Families can shake off the turkey daze, enjoy holiday events
Don't hit a post-Thanksgiving slump. Take a stroll through lights or trees, see a show, make memories.
Serving together as a family also can be a big part of your tradition. Upstate Parent features five ways you can do that as a family. Find that and much more, including (coming soon) the annual holiday gift guide at upstateparent.com.
To include your organization's family friendly events in Upstate Parent, email chris@worthyplace.com.
The 38th Annual St. Francis Festival of Trees continues through Dec. 25 at Courtyard Marriott Downtown and Hyatt Regency Greenville. View the trees for free. All proceeds from sponsored trees assist with transitioning the Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center to the nexus of a Cancer Program. For details, visit stfrancisfoundation.com/ event/festival-of-trees.
Winter Lights is at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville through Dec. 31. Winter Lights is a walk-through light show that also features story times, food for purchase, the “Polar Express”themed Rocky Cove Railroad and more. For tickets and details, visit ncarboretum.org.
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” continues through Dec. 10 at South Carolina Children's Theatre. For tickets and details, visit scchildrenstheatre.org.
Miracle at Southernside is at Southernside Brewing through December. Events include visits with Santa, parties for kids and adults, and more. Visit southernsidebrewing.com.
“The Wiz” continues through Nov. 26 at the Peace Center. For tickets, visit peacecenter.org.
Disney on Ice – Mickey’s Search Party continues through Nov. 26 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. For tickets, visit bonsecoursarena.com.
The Greenville Christmas Market is open Nov. 24-Dec. 31 at The Grand Bohemian Lodge in Greenville. It includes holiday-themed events, live performances, Kids' Corner children's activities (Saturdays, Sundays and Christmas week), and more. Hours and schedules are at greenvillechristmasmarket.com.
Fidgets and Slime Art Camp for ages 4-10 will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 24 at Yellowbobbypins Art Camp at Hampton Station. The cost is $50 each. For details and registration, visit yellowbobbypins.com.
The South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson features open house events Nov. 25 at Hunt Cabin and the Nature Center from 1-4 p.m. Programs are free. Contact Sue watts9@clemson.edu or
Free Holiday Hop Ornament Making will be offered from 3-8 p.m. Nov. 25 at TR Makers Co.. For details, visit trmakersco.org.
Tell Me About It Tuesday: Skink/ Rhinoceros Iguana is at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Greenville Zoo. Included with admission. For details, visit greenvillezoo.com.
A Teen Art Show Reception is planned at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Spartanburg Main Library. See details at spartanburglibraries.org.
Music Sandwiched In will be presented by the Spartanburg Philharmonic at 12:15 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Spartanburg Main Library headquarters. The event is free Lunch is available for purchase, or you can bring your own. Visit spartanburgphilharmonic.org.
Watts at visit clemson.edu/scbg/index.html.
A Polar Express Party will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 30 at the Hughes Main Library. Best for ages 12 and younger. The story time is followed by crafts, games, and cocoa. For details, visit greenvillelibrary.org.
The Governor’s School String Chamber Concert is at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the SCGSAH Campus' Smith Recital Hall. This event is free and open to the public. Join on campus or live on YouTube. Visit scgsah.org.
Looking ahead:
The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, a public, residential high school for artistically talented students, is now accepting applications for the 2024 – 2025 school year and summer programs. All South Carolina residents in grades 6-11 are eligible to apply online at SCGSAH.org. The Governor's School's tuition-free, residential high school currently serves students in grades 10-12 who receive preprofessional training in creative writing, dance, drama, music and visual arts. In the fall of 2024, the school's new film department will open with its first class of aspiring filmmakers. The dance department will also offer a new full modern and contemporary dance track for students interested in careers in modern dance and choreography.
During the summer, the school hosts around 350 students for overnight summer programs in creative writing, dance, drama, film, music and visual arts. All interested students apply online at scgsah.org and complete application and/or audition requirements depending on their chosen program. The priority application deadline for all programs is Jan. 10, 2024. Applications will be received until all openings are filled. Financial assistance is available for all programs through the Governor's School Foundation.