Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
When the holidays roll around, South Carolina’s small towns, in the Old 96 District, twinkle with the kind of charm that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Festive lights on historic squares, holiday markets with local artisan finds, and cheerful neighborhood parades bring entire communities together. Far from the bustle of big-city crowds, the towns of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick capture the true spirit of the season.
You’ll love the local traditions, hometown pride, and the perfect touch of nostalgia. Add these picture-perfect holiday events to your family’s calendar if you’re looking for a magical dose of Christmas cheer.
For a complete guide to planning a family getaway, including lodging options, visit Old 96 District.
1. Abbeville, South Carolina Holiday Events
With its charming downtown square aglow all season, Abbeville is the perfect place to start your festive adventure through South Carolina’s Old 96 District. Abbeville is a storybook small town brimming with history, Southern charm, and community spirit. Its picturesque downtown square, lined with colorful historic buildings, boutique shops, and local eateries, feels like stepping back in time.
- Christmas Tree Lighting: Join in for the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM. And if you love lights, check out their brand-new Light of Christmas display that will be up every night through the end of December!
- Lessons and Carols 2025: If you love music, you’ll enjoy Erskine College’s annual “Lessons and Carols,” an opportunity for visitors to learn about and participate in Christmas music. This year, the event will be held December 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
- Walk Through Bethlehem: A special attraction for children and adults alike, Walk Through Bethlehem is back this year for two weekends—December 4–7 and December 11–14, 2025. This free, immersive experience lets visitors walk through Bethlehem as it might have looked at the time of Jesus’s birth, chat with townspeople and artisans, browse shops and displays, and meet a variety of live animals!
- Handmade for the Holidays: The perfect time to stock up on unique, artisan gifts for everyone on your list! Located in the heart of Abbeville at the Livery Stable on December 5–6, 2025.
- Victorian Christmas: Making a return this year on December 5–6, 2025, this event features caroling around the tree, hot cocoa with Saint Nicholas, candlelight tours of Trinity Church, and more—you’ll truly feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie!
- Christmas Parade and Cookie Walk: For even more holiday cheer, enjoy the Christmas Parade on December 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by the festive Cookie Walk!
2. Edgefield, South Carolina Holiday Events
Located just 45 minutes from Augusta, 1.25 hours from Columbia, 1.5 hours from Greenville, 2 hours from Charleston or Charlotte, and 2.5 hours from Atlanta, Edgefield is ideally situated for an escape from the city without having to go far at all. Known as the “Home of Ten Governors,” this charming community boasts a beautifully preserved downtown filled with antique shops, local art, and historic landmarks that tell stories of its rich past.
- Sara’s Farm Adventure Holiday Lights: Between November 20, 2025–January 3, 2026, make your way to Sara’s Farm Adventure for the ultimate holiday lights event of the season! Enjoy the walkable trail of lights, farm activities, a petting zoo, live music, and more. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some seasonal treats or roast s’mores over an open fire!
- Edgefield Christmas Tree Lighting: For some southern “snow” and festive vibes, Edgefield’s annual town Christmas Tree Lighting will be on November 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM!
- Edgefield 52nd Annual Christmas Parade: If you’re looking for that small-town holiday charm, catch Edgefield’s 52nd Annual Christmas Parade on December 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM. A camping chair is recommended!
- Sara’s Fresh Market Holiday Offerings: In need of a fresh Christmas tree, wreath, garlands, or poinsettias to take home? Stop by Sara’s Fresh Market in Trenton for all the local, South Carolina-grown holiday décor. Don’t miss out on a steamy cup of fresh Peach Cider or a jar of local Peach Jam while you’re there—Edgefield County is the Peach Capital of the World, after all!
3. Greenwood, South Carolina Holiday Events
Bustling with locally owned shops and boutiques, history, culture, music, and southern hospitality, visiting Greenwood during the holidays is pure magic. Whether you’re strolling through Uptown during a parade or sipping hot cocoa at a local café, Greenwood offers the kind of warm, welcoming holiday atmosphere that feels like coming home.
- Greenwood’s Holiday Open House: Get ready to deck your halls and find all the gifts on your list at Greenwood’s Holiday Open House on November 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM! From sparkling window displays to handcrafted goods, exclusive sales, and complimentary refreshments, it’s the perfect way to get ahead on your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses.
- Inn on the Square Holiday Market: Inn on the Square is hosting its first annual Holiday Market on November 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. This festive event will be held in the Inn’s beautiful ballroom and is free to the public.
- Connie Maxwell Children’s Home Christmas Celebration: For a free, family-friendly event, join Connie Maxwell Children’s Home for their annual Christmas celebration December 4–6, 2025, from 6:00–8:30 PM each night. Featuring a spectacular live nativity performance, concert series, Christmas village, petting zoo, hot chocolate, wagon rides, and more—it truly is a wonderful time!
- Cookies & Hot Chocolate with Santa: A reservation-only event for children of all ages on December 5, 2025, from 6:30–7:30 PM. Each child’s ticket is $15 and includes cookies, warm hot chocolate, a visit with Santa Claus, and a copy of “The Night Before Christmas” to take home!
- Uptown Greenwood Christmas Parade: With one of the widest Main Streets in America, Uptown Greenwood’s Christmas Parade is sure to be a huge success! Mark your calendars for December 7, 2025, at 2:30 PM.
- Sip n’ Shop Holiday Event: Gather your girlfriends for a special Sip n’ Shop holiday event on December 11, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 PM! Enjoy a relaxed night of shopping, sipping, and catching up with friends. Explore Uptown Greenwood’s charming shops filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, cozy winter finds, and stylish holiday looks. Snack on seasonal treats and sip something delicious while you shop!
4. Laurens, South Carolina Holiday Events
Located ideally between Greenville and Columbia, Laurens offers visitors small-town charm, holiday markets, and a nostalgic look into the past. Mark your calendars with these holiday events! Laurens is a charming town where history and community spirit come alive. Its historic downtown is lined with quaint shops, inviting cafés, and beautifully preserved architecture, offering a perfect backdrop for seasonal festivities.
- Festival of Trees: Between November 1, 2025–January 10, 2026, visitors at the Laurens County Museum can enjoy the Festival of Trees—a collection of themed trees representing organizations, businesses, locations, and historical periods of Laurens County—throughout the entire museum.
- Yuletide Unicorn Festival: Bringing the kids? Don’t miss the Yuletide Unicorn Festival every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between November 21–December 21, 2025! Enjoy festive unicorn rides, a bounce house, a Santa meet-and-greet, food trucks, and more!
- Broad Street After Dark: For antique and vintage lovers, this shopping event is just for you! Broad Street After Dark will be hosted at Broad Street Antiques & Vintage Finds on November 19, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM, with an opportunity to shop their large antique market and taste local appetizers and drinks.
- Merry Market at the Laurens County Museum: Another great shopping event, Merry Market will take place on November 28–29, 2025. This event features music, festive foods, shopping, and crafts!
- Laurens Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade: Join Laurens for their annual tree lighting on December 5, 2025, from 6:00–9:00 PM, and their Christmas Parade on December 6 at 4:00 PM. Downtown will be aglow both days, and include the Christmas Village and Christmas Market on the downtown square!
- Holiday Movie Night at The Capitol Theatre: Ready for some holiday magic? Enjoy a cozy movie night at The Capitol Theatre with a classic family film on December 22, 2025. Popcorn, drinks, and candy will be provided for all attendees!
5. McCormick, South Carolina Holiday Events
With the highest number of State Parks of any county in South Carolina, McCormick truly is an outdoorsman’s paradise. During the holiday season, it is perfect for escaping the crowds, enjoying the slower pace of life, and experiencing life as a local.
- Holiday Story Walk: Blending the loves of nature and holiday spirit, the McCormick County Historical Commission is hosting a free Holiday Story Walk from November 28–December 13, 2025. Enjoy The Night Before Christmas in a new and interactive format while in the great outdoors at this attraction for young and old alike.
- Reindeer Scavenger Hunt: A fun event for children under 18! Use the flyer to search locations around McCormick, and once you’ve found 7+ reindeer around town, go to the McCormick County Library for a complimentary Christmas book and holiday cookie.
- Historic Downtown McCormick Sip and Stroll: Historic Downtown McCormick is hosting a Sip and Stroll on December 5, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 PM. Complimentary wine, cider, and punch will be served at this family-friendly event. For a map of participating merchants, start at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.
- Holiday on Main Cookie Walk: For the sweetest event in town, check out the 2025 Holiday on Main Cookie Walk. For $10 per person, you can stroll downtown McCormick and collect a delicious cookie or baked treat at each stop around town.
- Festival of Trees & Holiday Market: The Festival of Trees & Holiday Market is back December 5–6 and 12–13, 2025! Enjoy a winter wonderland as you walk through the 2025 Festival of Trees located in the 1898 Grist Mill. Make sure to visit the 1930 Cotton Gin and enjoy the Holiday Market as well. This is the perfect opportunity to shop beautiful handcrafted merchandise including jewelry, jellies, jams, baked goods, quilts, glass art, books, and more.
- ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ Christmas Parade: Capping off the festivities in McCormick, don’t miss the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ themed Christmas Parade! It will be on historic Main Street on December 13, 2025, at 4:30 PM.