From charming holiday markets to Christmas Parades and festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this magical season. Whether you're looking to cozy up by a crackling fire, explore winter wonderlands, or indulge in delicious seasonal treats, York County has it all.
Get Festive at these Holiday Events
Carowinds Winterfest
Carowinds is transforming once again into Winterfest! Starting November 15th, you can step inside this rollercoaster theme park turned into a winter wonderland. You can ice skate, take in the 5 million shimmering lights, marvel at the 70-foot tree, or watch the parade! Live shows and strolling performers will delight guests and spread Christmas cheer for all to hear. Festive fun and hands-on holiday activities are located throughout the park, and sweet aromas from unique holiday dishes and desserts fill the midways. Up to 24 of your favorite rides will be open to complete your night of memory-making.
Rock Hill Christmas Parade
Rock Hill is hosting its own Christmas Parade to continue the tradition! Join the fun on Friday, December 6th, at 6:30 PM for a parade through Old Town Rock Hill. The parade will start at the intersection of Oakland and Stewart Avenue. More details on the route will be coming soon!
77th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7th, the Town of Fort Mill will host their annual Downtown Parade! The parade features local schools, officials, churches, businesses, scouts, queens, Santa & more!
85th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade in York
On Friday, December 13th, at 6:00 PM, join the town of York on North Congress Street for the Hometown Christmas Parade! Witness exciting floats, performances, an appearance from Santa Claus, food trucks, and lots of Christmas Joy! The parade will start on North Congress Street and continue through downtown, ending at California Street.
54th Annual Clover Christmas Parade
The 54th Annual Clover Christmas Parade is set to bring festive cheer and holiday spirit to downtown Clover! the streets come alive with dazzling floats, marching bands, and joyful performances. This beloved tradition features local schools, community groups, and Santa himself, spreading warmth and wonder for all ages. Gather your family and friends, and celebrate the season with the heart of Clover.
Annual Lake Wylie Boat Parade
Gather with friends and family on December 14th to watch the annual Lake Wylie Boat Parade from Papa Doc’s Shore Club! Located at 3990 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie, South Carolina.
Start A New Holiday Tradition
ChristmasVille
Once again, Old Town Rock Hill will come alive as a charming, picturesque holiday village and outdoor art festival. ChristmasVille is an award-winning festival with over 70 events, including Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, a FREE Amusement Ride and inflatables, Storytimes with Grinch and Mother Goose, Street Entertainers and entertainment Stages, Handbell Choirs and Dickens Carolers, Santa's Workshop and Santa's Office, Jingle Bell Parades with Santa, a gift and farmer's Market, the Gnome Dorm, Food Vendors, And So Much More!
Kingsley Holiday Celebration
Mark your calendars for a magical holiday experience you won’t want to miss! The Kingsley Holiday Celebration promises to bring festive fun, family cheer, and jolly good spirits this Christmas season. Get ready for an enchanting day filled with seasonal delights for everyone. Indulge in delicious holiday treats during the cookie crawl as you stroll through participating shops and restaurants, savoring the taste of Christmas at every stop. Don’t miss your chance to capture the perfect holiday photo with Santa Claus himself! Little ones (and the young at heart) will love sharing their Christmas wishes. The event will take place December 7th 2PM-5PM
Founders Ice Skating Rink
Hit the ice and show off your moves on skates; the family will surely be impressed. The Founders Ice Skating Rink in Old Town Rock Hill will be open on select days from November 18th - January 15th. The cost to skate is $15 (including skate rental). Tickets Required: Onlyinoldtown.com/icerink
Stafford Park Neighborhood Christmas Lights
Stafford Park Neighborhood: This neighborhood performs! Each year, it hosts a combined holiday light show and raises money, unwrapped toys, and canned food donations for the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen. This year, experience the fun on December 20th and 21st! Put 2210 Keswick Lane, Rock Hill, SC, in your GPS!
Miracle on Main Street
Kick off the holidays at Miracle on Main Street in downtown Fort Mill! On December 7th, from 4 to 9 PM, enjoy crafts, sweet treats, holiday shopping, live entertainment, and photos with Santa. Support the Downtown Co-Op with Christmas tree sales and celebrate the season with friends and family!
Holiday on Main in Clover
Get ready for a festive family day with holiday magic at Holiday on Main! Capture memories with Santa and his elf, enjoy live performances from local schools, savor delicious treats from small vendors, and shop for unique, handcrafted gifts. With music, holiday cheer, and fun for all ages, this is a community event you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars, bring loved ones, and make this holiday season unforgettable.
Warm Up with these Winter Date Night Ideas
Narroway Productions
Book tickets to this highly acclaimed Christmas Show at Narroway Productions in Fort Mill! This show will give you an interactive dinner theater view of the true meaning behind the season. People flock from across the country to see this show; it’s one you can’t miss! The show is titled "The Real Christmas Story" and will leave you in awe of fantastic acting, breathtaking singing, and the true purpose behind Christmas. Click the link to get your tickets before they sell out.
Take a Pottery Class
Ghost, anyone? Okay, but you can take a pottery class right in Rock Hill. You can learn how to throw pottery on the wheel, glaze, or hand-build at Rock Hill Pottery. Classes are taught by Jonathan Williams. Give the gift of an experience this Christmas, or take a class and gift your final product! You know your mom would still treasure your handmade gift for Christmas.
Horseback Trail Ride
For $70 (10% off for members), you can take an hour-and-a-half horse ride through the Anne Springs Close Greenway trails. Hurry and book today; space is limited, and these will fill up! What’s more romantic than a trail ride through nature?
The Foodie School
Do you love to cook but hate the mess? Treat that special someone in your life to a night at The Foodie School! The Foodie School offers the unique experience of creating your favorite dishes while having fun with friends, family, or loved ones. Not seasoned in the kitchen? No worries! The chefs will guide you every step of the way, and then you get to sit and feast on your creations.
YoCo Brew Trail
Nothing says winter quite like a festive winter brew! Hop on the YoCo Brew Trail and try the ChristmasVille collab "Winter Warmer"! Old Town Rock Hill's finest breweries brought you a delectable Christmas beer with spiced red ale and hints of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon!