Home Care In Greer, SC

Do you want to go for a Christmas light drive around the Upstate and see all the best (and free!) home displays? Have you seen long lists ofChristmas light displays? Are you overwhelmed by the holidays this year? We’ve got seven driving routes for 2023 to help you enjoy the season without a lot of stress since we already did the work for you!

Load the family in the car and follow these routes for a super simple yet super special night (or nights) of enjoying Christmas lights together. A massive, massive thank you to Kidding Around reader Jason Hurdich for helping us check homes on our routes. This is an enormous job and we are so grateful.

Disclaimer: Kidding Around is not responsible for property damage, neighborhood safety, or any possible injuries of any kind that may happen while driving, stopping, and viewing holiday lights and decorations. Drivers and property owners maintain all responsibility for general safety, operating a vehicle safely, light-viewing enjoyment, and holiday cheer. Drive slowly, be respectful, share holiday magic, and don’t be a Scrooge.

Submissions are closed for 2023 but if you want to be included in the 2024 list, you can come back and fill out our Holiday Light Display form and be sure to include a photo of your display.

The Kidding Around Upstate, SC Christmas Lights Driving Routes

Greenville, SC Christmas Light Route

Easley, SC Christmas Light Route

Simpsonville, SC Christmas Light Route

Five Forks Christmas Light Route

Spartanburg, SC Christmas Light Route

Greer, SC Christmas Ligh Route

Anderson, SC Christmas Light Route

EDITOR’S Pick of Displays

The Driving Routes Map

Bonus! More lights! Check out our Christmas Lights Driving Tours in Columbia, SC!

While we do our best to offer accurate information, please check with these venues and organizations before visiting. Please help keep Kidding Around free by not copying and reproducing this content without written permission. Please note that things like inclement weather can impact a display status.

If you see more while you are driving around the Upstate, be sure to share the info in the comments of our Holiday Lights List for folks to check out!

Tips For Enjoying The Holiday Light Displays

While there are plenty of paid attractions you can visit with your family, if you are looking for some budget-friendly fun, and admiring the work of homeowners, you have come to the right spot.

We have separated light displays in the Upstate into several easy-to-follow routes. Do them all in one night, or turn them into several nights of fun. Throw your fuzzy jammies on, grab the tumbler of hot chocolate, popcorn, and hit the road.

We have gathered the best of the best in the Upstate to curate this fantastic list. Homes with light shows that include music (and sometimes even hot chocolate and Santa) are included and worth the drive. Here are a few tips to make the most of the routes provided:

Disclaimer: Kidding Around is not responsible for property damage, neighborhood safety, or any possible injuries of any kind that may happen while driving, stopping, and viewing holiday lights and decorations. Drivers and property owners maintain all responsibility for general safety, operating a vehicle safely, light-viewing enjoyment, and holiday cheer. Drive slowly, be respectful, share holiday magic, and don’t be a Scrooge.

2023 Kidding Around Christmas Light Driving Tour Map

Have issues with the map? We have a tutorial to help navigate the map. (this has 2020 tour info and is just posted as a tutorial)

2023 Christmas Light Driving Tours

Addresses on the Greenville route:

Victorian House of Lights

Lights on E. Earle St

Lights on Old Easley Road

Lights of Bethel

Middle Brook Road Christmas

Mini North Pole Extravaganza

Overbrook’s Dazzling Holiday Spectacle

Blue Moon Holiday Bliss on Andrea Lane

Holiday Musical

Addresses on the Easley route:

5 Point Church Display

Cook Family Christmas

Cherish D Lights

Addresses on the Simpsonville Route:

Whitemarsh Christmas

Christmas on Kwikaway

Lights on Shagbark

Santa on Agewood Drive

Holiday Lights On Keswick Trail

Addresses on Five Forks driving route:

Holiday Lights on Fairfield

Gingerbread House

Holiday Lights on Dunrobin Lane

Holiday Lights on Bethel

Pixel Christmas Light Display

Addresses on Spartanburg driving route:

The Christmas House | Inman

The Belcher Family Tradition | Lyman

Nodine Family Christmas Lights | Inman

Wonderland on School Street | Duncan

Wonderland on Walcott

The Ditto Squared Candy Cane Lane

Peck Family Christmas

Sparkling Christmas

Addresses on the Greer route in order of driving route:

Blue Blue Christmas

Christmas Inflatables Fun

Dilworth House

Neighborhood Christmas Lights

Christmas Light Extravaganza

Musical Holiday Fun

Sugar Creek Christmas Lights

BONUS Greer Homes

Greer CPW hosts a house decorating contest every year. This usually comes out in early December.

