Arts and Events: Christmas Vacation

Pelzer Light People

Drive into downtown Pelzer during the weeks before Christmas and follow the line of cars to Louise Watson’s house, where you’ll find holiday lights not only adorning the eaves and trees but the residents, as well—sometimes as many as twenty at a time. What started in the early 1990s by the now 84-year-old Watson, has grown beyond the block. Not only do neighborhood residents dress up, but church groups and families come out to wear the lights—there are even a few extra costumes so you can bring a camera and have your photo taken as a decoration shining in the night.

December 11–24, nightly, beginning at 7pm. 19 Adger Street, Pelzer.
Free, donations accepted. (864) 947-2683

Anderson Lights of Hope

It takes twenty-six days to erect this holiday light display on the shores of Lake Hartwell that raises money to benefit children’s charities in Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, and Hart counties. Families can even sponsor a display—starting at $25. Don’t forget to exit the vehicle and partake of annual traditions: photos with Santa, roasting marshmallows at the fireside, and quaffing hot chocolate.

November 26–December 25, 5:30-10pm. Darwin Wright Park, Anderson. $5 per car, free with donation of five canned goods, a new toy, or new blanket. www.andersonlightsofhope.org

Hollywild

Looking to take a walk on the wild side this holiday season? Check out Hollywild Animal Park’s Holiday Lights Safari Benefit and visit their Enchanted Deer Forest to pet and feed hundreds of roaming animals. Take a drive through nearly a hundred acres of winter wonderland decorated with lights and festive flair. This event is sure to fill just about anyone with holiday spirit. And the wild safari animals may add that much-needed quirk to your holiday season.

November 17–January 2, nightly 6-9pm, with extended hours on weekends. 2325 Hampton Rd., Wellford. $5 per person.
(864) 472-2038, www.hollywild.com

Piazza Bergamo Holiday Village

In the heart of downtown Greenville, the Piazza Bergamo is transformed into a Euro-style marketplace, complete with snow-covered peaks, food vendors, and falling snow. Take a spin on the carousel, and enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine in this winter wonderland. Proceeds benefit the St. Francis Foundation.

December 5, 11–12, 18–19, Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday, 2-8pm.
Piazza Bergamo, Coffee and Main streets, Greenville. Free.
(864) 255-1040, www.stfrancisfoundation.com/events

Tiny Town

This diminutive village of thirty buildings, including a church, McDonald’s, and fire station, twinkles with hundreds of lights beginning at Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s. Originally constructed in 1974 and lit in 1977 by Perry Jennings, Tiny Town also includes a full-sized house constructed as a place for visitors to sip coffee brewed on a wood-fired stove and view Ollie Jennings’s doll and Christmas tchotchke collection. The house now includes a memorial to Perry and Ollie. So head out to Easley for a Tiny Town tour and don’t forget to toss a donation into the wishing well to keep the lights on.

November 26–January 1, nightly 5:30-10pm.
555 Latham Road, Easley. Free, donations accepted.
(864) 859-7335 or (864) 905-7798