Celebrate the Season in the Upstate: Holiday Events Near Carolina Camp Cedar (Pickens, Greenville & Beyond)

Looking for festive things to do this holiday season in the South Carolina foothills? From Christmas parades and markets in Pickens to dazzling lights in Easley and elegant concerts in Greenville, here’s your guide to the best holiday events near Carolina Camp Cedar.

When the Holidays Arrive, the Upstate Comes Alive

As autumn gives way to winter in the Carolina foothills, something truly magical begins to unfold. The crisp air takes on a festive feel, small towns dress themselves in twinkling lights, and time-honored traditions make their joyful return. Streets come alive with music and parades, parks sparkle with light displays, and market stalls brim with handmade gifts and seasonal treats.

And when Carolina Camp Cedar opens its doors in Pickens, South Carolina, future guests will find themselves at the heart of it all. Perfectly positioned between charming small towns and vibrant city centers, the park will offer a cozy home base for guests looking to explore the Upstate’s many holiday happenings — all within about a 45-minute drive or less.

Here’s a look at what’s planned for the 2025 holiday season, and why your future stay at Carolina Camp Cedar will put you right in the middle of the region’s most cherished celebrations.

A Pickens Christmas: Tradition, Warmth, and Small-Town Magic

In late November, the Doodle Pavilion in downtown Pickens becomes the backdrop for one of the area’s most inviting holiday traditions: the Doodle Holiday Market, scheduled for November 28, 2025. From 4:30 to 8:00 PM, local vendors and artisans will transform the space into a festive market full of handcrafted ornaments, cozy gifts, seasonal snacks, and warm drinks. The scent of kettle corn drifts through the air, and friendly faces welcome you to browse and enjoy.

This same weekend, the town’s holiday spirit continues with the Pickens Tree Lighting, followed by the Pickens Christmas Parade on December 5 at 7:00 PM along Main Street. Expect lighted floats, live music, and Santa himself bringing cheer to families lined along the sidewalks. These events offer a nostalgic and heartwarming way to welcome the season — and they all happen just minutes from Carolina Camp Cedar.

Lights, Markets, and Music in Downtown Greenville

Just 35 minutes away, Greenville offers a more metropolitan take on the holidays, with tree-lined streets, elegant decorations, and a full calendar of seasonal festivities.

Beginning November 28, the Greenville Christmas Market takes over the Grand Bohemian Lodge grounds, offering a European-style shopping experience complete with artisan goods, holiday snacks, and festive music. The smell of cinnamon and roasted nuts mingles with laughter and the sound of carolers. Children can meet Santa in his woodland-themed cottage while parents browse for unique gifts.

Just steps away, the Festival of Trees runs from November 21 to December 25, filling the lobbies of downtown hotels like the Courtyard Marriott and Hyatt Regency with stunning, themed Christmas trees. Each is individually decorated by local organizations, turning the hotels into indoor winter wonderlands — free and open for all to enjoy.

In early December, the Holiday Fair and Kringle Village (December 5–8) brings a festive, bustling market atmosphere to the Greenville Convention Center. With over 300 vendors and a dedicated area for children, it’s one of the largest holiday shopping events in the region and perfect for knocking out your gift list all at once.

For a more refined evening out, Holiday at Peace, a holiday concert by the Greenville Symphony, takes place December 12–14 at the Peace Center. The combination of orchestra, vocalists, and traditional holiday music makes for a beautiful and uplifting night — the kind that becomes a holiday tradition all its own.

Step Back in Time with Spartanburg’s Dickens of a Christmas

On the evening of December 5, downtown Spartanburg transforms into a scene from another century during Dickens of a Christmas. Actors in period costumes roam the streets, roasting chestnuts crackle over open fires, and shop windows glow with candlelight. Carolers sing from the sidewalks, and the entire downtown becomes a living Victorian village.

This one-night event is filled with storytelling, music, carriage rides, and immersive performances that transport visitors into the pages of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic. It’s well worth the 55-minute drive from Carolina Camp Cedar and pairs beautifully with a relaxed dinner in Spartanburg’s vibrant food scene.

Lights Worth the Drive: The Upstate Holiday Light Show in Easley

For guests looking for a more casual and family-focused evening, the Upstate Holiday Light Show in Easley offers a spectacular drive-through experience just 20 minutes from the park. Running nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, this show features over 32 million lights dancing in sync with holiday music, played through your car radio.

There’s also a walk-through area complete with a winter vendor village, a petting zoo, and carnival-style rides. Whether you drive through with a thermos of hot cocoa or spend a few hours exploring the attractions, this event is an easy and delightful way to get into the holiday spirit.

Sample Weekend Itineraries for a Festive Stay

A holiday weekend in the Upstate offers a mix of cozy moments and exciting discoveries. Imagine arriving on a Friday evening, settling into your cabin or RV, and enjoying a quiet night under the stars. Saturday could bring a visit to the Doodle Holiday Market followed by a round of golf or a hike at nearby Table Rock State Park. After dinner, head to Easley for the holiday light show — a perfect way to end the day.

Another weekend might include an evening in downtown Greenville, enjoying the Festival of Trees and grabbing dinner on Main Street. Spend Saturday at the Christmas Market or Holiday Fair, and return to camp with handmade gifts and full hearts. Sunday could be a relaxed morning walk along the Doodle Trail before heading home.

If you’re in the area the weekend of December 5, consider heading east to Spartanburg for Dickens of a Christmas. It’s easy to make a day of it, and the memories will last far beyond the season.

Helpful Travel Notes

Carolina Camp Cedar is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Pickens and within a short drive of several regional hubs. Greenville is about 35 minutes away, Easley is even closer at 20 minutes, and Spartanburg can be reached in just under an hour. Public parking is available at most event locations, but arriving early is always a smart idea — especially for parades and Friday evening festivities.

While many events are free, ticketed performances like Holiday at Peace should be reserved early, as they tend to sell out. Some markets and light shows offer online discounts for advance tickets, so it’s worth checking official event pages when planning your visit.

A Season of Celebration, Just Beyond Your Doorstep

When you stay with us this holiday season, you’re not just booking a cabin or a site — you’re stepping into a season of celebration waiting just beyond your doorstep. From local markets and parades to grand concerts and glittering light displays, the South Carolina Upstate offers endless opportunities to make holiday memories.

Carolina Camp Cedar is being thoughtfully designed to put you close to it all, while still giving you the peace and quiet to truly relax. As opening day approaches, we’ll continue sharing updates and ideas to help you plan your future visit — so stay tuned, and start imagining your perfect holiday escape in the Carolina foothills.