Addresses on the Anderson route:

Anthony Family Light Display & Christmas Tree Walk

Welcome To Who-Ville

Hamilton Christmas Light Display

Lights of North Avenue

BONUS: No Route Christmas Light Displays

There are several holiday light displays in the Upstate that are too far from any of the routes to be added to them but that we still think you’ll like. They are noted in purple on the map and their addresses and info is below.

Pelzer Light People

These are people who just love the Christmas spirit so much that they literally deck themselves out with lights. They have a specific schedule, which starts on Thanksgiving, so be sure to check it before heading out to see them in Pelzer, SC. In general, they are out every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7 pm to 9 pm (weather permitting).

Poole Light Show

Ricci’s Christmas Lights

Mush Creek Hill Road Lights

Candy Cane Wonderland in Fountain Inn

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2023 Editor’s Picks For Top Holiday Home Light Displays

Here are some of our favorite synchronized displays:

Even More Holiday Home Light Displays

There is no shortage of holiday light displays to be found in the Upstate! For more holiday light displays, check out our list of 50+ Holiday Light Displays across the Upstate and beyond.

Don’t miss the Ultimate Holiday Guide to Greenville, SC, or our Holiday Guide to Spartanburg, SC for even MORE holiday fun. They are packed full of things to do, gift ideas, events, and more!

Please be sure to completely fill out the form, including any online links to information available like dedicated social media pages or posts. The more information we have, the more likely your home will be included in our content.

If you see more while you are driving around the Upstate, be sure to share the info in the comments of our Holiday Lights List for folks to check out.

Looking for more lights? See what lights are waiting for you in the Midlands in our Christmas Lights Near Columbia, SC list. We also have Christmas Lights Driving Tours in Columbia.

As voters head to the polls Nov. 7, Greer City Council incumbents Mayor Rick Danner, Jay Arrowood (District 1) and Wryley Bettis (District 5) are running unopposed, while Mark Hopper (District 3) faces opposition.

Mayor

Incumbent: Rick Danner

Position: Retired from the banking industry and works part time for Century 3 construction and engineering

Years as mayor: 23

What do you plan to work on in your next term? Managing growth has to be near the top of the list. Greer is blessed to be in the heart of the growing Upstate. It is incumbent on our council and staff to manage growth intentionally and smartly. We must also be diligent about maintaining our quality of life as we grow. Growth requires that services, programming, public safety, recreation and other city services keep pace. We also need to be vigilant about serving all of our citizens with respect as we grow our community.

District 1

Incumbent: Jay Arrowood

Position: Owner of ALA Construction and owner and operator of Arrowood Farms in Westminster

Years on city council: 18

What do you plan to work on in your next term? Since 2004, the biggest issue has always been growth and managing growth. Our city will continue to experience growth for at least the next decade and most likely beyond. Any growth we experience must help improve the quality of life for all our citizens. We must do our best with our planning to ensure we attract businesses from different industries, so our economy is diversified. With all the growth that has taken place and will continue, we must never forget where we came from and who we are. I will lead the effort to help maintain our identity that shows the world we are Greer.

District 3

Incumbent: Mark Hopper

Position: Owns Abbott’s Frozen Custard in downtown Greer and Hopper Financial

Years on city council: 4

What do you plan to work on if reelected? My next term will focus on helping manage and shape growth in a way that protects our current residents and ensures a high quality of life for all of our residents in the future. I will emphasize maintaining and improving infrastructure, upgrading parks/recreation/green space facilities and programming, and making sure our public safety services keep pace and remain strong in our community.

District 5

Incumbent: Wryley Bettis

Position: Licensed real estate agent

Years on city council: 13

What do you plan to work on in your next term? I believe Greer is obligated to set a fiscally responsible example for other local governmental entities that have shown an inability to restrain themselves from confiscating more money from the public. I believe that if the growth and resulting taxation in our city, the two counties in which Greer lies and the accompanying educational bodies does not pay for day-to-day infrastructure, basic personnel costs and constitutionally required services, something is being mismanaged, poorly overseen and possibly abused. The obvious problem everywhere is traffic and parking. The city has a plan for both with which I do not necessarily agree in total, but it has elements which may improve the congestion. I have spoken directly with SCDOT Director Christy Hall about paving and future plans, but her level of concern does not match mine. In light of this, it may be necessary to have a moratorium on further large-scale residential developments in some areas of the city.

