2011 Guide to Holiday Parades and Lights in Upstate South Carolina

Unless you live like a hermit, you probably have already seen Christmas decorations in stores and adorning the outside of buildings in your town. Christmas in Upstate South Carolina is a wonderful time of year with many events and parades for families to attend. Almost each town, from small to large, has its own Christmas parade and there are several great Christmas light attractions to see. Below is a guide to the best Christmas parades and Christmas lights displays for families in Upstate South Carolina this holiday season.

2011 Christmas Parades Upstate South Carolina

Grab some folding chairs, a blanket and the kids and enjoy several of these Christmas parades.

· Greenville The Poinsettia Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 3 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The parade moves down Main Street from Augusta to North Street. · Spartanburg Tuesday, December 13 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Spartanburg Jaycees sponsor the parade, which will also include a Christmas Village and other special attractions for children. · Landrum – The annual Landrum Christmas Parade and Stroll is December 1 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and goes through beautiful downtown Landrum. · Greer – The Greer Jaycees will sponsor “The Magic of Christmas” on December 4 at 3:00 p.m. along West Poinsett Street. This is a popular parade so get there early to find a place to park and to watch. · Anderson The City of Anderson will be holding its annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 4 beginning at 3:00 p.m. If you live in Anderson, do not miss the other holiday events this weekend (see below). · Clemson – Clemson’s parade is a favorite of the upstate and is being held on December 6 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pre-parade festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and ends with the tree lighting ceremony right before the parade begins. · Easley – Easley will be hosting a “Carolina Christmas” this year with a grand illumination on Friday, December 2 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Christmas Parade will be on Saturday, December 3 beginning at 10:00 a.m. · Pickens – “Christmas Lights” is the theme for the 2011 Pickens Christmas parade. It is being held this year on December 9 at 6:00 p.m. along Main Street in downtown.

There are probably many more parades around the upstate. Please share any you know of with us in the comments section below.

2011 Christmas Lights in Upstate South Carolina

We are fortunate to have several fantastic places to see Christmas lights in and around Greenville.

· Roper Mountain Holiday Lights – This annual event attracts thousands of people each year. Held at the Roper Mountain Science Center, the drive through Christmas lights attraction costs $10 per car, $20 for vans and $40 for buses and opens Thanksgiving. In addition to driving through the light display, you can park and enjoy the Winter Wonder Land attractions and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. · Hollywild Animal Park The Holiday Lights Safari Benefit opens November 19 this year and continues through January 1, 2012. This is also a ride through Christmas lights attraction that covers almost 100 acres of land at the Hollywild Animal Park. Christmas lights, lighted sculptures, life-sized Nativity scene and an Enchanted Deer Forest are just some of the attractions. Do not forget to stop at “The Walk” to pet and feed the animals, enjoy a bonfire and visit with Santa Claus. · Lights of Hope – This annual tradition in Anderson at Darwin Wright Park. Drive through the light displays and then stop to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Open from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Lights of Hope benefits many charities so do not forget to bring your donations when you visit. · Lights Before Christmas – Presented annually by the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, this is a favorite attraction for families in the Upstate even if we have to drive a bit longer to get there. Beginning November 19, it snows every night as you walk through the zoo lit by one million twinkling lights. Enjoy the Jingle Bell Bonfire and a visit with Santa after watching the amazing Music in Motion Lights Spectacular.

If you know of a great place to see Christmas lights in the Upstate, please share with everyone in the comments below.


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