12 Days Of Cheer In Greenville: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Greenville. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Greenville feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Cruise through Greenville’s favorite neighborhood light displays.

Greenville has no shortage of festive homes, and the Tacky Light Tour makes it easy to map out the best spots submitted by local residents. You can start with “A Carolina Christmas” at 2310 Flagstaff Court, a longtime favorite known for its bright, cheerful setup, then make your way to “Winterville Wonderland” at 564 Stillwater Drive in nearby Winterville. Families often round out their route with a stop at 38 Sir Dillons Lane in Tarboro, where another standout display lights up the neighborhood. It’s a simple way to turn an evening drive into a fun December tradition without leaving the area.

2. Enjoy a festive night out with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at Greenville Theatre.

Greenville Theatre brings the classic film to life on select dates from November 28 through December 21, filling the stage with show-stopping dance numbers, elegant costumes and beloved songs like “Sisters,” “Count Your Blessings” and “White Christmas.” The G-rated performance blends timeless songs with vibrant staging, giving families a chance to experience the beloved story in a new way this holiday season. Tickets are available online for $45.

3. Spend an afternoon skating at Carolina IceZone.

Carolina IceZone keeps the season active with public skating sessions throughout the week, making it easy for families to fit a little winter fun into their schedule. Fall 2025 hours include Wednesday afternoons, Friday evenings, multiple Saturday sessions and a relaxed Sunday skate, with holiday hours shifting as the season gets closer. Admission is $12 for ages 6 and up and $7 for kids 5 and under, with skate rentals available for $3 and beginner gliders for an additional $3. Hours vary during the holidays, so take a look at the rink’s weekly schedule to find the session that fits your plans.

4. Stop by Backstage Coffee & Vintage for cozy drinks and seasonal specials.

Backstage Coffee & Vintage adds a cheerful burst of color and creativity to your day, whether you’re stopping in for a latte or looking for a quiet moment between holiday errands. The shop serves classic coffees alongside inventive specialty lattes and teas, often debuting themed drinks inspired by local events or seasonal moments. Vintage décor, live music and a playful menu make it a fun stop for families or anyone craving a little inspiration with their warm drink. Check their Instagram for limited-time offerings and upcoming December events.

5. Walk through a sparkling display at Greenville’s Festival of Trees.

The Greenville Convention Center transforms into a winter wonderland for the 3rd Annual Festival of Trees, where nearly 100 decorated trees brighten the halls from November 28 through December 29. Local businesses, civic groups and community members sponsor each tree, creating a colorful mix of themes and designs that make the walk-through feel different every year. Admission is free, and storytime sessions with Santa are also available, giving kids a chance to enjoy a cozy moment amid the displays.

6. Hunt for vintage treasures at Dickinson Avenue Antique Market.

Dickinson Avenue Antique Market is a fun stop for anyone who loves browsing unique finds, with more than 50 vendors spread across a two-story historic building in Greenville. The space spans over 10,000 square feet and features everything from furniture and vinyl to jewelry, glassware, artwork and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Whether you’re wandering with family, searching for a specific piece or just hoping to stumble on something unexpected this holiday season, the mix of vendors makes every visit feel a little different. Weekend specials pop up throughout the year, so it’s worth stopping in regularly to see what’s new on the shelves.

7. Explore textile arts and holiday events at the Greenville Museum of Art.

The Greenville Museum of Art offers a thoughtful winter outing with Archiving Place, a textile-focused exhibition on view through March 14, 2026. The show brings together artists from across the Southeast whose work explores the idea of “place” through stitching, weaving, quilting and other layered textile processes, creating pieces that feel both personal and deeply familiar. Visitors can wander the West Wing and Commons Galleries to see how color, texture and pattern become stories of memory, geography and connection. In December, the museum also hosts seasonal events, such as the Merry Mixer & Market on December 12–13, along with yoga sessions and hands-on craft workshops, making the space feel especially lively at this time of year.

8. Stop by Greenville Mall for holiday shopping and Santa photos.

Holiday errands feel a little easier at Greenville Mall, where you’ll find over 50 shops, quick dining options and space to browse at your own pace. Santa is available for photos throughout December near the Women’s Belk, and families can reserve their photo session online in advance or stop by as a walk-up any day before closing. The mall also hosts designated Pet Nights on select evenings, giving you the chance to bring your furry family members for photos, too. Whether you’re hunting for gifts, picking up a few essentials or making a short visit with kids, the mall provides a simple, convenient outing during the busy holiday season.

9. Get creative together at The Painted Peacock.

If your family loves a hands-on activity, The Painted Peacock is one of those places that instantly puts everyone at ease. The studio was built on the idea that creativity should feel fun, not intimidating, and the staff is wonderful about guiding kids and adults through simple techniques so you can relax and enjoy making something together. Families can walk in or call ahead for pottery painting, book handprint art sessions by appointment or plan a private gathering if you’re celebrating with a group. December also brings extra charm with special events like weekly Toddler Time read-and-paint activities and a Paint with the Grinch on December 17 — both great ways to add a little holiday magic to your creations.

10. Enjoy local brews and a cozy atmosphere at Pitt Street Brewing Company.

Set in a renovated former Coca-Cola bottling building, Pitt Street Brewing Company has become a welcoming gathering spot where families, friends and even four-legged guests can settle in for a relaxed drink. The taproom offers a clear view of the brewing system, and the lineup rotates through crowd-friendly styles like pilsners, IPAs and stouts, along with seasonal releases and wine, cider and soft drinks for anyone who isn’t a beer fan. With weekly events like trivia, open-mic comedy, board-game nights and visits from local food trucks, there’s always something happening. Check the taproom’s event calendar to see what’s on during your next visit.

11. Treat yourself to something sweet at Open House Baking.

Open House Baking is a sister-run shop where homemade pastries are both beautiful and personal, thanks to Kia and Kim’s talent for creating desserts that look as good as they taste. The case usually includes macarons, cupcakes, scones and other small-batch treats, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it an easy place to stop in for something sweet with your family. Custom orders are a big part of the bakery’s charm, too, whether you’re dreaming up a holiday cake or picking out cookies for a seasonal gathering. The shop is currently taking holiday pre-orders, so browse their menu ahead of time to snag your favorites before they sell out.

12. Make a holiday day trip to the Festival of Lights at Mike’s Farm.

If your family doesn’t mind the hour-plus drive, Mike’s Farm delivers one of the region’s most memorable holiday traditions with its Festival of Lights Hayride. The 30-minute ride winds through 1.5 miles of glowing displays and classic Christmas scenes, all set to familiar holiday music, and runs nightly through December 23, with additional dates December 26–28. For a bigger outing, families can book Supper With Santa, which bundles a buffet dinner, story time and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus before ending the night with the hayride. New this year, the farm is also debuting The Magic of Christmas, a show from Rockstar Magic served alongside the all-you-can-eat dinner and the classic ride. Hayride-only tickets are $15 for ages 5 and up, while dinner and show packages must be reserved ahead of time.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Greenville!

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