Commissioner of Public Works Perry J. Williams is running unopposed for another term. Challenger Billy Vaughn (District 3) did not respond in time for publication.

Are you looking for things to do this month or even this weekend in Greenville, SC? From concerts to shows to children’s programming, sporting events, festivals, and free events, there is almost always a great answer when you’re searching for things to do near you, at least there is when you live in South Carolina’s Upstate!

What’s happening this month in Greenville, SC?

Never be bored, and never miss an event your family will love! We’re highlighting some of the coolest, most unique, most interesting, and most popular events this month. But don’t forget to check out our FULL event calendar for even more amazing options. Here’s what to do this month near Greenville, SC.

For things to do this month in Spartanburg, SC, see our Monthly Event Guide to Spartanburg, SC.

Thank you to our sponsors. Sponsored events are marked as “featured.”

Holiday Events Near Greenville, SC

Things to Do This Weekend Near Greenville, SC

The weekend is about here and you’re ready for some fun in the Upstate. But what’s happening this weekend? We know! Here are some great events happening on the weekends this month.

Mary Poppins, SCCT, November 17th – December 10th, 2023Greenville Christmas Market @ Grand Bohemian Lodge, November 24th – December 31st, 2023Holiday Fair 2023, November 30th – December 2nd, 2023Friday Starry Nights, Roper Mountain Science Center, December 1st, 2023Bob Jones Christmas Celebration and Carol Sing, December 1st, 2023Christmas at the Farm, December 2nd & 3rd, 2023Greenville Christmas Parade, December 2nd, 2023Kringle Holiday Village, December 8th – 10th, 2023TD Holiday Market & Santa, December 9th, 2023TCMU World Wonderland, Greenville & Spartanburg location, December 9th, 2023Holiday Laser Shows, RMSC, December 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th, 2023Ornament Workshop, TR Makers Co., December 16th, 2023Skating on the Big Ice, select dates December 16th – 30th, 2023Elvis- Music Nights in Greenville, SCCT, December 22nd, 2023

If the scheduled events and festivals aren’t piquing your interest, try these great things to do on the weekend with the family.

Theater, Shows, and Sporting Events

Mary Poppins, SCCT, November 17th – December 10th, 2023Carolina Youth Symphony Holiday Concert, December 3rd, 2023Elvis- Music Nights in Greenville, SCCT, December 22nd, 2023

VS. Atlanta Gladiators, December 1st, 2023VS. SC Stingrays, December 2nd, 2023VS. Cincinnati Cyclones, December 6th, 2023VS. Savannah Ghost Pirates, December 10th, 2023VS. Atlanta Gladiators, December 13th, 2023VS. Atlanta Gladiators, December 20th, 2023VS. Orlando Solar Bears, December 22nd, 2023VS. Savannah Ghost Pirates, December 23rd, 2023VS. Florida Everblades, December 31st, 2023

Free Things to Do Happening This Month

We love free things to do! The events below happening in the Upstate are all “free” meaning they have no admission charge to attend. Greenville Christmas Market @ Grand Bohemian Lodge, November 24th – December 31st, 2023Holiday Open House, Hughes Main Library, December 8th, 2023Grinch Party, Travelers Rest Library, December 12th, 2023Family Craft Night: Winter Holidays, Five Forks Branch, December 14th, 2023

Educational Events This Month

Afternoon Explorations, Thursdays and Fridays in December, 2023Friday Starry Nights, Roper Mountain Science Center, December 1st, 2023

Things to Do With Younger Kids

Looking for the best things to do with your toddlers or preschoolers?

Check out our full event calendar for tons of free events at Greenville County Library branches that offer several programs just for younger kids and babies! These events are in the morning, recurring, and occur throughout the month. If you see an event you’re interested in at a library branch, check to see if it is offered throughout the month at your local location.

