The holiday season in Old Town Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a magical time filled with festive events, dazzling decorations, and delightful activities for all ages. Christmas in Rock Hill, SC really has the best holiday season and we are here to tell you why…
Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, there are plenty of ways to get into the Christmas spirit with this three-day festival.
We moved to Rock Hill, SC in 2020 and have loved enjoying the Christmasville Festivities year after year!
Here are some of the top things we love to do in The City of Rock Hill during the Christmasville season.
9 Best things to do in The City of Rock Hill during Christmasville
1. ChristmasVille Festival
One of the highlights of the holiday season in Rock Hill is the annual ChristmasVille Three- Day Festival. This charming, award-winning festival transforms downtown Rock Hill into a picturesque, Old Town Christmas village. The event features:
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by local choirs, bands, and theater groups.
- ARTISAN AND CRAFT Market: Shop for unique gifts and crafts from local vendors.
- Santa’s MAIN STREET Workshop: Kids can meet Santa, participate in craft activities, and write letters to the North Pole.
- Jim Shore Brunch: Jim Shore’s Brunch & Banter is back! During the event, engage with renowned artist Jim Shore as he discusses his creative journey and inspirations. You will also have the opportunity to have a personal Jim Shore piece signed, or you can purchase one onsite for an autograph. Don’t forget to take a memorable photo with Jim Shore, as well as iconic figures like the Grinch and the Coca-Cola Bear. VIP and General Admission ticket available.
- Jazzy Jingles: Prepare for a night filled with magic at “Jazzy Jingles & Soulful Sounds.” This event, hosted in the mesmerizing setting of “The Winter Wonderland,” promises an evening filled with festive delights. Capture the magic with a professional photographer and 360 Photo Booth while grooving to live performances from Mellogroove and a DJ spinning captivating tunes. Indulge in a delicious meal and mingle with fellow guests in an atmosphere of holiday cheer. This adults-only affair (21 and over) calls for semi-formal attire, ensuring an evening of elegance and style.
- ChristmasVille After Dark: In an effort to highlight our Old Town businesses even more and create that special ChristmasVille magic for adults, our 2024 Festival Chair, Maddie Ewing, created an exciting new addition to our annual festival: ChristmasVille After Dark!
- CVAD is a string of nightly events starting after traditional festival hours that are tailored to adults, spotlighting our beloved local Old Town establishments. This innovative concept promises to whisk adults away into a world of whimsy and fun, free from the obligations of child-centered affairs.
- We are absolutely thrilled to join forces with our local businesses, creating unforgettable experiences that will leave our adult patrons and entrepreneurs “wishing” for ChristmasVille all year round!
- Events: South Carolina’s First Ever Glow In the Dark Disc Golf Tournament, Sled Races on Main Street, Taste of ChristmasVille, ChristmasVille Putting League
- Whimsical Character Breakfast and VIG Club: This year, we’ve reimagined our Saturday morning events to bring even more whimsy and wonder to ChristmasVille. In addition to our Very Important Gnome (VIG) Club, we’re introducing the Whimsical Character Breakfast, an enchanting experience that adults can enjoy too! Check out each event below and secure your tickets today!
- 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭: Join Grant the Gnome, Freddy the Polar Bear, and the mischievous Grinch for a delightful morning at the Whimsical Character Breakfast! Enjoy a scrumptious meal prepared by State Chef Ambassador Rob Masone, each dish sprinkled with a touch of whimsy. As you dine, you’ll have the chance to interact with beloved ChristmasVille characters and enjoy surprise visits from special guests.
- 𝐕𝐈𝐆 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛: Embark on a magical journey with the Very Important Gnome (VIG) Club. This exclusive event is designed for children aged 2 to 10. Members of the VIG Club will enjoy a plethora of special privileges: a limited-edition swag bag, a coveted VIG shirt, and several surprise goodies. They’ll also receive jingle bells to use as they join Santa in a semi-private parade to Fountain Park and special seats at a Storytime with Santa! Entertainment will include appearances by Santa and intermittent visits from other beloved characters, ensuring a morning filled with unforgettable moments.
- Contests: Gingerbread, Lego, Cardboard Ornament, Chilli Cookoff, Golf Tournament
2. Ice Skating at Founders Holiday Ice Rink
Experience the joy of ice skating at the Founders Holiday Ice Rink, located in the heart of downtown Rock Hill. This outdoor ice rink is open throughout the holiday season and offers a fun activity for families, couples, and friends. Warm up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa from nearby Rock Hill Coffee on Main Street after your skate.
3. Rock Hill Christmas Parade
Don’t miss the Christmas parade on Main Street featuring Santa Claus, floats, marching bands, and more festive characters.
4. Glencairn Garden’s Holiday Lights
Stroll through the beautifully lit Glencairn Garden, a local treasure that becomes even more enchanting during the holidays. The garden is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a winter wonderland perfect for a peaceful evening walk or a family outing.
5. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kick off the holiday season with Rock Hill’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held annually in Fountain Park, this event features:
- Live Music and Performances: Enjoy festive tunes from local musicians and performers.
- Food Trucks and Vendors: Savor seasonal treats and beverages.
- Santa’s Arrival: Watch as Santa makes his grand entrance to light the Christmas tree.
6. Visit Historic Brattonsville for a Christmas Candlelight Tour
Step back in time with a visit to Historic Brattonsville for their Christmas Candlelight Tours. This historic site offers:
- Living History Tours: Experience 18th and 19th-century Christmas traditions through costumed interpreters.
- Holiday Crafts and Activities: Participate in period-appropriate crafts and games.
- Candlelit Pathways: Enjoy the serene beauty of the historic grounds illuminated by candlelight.
7. Christmas at the White Home
The White Home, one of Rock Hill’s oldest and most significant landmarks, hosts special holiday events. During Christmas, the home is decorated in festive splendor, and visitors can:
- Tour the Historic Home: Learn about the history and heritage of Rock Hill.
- Holiday Workshops: Participate in wreath-making, ornament crafting, and other holiday workshops.
- Festival of Trees: See the amazing trees decorated beautifully.
8. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
This Horse-Drawn Carriage ride takes you around downtown showcasing the picturesque holiday village Christmasville Decorations!
9. Sleeping Giant Rum Distillery
We absolutely love checking out the Sleeping Giant Rum Distilery in Downtown Rock Hill, SC. It is open year round with their signature options always available.
Every Holiday Season they come out with a seasonal Rum and it never disappoints! One year was a Spiced Holiday Rum and the following year they did a Sugar Plum Rum! It really is fun seeing what they come out with every year!
Their tours/tastings are only $12. You can book a tour/tasting ahead of time here. Definitely check them out when you are buzzing around downtown to try what they have!
Before you go enjoy Christmas in Rock Hill, SC…
Rock Hill also boasts a vibrant arts community, and the holiday season is no exception. Look for local theater productions, ballet performances, and concerts that celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Check the schedules for the Rock Hill Community Theatre and other local venues for upcoming shows.
The Award-Winning Christmasville Festival of Rock Hill offers a delightful array of activities and events to make your Christmas season merry and bright. From festive festivals and ice skating to historic tours and holiday lights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So bundle up, gather your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the holiday magic that Rock Hill has to offer.
If or when you do go celebrate Christmas in Rock Hill, SC. I’d love for you to tag us on Instagram so I can see what you did!
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