Dec 13 min read

Ring in the Holiday Season in LHC

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and in Lake Hartwell Country, there are more reasons than ever to celebrate and feel festive!

Festivals & Parades

Nearly every city or town in Lake Hartwell Country offers exciting Christmas festivities, from parades to tree-lighting ceremonies and much more. Check your municipality’s social media pages for more information on your local events, but here are a few of our favorites.

If you’re an Anderson County resident, then you’re likely familiar with the City of Anderson’s holiday events. Visit the historic downtown for three straight days of seasonal spirit, December 6 through 8. The Anderson County Tree Lighting will take place after dark on December 6, with performances by figure skaters on the all-new skating rink at Carolina Wren Park. The Electric City Christmas Market will also take place December 6-7 at Carolina Wren Park, providing an incredible opportunity to find some handmade gifts for the crafty people on your list. Then, at 3pm on December 8, the City of Anderson will hold its annual Christmas Parade on Main Street.

There are also plenty of lakeside events if you’re on Santa’s “nauti” list (nautical, that is). The Western Carolina Sailing Club hosts its 10th Annual Parade of Lights on Lake Hartwell December 6 and 7, with proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots and the Good Neighbor Cupboard food pantry. Donations will be collected at the WCSC Clubhouse and at Green Pond Landing, which is also a great place to watch the Christmas light-covered boats sail by. On December 8, the Friends of Lake Keowee Christmas Boat Parade will take place at 6pm, launching from South Cove County Park. We love seeing creative Lake Hartwell Country residents take advantage of our natural resources with these twists on typical parades!

Don't miss the festivities in Downtown Anderson!

Markets & Shops

Still need to fill up the stockings this Christmas? Luckily, there are plenty of holiday markets and boutique stores all around Lake Hartwell Country to help you find the perfect present.

Pendleton is well-known for its annual Christkindlmarkt, inspired by traditional European holiday markets. Between 4:30-8:30pm on December 6-7 and 13-14, you can visit the historic Pendleton Green for some Old World-style fun. In addition to new vendors each weekend, guests can buy local snacks and customary European treats like Glühwein and warm cider. It’s also a great jumping off-point to explore Pendleton’s small business scene!

The Anderson County Farmers Market hosts its holiday market every Saturday through December 21 between 10am-2pm. A special weekday holiday market will also take place on Dec. 17 from 5pm-8pm. This Christmassy twist on their normal farmers market offers products from more than 40 vendors, from baked goods and crafts to gifts and produce. There will even be live music – and who knows, Santa may make an appearance as well!

We always love buying gifts from local shops, but the holidays are the best time to do so. From Westminster to Central to Honea Path, you’ll find one-of-a-kind boutique businesses. Handmade and hand-picked gifts always mean so much more than a generic gift card or big-box store package, so this Christmas season, we encourage you to explore the unique towns within Lake Hartwell Country on foot and see what surprises you’ll find.

In December, the Pendleton Green is home to a European Christmas market.

Songs & Shows

What better way to get your festive feelings flowing than through music? The Walhalla Performing Arts Center is hosting three Christmas shows this season, each one sure to delight audiences. On December 6, Chapel Hart continues their Hartfelt Family Christmas Tour; on December 13, the Celtic Angels perform their Christmas show; and on December 15, the Pam Tillis Trio makes a stop on their Belles & Bows Christmas Tour.

The Pickens County Performing Arts Center, in conjunction with the Potters Clay Fellowship Choir, will host an interactive sing-along show on December 21. From Christmas classics to hymns to newer favorites, you’ll be able to belt out your favorite carols with all your friends and family.

And whether you prefer to explore on foot or by car, Norton Thompson Park and Ram Cat Alley in downtown Seneca feature an annual light show, nightly through December. Interactive light displays are engaging for the whole family, while if you drive through the area, you can tune your car to a radio station for an awesome musical light show.

Liven things up with a show at the historic Walhalla Performing Arts Center.

From our family at Lake Hartwell Country to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and cheerful holiday season full of family, friendship, fun, and food!