Our Top Picks: What Not to Miss This Month in Greenville

Mary Poppins, SCCT, November 17th – December 10th, 2023Greenville Christmas Market @ Grand Bohemian Lodge, November 24th – December 31st, 2023Bob Jones Christmas Celebration and Carol Sing, December 1st, 2023Holiday Open House, Hughes Main Library, December 8th, 2023TCMU World Wonderland, Greenville & Spartanburg location, December 9th, 2023Holiday Laser Shows, RMSC, December 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th, 2023

Travel Highlight

Looking for a new adventure? Go somewhere new. See something you’ve never seen. Travel far or stay close to home. Here are some ideas to get you started.

A cozy winter getaway can be a great idea when traveling with your family! Gather at one of these winter vacation rentals, where you can relax at a mountain cabin in celebration with a warm drink, a cozy blanket, and a hot tub!

Plan your next fall or winter vacation with our Ultimate Guide to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, Tennessee! These mountain towns are only 2.5 hours from Greenville and have A LOT to offer during the holiday season. From festive light displays, mountain cabin resorts, and spectacular views, to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration and Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, your family is sure to have a memorable time!

GREER, S.C. (WSPA) – Greer will soon be home to a new charter high school.

The school will be placed on a large area of land off Kist Road, near Reidville Road. It’s expected to be a place of learning for nearly 700 students.

“Charter school education is a growing trend,” Greer Councilman Mark Hopper said. “I think people love that model and the flexibility.”

In July, an annexation request was made as Greer’s Board of Zoning Appeals voted to rezone the property from residential. We’re told two of the six members on the board voted against it; questioning the appropriateness of construction in the area.

“It changes the character of the entire neighborhood, really the entire area,” resident Larry Sinkuler said.

We spoke with many residents, all of whom told us they fear the traffic will be brought into their neighborhoods and fear what they call a lack of reliable infrastructure.

“We don’t think the road structure is capable of handling a major school,” resident Sue Sinkuler said. “Traffic in this area can’t handle it. There are no roads here other than Kist Road and it is two lanes. Everything else in the area, Burns Road, they are all single lanes.”

Councilman Mark Hopper tells us they want to be mindful of residents close to that area where construction will begin but with the growth Greer is seeing, a need for another charter school is what many leaders in the city think is appropriate. He says the area’s growth is currently putting a strain on the school districts.

7 News asked Hopper ‘Why a charter high school and why that area of land?’ He replied, “That is a great question. From our standpoint, that was a request that came to us. That was the annexation request and who was interested in doing a project on this site? Certainly with the quality of life in the Upstate, the economic prosperity in the Upstate, specifically I think some of the natural opportunities that Greer itself offers. I think that is where the interest for putting a charter high school on that land came from.”

Plans are still being submitted for review. At this time it is unclear when construction could begin. However, we’re told the hope is for the school to be open for the 2024-2025 school year.

GREER, S.C. —

When the South Carolina Ports Authority expansion project in Greer is finished, tens of thousands of containers will move through the port, adding more revenue and jobs to the Upstate.

The facility, located near Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, moves cargo via rail to the ports in Charleston, where they are shipped out of state.

“We can regularly send between 10,000 and 15,000 feet of rail car back and forth to Charleston," said the Director of Inland Ports, Michael Hoffman. "That’s anywhere from 300 to 350 containers each day.”

Clouds of dust swirled in the wind as construction continued on the expansion on Monday. The five-year, $50 million expansion looks to more than double its capacity.

Officials said the port helps contribute to an $87 billion annual statewide impact. Around 60 workers keep the port running. It was built 10 years ago to help serve BMW's plant in Spartanburg County.

“The port, in general, is involved in one out of every nine jobs in the state," Hoffman said. "In the Upstate, that number is probably even higher.”

In August, the port broke its own record when it moved 17,000 containers in a single month. Officials said that figure will likely continue to go up.

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Spartanburg County Councilor David Britt said the port has been a driving factor in the Upstate’s growth.

“It’s all about jobs, and what jobs do. It gives us hope and opportunity for our residents," Britt said. "That’s the bottom line.”

The latest upgrades will bring more container storage and additional rails to the port. However, Hoffman said the project will leave the port with no more land to grow.

“That will use every square inch that we have, and we may have to look at another facility somewhere here in the Upstate in the next few years if we continue to grow," he said.

Britt said he would be open to finding them the land they need.

“Much like any other major company that impacts the lives of our residents, if they need more land, we will find more land," he said.