Christmas in Anderson
Discover Downtown Magic in Anderson this holiday season! Stroll through Downtown Anderson and take in the glow of more than 100,000 Christmas lights twinkling along Main Street—now stretching all the way to Linley Park! It’s the kind of small-town sparkle that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. While you’re here, shop small and find the perfect gifts from our local businesses, then enjoy the sounds of the season with carolers popping up around downtown every Thursday and Friday from 5–7 PM throughout December. Don’t forget to stop by Carolina Wren Park for a festive Christmas photo op. Snap a picture with family and friends and tag us @DowntownAnderson to share your holiday cheer!
Ice in the Park
Celebrate the holiday season with Ice in the Park, a real ice skating rink in the heart of Downtown. It’s the perfect spot for festive family fun, date nights, and making joyful winter memories right here in Downtown Anderson.
Location: Carolina Wren Park – 111 E. Whitner St. Anderson, SC 29624
Hours of Operation
DECEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 21
Monday – Friday: 5 – 9 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Sunday: 2 – 6 pm
DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 4
Monday – Friday: 1 – 9 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Sunday: 2 – 6 pm
**Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Pricing
Ages 6 and up: $5.00 per person*
Ages 5 and under: Free
*Price includes skate rental and skate aid, if needed.
City of Anderson Christmas Events
Tree Lighting & Ice Skating Performance
Join us for the annual Anderson County Tree Lighting at the Courthouse Plaza (100 S Main St. Anderson, SC 29621) on Friday, December 5th at 6:00 pm. Following the Tree Lighting, head over to Carolina Wren Park to see a performance by professional figure skater Olivia Pellerin on our real ice skating rink at 7:30 pm.
Free Santa Night in the Park
Join us on Saturday, Dec. 13th from 5-7pm in Carolina Wren Park for FREE photos with Santa Claus, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and Buddy the Elf! It’s first come, first serve—so bring your family and get ready to capture some holiday magic. Bring your own camera as a photographer will not be included. Petrichor Coffee will also be on site selling coffee and hot chocolate.
*You are responsible for taking your own photos with Santa. No photographer is provided.
City of Anderson Christmas Parade
Ring in the holiday season at one of Anderson’s most beloved traditions—the City of Anderson Christmas Parade! Join us on Sunday, December 7th at 3 pm on Main Street as more than 100 groups light up downtown with festive floats, marching bands, dancers, local organizations, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself. This event is free and open to the public.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications for the 2025 Christmas Parade are CLOSED. The application for the 2026 parade will open on August 1, 2026.
Holiday Window Display Contest
Downtown Anderson is bursting with holiday spirit! Be sure to bundle up, explore downtown, and admire the festive storefronts created by our local businesses for our Annual Holiday Window Display Contest, presented in partnership with the Anderson Arts Center! Take a walk through downtown, enjoy the displays, and vote for your favorite! Every window tells a story, and your vote helps crown this year’s winner!
Parking Downtown
