so much fun! Downtown merchants transform their storefronts into holiday displays for residents and visitors to enjoy. Stroll along Main Street, take in the creative decorations, and vote for your favorite merchant display. Voting is open through December 19.
Greenville’s Annual Gingerbread Display
Stop by the Oak and Honey Residence Inn & SpringHill Suites for a winter wonderland of gingerbread creations. Visitors can view the displays and vote for their favorites.
Holidays at the Zoo returns in December with thousands of dazzling lights, festive decorations, and holiday music throughout the Greenville Zoo. It’s a chance to experience the zoo after dark and see the grounds transformed for the holiday season.
The Festival of Trees invites visitors to stroll through the lobbies of the Hyatt Regency Greenville and Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown to see nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Each tree features its own theme, with the annual display supporting an important healthcare mission in the community.
December Events in Greenville, SC
December brings holiday concerts, live theater, comedy, seasonal shopping, parades, and plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in Greenville. From Christmas favorites at the Peace Center and Greenville Theatre to the Poinsettia Christmas Parade and New Year’s Eve celebrations, December is a festive time to enjoy the city.
December 1–6
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 1 | Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas | Peace Center Concert Hall | A cappella sensation Voctave brings its intricate harmonies to the Peace Center for a festive evening of holiday favorites from its chart-topping Christmas album. |
| December 3–20 | Million Dollar Quartet Christmas | Centre Stage | Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins come together for a rock-and-roll Christmas inspired by their famous 1956 jam session. Expect classic hits, gospel favorites, Christmas songs, and plenty of holiday energy. |
| December 4 | Night of Lights | Main Street Greenville | Watch downtown light up during the annual Night of Lights and official City of Greenville Christmas tree lighting. This free celebration includes food trucks, letters to Santa, Santa’s arrival, and a spectacular 30-foot Christmas tree covered in thousands of LED lights. |
| December 4–6 | Holiday at Peace | Peace Center Concert Hall | Celebrate the season with this annual holiday tradition featuring nationally recognized artists and local talent. With music, familiar traditions, and new surprises, it is a festive way to begin the Christmas season. |
| December 4–20 | The Wizard of Oz | Greenville Theatre | Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion down the Yellow Brick Road in this beloved musical based on the classic 1939 film. A festive holiday production for audiences of all ages. |
| December 4–20 | POTUS | Warehouse Theatre | Seven women scramble to contain an international public-relations crisis created by the President in this fast-paced political farce. Expect sharp comedy, chaos, and plenty of irreverent humor. |
| December 4–6 | Bryan Callen | The Comedy Zone | Actor, comedian, and podcaster Bryan Callen brings his stand-up comedy to Greenville for a weekend of performances at The Comedy Zone. |
| December 5 | Poinsettia Christmas Parade | Main Street Greenville | Celebrate the holiday season with Greenville’s annual Poinsettia Christmas Parade. Floats, marching bands, performers, and plenty of holiday spirit fill Main Street during this long-running tradition. |
| December 6 | Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Get into the holiday spirit with Pentatonix as the Grammy-winning vocal group brings its Christmas in the City Tour to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. |
December 7–13
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 3–20 | Million Dollar Quartet Christmas | Centre Stage | Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins come together for a rock-and-roll Christmas inspired by their famous 1956 jam session. Expect classic hits, gospel favorites, Christmas songs, and plenty of holiday energy. |
| December 4–20 | The Wizard of Oz | Greenville Theatre | Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion down the Yellow Brick Road in this beloved musical based on the classic 1939 film. A festive holiday production for audiences of all ages. |
| December 4–20 | POTUS | Warehouse Theatre | Seven women scramble to contain an international public-relations crisis created by the President in this fast-paced political farce. Expect sharp comedy, chaos, and plenty of irreverent humor. |
| December 8 | Allman Betts Family Revival: A Decade of Revival | Peace Center Concert Hall | Devon Allman and Duane Betts lead an all-star celebration of their families’ musical legacies, joined by acclaimed musicians for an evening honoring the music of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. |
| December 10 | Jae Anderson | The Comedy Zone | Jae Anderson brings his stand-up comedy to Greenville for an evening at The Comedy Zone. The Atlanta-based performer has appeared on television and continues to tour nationally. |
| December 11–12 | DL Hughley | The Comedy Zone | Veteran comedian and television personality DL Hughley brings his stand-up show to Greenville. Known for The Original Kings of Comedy, television, radio, and numerous comedy specials, Hughley remains a familiar voice in contemporary comedy. |
| December 11–13 | The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville | Peace Center Concert Hall | Ballet Greenville puts a distinctly local spin on the holiday classic. Follow Clara through a magical Christmas Eve filled with dancing, familiar characters, Main Street scenes, and a journey from the Nutcracker to a valiant prince. |
| December 12 | TD Saturday Market: Holiday Edition | Main Street Greenville | Shop for locally grown produce, gourmet foods, fresh-cut flowers, and unique artisan gifts during this special holiday edition of Greenville’s popular Saturday market. |
December 14–20
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 3–20 | Million Dollar Quartet Christmas | Centre Stage | Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins come together for a rock-and-roll Christmas inspired by their famous 1956 jam session. Expect classic hits, gospel favorites, Christmas songs, and plenty of holiday energy. |
| December 4–20 | The Wizard of Oz | Greenville Theatre | Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion down the Yellow Brick Road in this beloved musical based on the classic 1939 film. A festive holiday production for audiences of all ages. |
| December 4–20 | POTUS | Warehouse Theatre | Seven women scramble to contain an international public-relations crisis created by the President in this fast-paced political farce. Expect sharp comedy, chaos, and plenty of irreverent humor. |
| December 15 | Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas | Peace Center Concert Hall | Fifteen-time Grammy winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder bring traditional holiday favorites and bluegrass Christmas songs to the Peace Center for a special seasonal concert. |
| December 17 | Highly Unscripted | The Comedy Zone | Stand-up comedians Chris Anderson and Jake Iannarino combine comedy, music, and improvisation in a show that changes with every performance. The evening moves from individual stand-up sets to improvised songs and two-man improv inspired by the audience. |
| December 18–19 | Song Sessions: Maia Sharp with David Wilcox and Edwin McCain | The Mockingbird at the Peace Center | Nashville songwriter Maia Sharp hosts an intimate evening of stories and songs with fellow singer-songwriters David Wilcox and Greenville native Edwin McCain. The series offers a closer look at the stories and inspiration behind the music. |
| December 19–20 | The Nutcracker | Peace Center Concert Hall | International Ballet presents the holiday classic with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through the Battle of the Mice, a winter wonderland, and the Land of the Sweets. |
December 28–31
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31 | R&B Bingo – NYE Kickoff | The Comedy Zone | Ring in New Year’s Eve with an interactive combination of music, comedy, food, and bingo hosted by comedian Metchie Davis and Wild ‘N Out‘s Darren Brand. This early show includes free admission to the Stone Pin New Year’s Eve party downstairs. |
Now is the time to decide which holiday festivities are calling your name so you can plan a visit to Greenville. We would love to have you stay with us. The house is decorated beautifully and each guest room has their own little tree! Give us a call or book below.
