ChristmasVille is an annual holiday festival held in the heart of Rock Hill, South Carolina, that celebrates the joy and magic of the holiday season.
In celebration of Rock Hill’s adopted son, Vernon Grant—children’s illustrator and artist of the famed Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies’ Snap!® Crackle!® Pop!®—Old Town Rock Hill comes alive each winter with their charming, picturesque holiday village and outdoor art festival.
Festive activities include live performances, art exhibitions, imaginative play, amusement rides and inflatables. Plus a vendor market, kid-friendly crafts, storytimes, street entertainment, enchanting decorations, and delicious treats.
ChristmasVille USA
ChristmasVille is a 4-day festival, with Santa’s Arrival on Thursday, November 30th, and his departure on Sunday, December 3rd. Throughout the month of December, horse and carriage rides take place each Friday and Saturday! There are numerous decorated paths including the beautiful display at Fountain Park, and the neighboring ice rink coordinated by the City of Rock Hill. A full list of ChristmasVille-coordinated events can be found at christmasvillerockhill.com/events.
It’s a family-friendly festivity, but you don’t have to have a kid in tow to enjoy the festivities! The horse and carriage rides, gingerbread contest display, scavenger hunts, tasty treats and vendor market gifts, bourbon and scotch tasting, wine pairing, and more is for all!
The first ChristmasVille occurred in 2006. It stems from collaborative roots steered by the City of Rock Hill and their Economic & Urban Development Department as well as Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism. the intention was to draw people into Old Town to support the businesses and growth within downtown Rock Hill. Shortly after its creation, ChristmasVille Rock Hill became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with an emphasis on the arts. A volunteer-led board and dedicated team leaders coordinate the events and fundraising.
Today, the city continues to support ChristmasVille with their immeasurable services. But, the Festival is operating a bit more independently these days with a newly hired Executive Director. The City of Rock Hill and its Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department coordinates several spectacular additions to ChristmasVille, including a nighttime Christmas parade and an outdoor ice rink that is open into the new year.
2023 May Be The Best Year Yet
Each year, the Festival Chair selects a theme. This year’s is “everyone BELONGS,” regardless of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or background. No matter where you are from, visiting or a life-long resident, YOU BELONG at ChristmasVille! Free trolley transportation will be provided along the “Merry Mile” to help festival-goers explore.
With over 50 events and activities, there is plenty of fun to choose from. For something new, the organizers introduced a musical event called “Jazzy Jingles & Soulful Sounds – a Rhythmic Christmas.”
Events & Options at ChristmasVille Rock Hill SC
To cater to different preferences, there are two different ticket options for the December 3rd events. For those looking for an evening filled with soulful melodies and delectable cuisine, the Wine & Dine experience is a sumptuous full-course meal, complemented by a beverage of your choice. Following a brief intermission, Wine & Dine ticket holders will enjoy a second set of live jazz and soulful sounds. This is when General Admission ticket holders can join the festivities. For those joining during the second set of the evening, there will be a selection of handheld favorites and access to the cash bar, where you can sip on your favorite libations while grooving to soulful sounds. This event is exclusively for adults 21+.
The majority of the festival is free thanks to the 100 community-minded sponsors. All of the Santa’s Main Street Workshop stations are free, in addition to a movie under the twinkling lights. Contests and tournaments, horse and carriage rides, and the more adult-focused events do require a ticket. Those can be purchased at ChristmasVille – Eventeny or by checking out the event pages on christmasvillerockhill.com.
Be sure to follow facebook.com/ChristmasVille for the latest event-related information and make your plans for your most festive December yet at ChristmasVille in Rock Hill SC!
