Celebrate the Holidays in York County, SC: Tree Lightings, Parades, and Special Celebrations
The holiday spirit is alive and thriving in York County, with communities offering a festive lineup of events to celebrate the season. From tree lightings and parades to special anniversary parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to the highlights, starting with Tega Cay.
Tega Cay: A Season of Festivities
Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday cheer on Thursday, December 5, at The Glennon Center Pavilion, beginning at 6:00 PM. Mayor Gray will welcome Santa to the stage via golf cart, and the city tree will be lit in a joyful ceremony. Families are encouraged to join in the fun and officially usher in the season.
Adding to the excitement that same evening, The Shore Club at Tega Cay will host its Annual Tree Lighting and Free Horse & Carriage Rides starting at 5 PM. Enjoy food and drink specials, along with live music by Rod Fiske from 6 PM to 9 PM. This event, sponsored by The Shore Club and the City of Tega Cay, offers a magical start to the holiday celebrations.
The celebrations continue with Crafts and Cocoa with the PoPo on Friday, December 6, from 5 PM to 8 PM, at the Tega Cay Police Department. Families can enjoy crafts, cocoa, and a chance to meet the Grinch while supporting the “Holiday with Heroes” initiative.
On Saturday, December 7, Model A Brewing will mark its 4th Anniversary with a special celebration. The event features the release of an anniversary beer, live music by Warrick McZeke starting at 12 PM, and a lively round of Santa’s Bingo. It’s the perfect way to mix holiday cheer with local craft beer.
Finally, wrap up the season with Santa in the Cay on Saturday, December 21, as Santa rides through neighborhoods alongside the Tega Cay Fire Department starting at 8 AM. This event brings Santa directly to the community, spreading joy and holiday cheer.
Fort Mill: A Downtown Delight
Fort Mill’s 77th Annual Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 7, at 11 AM in the heart of historic downtown. The parade promises festive floats, local bands, and a chance to see Santa Claus as the community comes together to celebrate the season.
Rock Hill: Lighting Up the Night
On Friday, December 6, the 2024 Rock Hill Christmas Parade will illuminate the city with its “Light the Night” theme. The parade begins at 6:30 PM, showcasing lighted floats, marching bands, and mascots, promising a night of wonder for all ages.
Hickory Grove: Community Charm
The Hickory Grove Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 3 PM. This small-town celebration captures the spirit of the season with a parade full of local flair and holiday joy.
Clover: A Festive Procession
Clover’s Christmas Parade is set for Sunday, December 8, at 3 PM. With festive floats and a community-focused atmosphere, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
York: Two-Day Celebration
The City of York offers a double dose of holiday cheer with the Kickoff to Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 12, from 6 PM to 7 PM, followed by the Hometown Christmas Parade on Friday, December 13, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Both events will take place in the downtown area, promising an enchanting holiday experience.
Winthrop Tree Lighting
For many people in Rock Hill, the holiday season starts when festive lights are turned on along Oakland Avenue on the Winthrop University campus. The Alumni Association and Student Alumni Council will host the 89th Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of Tillman Hall. Helping celebrate the beginning of the season at this special event will be performances by the Winthrop RockHettes, Chorale and Collegiate Choir, followed by a countdown to the main attraction: the lighting of the flagpole at the new fountain plaza. Yes, that’s correct, the flagpole! This year’s lighting will look different in order to ensure the historic Southern Magnolia continues to thrive for years to come. Lights can no longer be affixed to the magnolia tree so the flagpole will be lit in the shape of a Christmas tree to celebrate the season. The annual ceremony has a long tradition at Winthrop, dating back to 1935. The event attracts many community members, alumni, faculty, staff and students, The Student Alumni Council will sell luminaries for $5 before the tree lighting to add to the holiday glow around Tillman. Proceeds from the luminaries will support the Winthrop Fund. After the tree lighting, attendees can then turn their attention to Rock Hill’s Christmas Parade, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. along Oakland Avenue in front of the university. If you can’t attend the tree lighting, you can tune in to the Alumni Association’s Facebook Live stream of the event.
York County has something for everyone this holiday season, from small-town parades to big celebrations and everything in between. Make plans to attend these events and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
