Each year, Downtown Spartanburg plays host to an array of festive holiday season events, and we’ve got your guide to all of them here.

Now-December 31: The Window Wonderland Holiday Tour

This month-long tour features holiday-themed window displays at Downtown Spartanburg merchants. While you’re shopping for everyone on your list downtown, stop by to get a punch card, fill out that punch card and you’ll be eligible for prizes.

Now-December 24: Artists’ Collective Spartanburg’s Holiday Artisan Market, 10am-4pm

The Artists’ Collective is displaying the work of 34 local creatives during the holiday market, with everything from pottery to jewelry to photography featured.

Saturday, December 4: Movies on the Square – ‘The Polar Express’, 5:30 pm

The whole family will enjoy a free reading of The Polar Express book ahead of a screening of the popular animated movie. The event is sponsored by the  Spartanburg County Public Libraries  and totally free at Morgan Square. There will be free snacks, but attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

After a pause in 2020 due to COVID-19, Dickens of a Christmas returns to Downtown Spartanburg for the 27th time. The family-friendly event has something for everyone, with window performances dotting downtown businesses, along with live musicians and carolers performing in the streets. You can find festive foods, a Christmas market, kids’ activities and much more. And the festive night is topped off with the lighting of the Denny’s Plaza Christmas Tree at 7 pm.

Thursday, December 9: DIY Ugly Sweaters at the Spartanburg Art Museum, 6-8 pm

Are you looking for a fun night out? In need of an ugly sweater for your upcoming holiday party? SAM has got you covered! Join us as we kick off the holiday season with some festive cheer and spirits! In this night out event, you’ll create your own ugly sweater. Wine and cheese pairs perfectly with creativity. BYOS: Bring your own sweater, and we will provide the rest! 2D Studio classroom is located on the second floor of the Montgomery Building of the Chapman Cultural Center.

December 10th-12th: Ballet Spartanburg’s The Nutcracker

An annual classic, Ballet Spartanburg returns for its 56^th season this year with a collaborative set of performances with the Spartanburg Philharmonic. Follow Clara and the Nutcracker through Tchaikovsky’s most beloved Christmas musical score, with four performances at Converse University’s Twichell Auditorium, (580 East Main St.)

Saturday, December 11th: The North Pole at TCMU, 9am-3pm

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Spartanburg will have photos, holiday crafts and activities, and full museum access available as it transforms into the North Pole ahead of Christmas. Timed-entry tickets are required in advance.

Saturday, December 11 and 18: DIY Snow Globes at the Spartanburg Art Museum

Customize a snowglobe inside and out for yourself or as a gift for a friend! Due to the popularity of this workshop, no drop-in registrations will be accepted. Please register in advance. All materials and supplies included. All ages permitted. Register for Dec. 11 here. Register for Dec. 18 here.

Sunday, December 12th-23rd: Main Street Trolley Holiday Lights Tour, 8pm

The Main Street Trolley is back, with nightly guided tours through the decorated streets of Spartanburg’s neighborhoods. On-board the vintage trolley car, enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas music, and historic story-telling. Tours begin at the Train Depot, (298 Magnolia St,) with tickets required in advance.

Tuesday, December 14: Spartanburg Jaycees’ Christmas Parade, 6:30pm

The annual Jaycees’ Christmas Parade will cruise through downtown with the ever-popular floats and cars decorated to their holiday fullest.

Thursday, December 14-Jan. 1, 2022: Christmas Carousel presented by the Piedmont Interstate Fair Association

As part of the City of Spartanburg’s extended holiday programming, the Dreamland Amusements Grand Carousel will come to Morgan Square. Rides are free for all ages on the Grand Carousel’s 30 seats and two chariots, featuring horses, lions, pigs, sheep, deer and dragons. The entire carousel is accompanied by festive lights and music. Minimum height for riders is 3 feet. Riders between 3-4 feet tall must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursday, December 14: Delaney’s Christmas in a Pint Glass

This event is for craft beer fans looking to embrace the holiday spirit, literally. Delaney’s will highlight several high-gravity beers and host an ugly sweater party, with a special prize for the most festive ugly sweater.

Friday, December 17: Silent Disco with Connect and the Spartanburg Academic Movement, 5-9 PM

For the uninitiated, a silent disco features live DJs playing music that streams directly into individual sets of headphones. This City of Spartanburg event will have 1,000 pairs of headphones available for you to dance the December evening away.

Saturday, Dec. 18: Bizarre Bazaar: Holiday Edition, 2pm-6pm

Hosted at Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery, this family-friendly pop-up shop will include raffle prizes along with locally-made, hand-crafted goods. To kick things up a notch, expect karaoke to start at 7 pm.

Sunday, Dec. 19th: Holiday Drag Show, (Brunch & Cocktail Party)

Citizens & Southern Event Center’s popular Drag Shows are back in the historic building, (148 West Main St,) with a holiday double feature. Choose from brunch from 10:30am-2pm, or an evening Drag Show Cocktail & Charcuterie Party from 5pm-8pm. Each event will feature a cash bar, buffet food, and signature holiday cocktails and treats, with tickets available on both the ground and mezzanine levels.