GREENVILLE — The holidays are here and there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
Sure, there are the classic parades and Santa visits.
But that’s not all. You can play mini-golf in the lights, walk through a “White Christmas” exhibit and even visit a unicorn farm.
Check it all down below:
Lighting the Tree
What: The city of Greenville kicks off the holiday festivities by lighting the gigantic 30-foot tree on Main Street in front of M. Judson Booksellers. There will be live music, food trucks and a visit from Santa.
When: Dec. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 130 S Main St.
How much: Free
More info: greenvillesc.gov
Greenville Symphony Holiday Concerts
What: The Greenville Symphony will host three days of holiday-themed concerts led by new conductor, Lee Mills.
When: Dec. 6 to 8 at various times
Where: Peace Center, 300 S Main St.
How much: $25+
More info: greenvillesymphony.org
Greenville Christmas Parade
What: Marching bands. Floats. Lights and more lights everywhere. That’s what you’ll see at the annual Greenville Christmas parade on this Saturday evening along Main Street. The longtime parade has been running for more than 75 years.
When: Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Main Street
How much: Free
More info: greenvillesc.gov
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
What: Two of Greenville’s premier holiday festivals (the Holiday Fair and Kringle Village) will join forces for one whole weekend of fun. You’ll find about 350 vendors, a gingerbread-themed bounce house, a German-like beer garden, live music and, of course, snow ball fights.
When: Until Dec. 7
Where: Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Dr.
How much: $11+
More info: kringleholidayvillage.com
Greer Farmers Market Christmas Festival
What: Celebrate the holidays at the Greer Farmers Market with over 60 farmers, makers and bakers. You’ll also find handmade items, live music and cookies.
When: Dec. 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 301 E Poinsett St., Greer
How much: Free
More info: greerfarmersmarket.com
Ornament Making Workshop
What: What better way to prepare for the holidays than making your own ornaments? This Travelers Rest business will help you craft different ornaments throughout December.
When: Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at various times
Where: 3 S Main St., Travelers Rest
How much: $5
More info: trmakersco.org
Santa by The Lakeside
What: Celebrate Christmas at the lake. OK, yes, it’s cold outside, but there will be Santa Claus photos, a coloring contest, food, beer, wine and beautiful scenery. Enough said?
When: Dec. 7 and 14 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Saluda Lake Landing, 605 Motor Boat Club Rd.
How much: $5
More info: saludalakelanding.com
Ugly Sweater Party
What: We all know that you have a few of those ugly sweaters hidden in your closet. Now’s the time to bring them out. Swanson’s Warehouse, a downtown Greenville music venue and event space, will host an ugly sweater party with a performance from the indie pop Abbey Elmore Band.
When: Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Fireforge Crafted Beer, 311 E Washington St.
How much: N/A
More info: facebook.com
Holidays at the Zoo
What: The animals are even celebrating the holidays in Greenville. Visit the Greenville Zoo in Cleveland Park after dark during the second half of December, where you’ll find decorations, Santa, music, extravagant lights and a light tunnel.
When: Dec. 13-30 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Dr.
How much: Starting at $9 for kids and $12 for adults
More info: greenvillezoo.com
Polar Express and Hot Cocoa
What: Visit Gather GVL (which has a new gigantic TV, by the way) to sip on hot cocoa and enjoy the classic holiday movie, “The Polar Express.”
When: Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Gather GVL, 126 Augusta St.
How much: Free
More info: visitgreenvillesc.com
Santa at a Unicorn Festival
What: Did you know the Greenville area has a unicorn farm?
Yes, believe it or not, you’ll find white horses with horns at this Fountain Inn establishment.
You’ll also find various animals, from donkeys to rabbits to mini cows. There will be live acoustic Christmas music, a bounce house, a fire pit and pony rides. And throughout December, Santa will be visiting, too.
When: Every Friday through Sunday until Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 245 Little Virginia Rd., Fountain Inn
How much: Adults cost $12, kids $14
More info: facebook.com
Gingerbread Exhibit
What: Want to see the best gingerbread houses that Greenville has to offer? This is your event. You’ll see the Greenville Zoo, Legacy Park, a train, a Broadway stage, a beehive and fairytale house — all made out of gingerbread from both amateur and professional bakers.
When: Until Dec. 25
Where: SpringHill Suites, 200 E. Washington St.
How much: Free
More info: oakandhoneygvl.com
Mini Golf in the lights
What: Everyone loves mini golf, right? Well, how about mini golf under the holiday lights?
When: All of December
Where: Takeoff Mini Golf, 28 Airport Rd Ext.
How much: $13 for kids, $15 adults
More info: visitgreenvillesc.com
“White Christmas” Exhibit
What: Step inside the classic holiday movie “White Christmas” at the Upcountry History Museum this month. The museum will host an exhibit featuring original costume, props and memorabilia from the popular film.
When: Until Feb. 2
Where: Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe St.
How much: $12 for adults, $11 for people 65 and up and $9 for people between three and 18
More info: upcountryhistory.org