Things to Do in Downtown Spartanburg at Christmas Time

Wondering what there is to do for Christmas in Spartanburg, SC? Spartanburg mom Jennifer has a family-friendly Christmas itinerary for Downtown Spartanburg. Read on to discover places to shop, eat, and play in Downtown Spartanburg this holiday season. 

The small-town charm of Spartanburg is best felt at Christmas. Downtown Spartanburg comes to life with twinkling lights and festive Christmas décor. If you are looking for ways to spend your time when the kids are out of school or to entertain out-of-town guests, look no further than a trip downtown.

Holiday Shopping in Spartanburg

Shop at Imagination Station

My family loves the local toy store Imagination Station. It is full of unique toys and gadgets, and the owners are delightful. I love taking the kids to toy stores before Christmas because it gives me a better idea of what things they actually want (versus what they think they want). This toy store has plenty of toys they can test out. Plus, toy stores just seem to make everyone act like a kid.

There are lots more places to shop in downtown Spartanburg. Check out this list of places to Shop Local in Spartanburg, SC.

Holiday Treats to Enjoy

Enjoy Hot Chocolate

Little River Coffee Bar

Warm up with a holiday beverage (peppermint hot chocolate for the kids and peppermint mocha for mom and dad) at Little River Coffee Bar. The coffee shop is located in the old Masonic Temple building. There is indoor and outdoor seating that is perfect for people-watching on busy holiday weekends.

Spill the Beans

On Main Street in Spartanburg, right across the street from the Play on Main at Denny’s Plaza playground, you’ll find Spill the Beans. Their menu offers delicious hot chocolate and various coffee beverages, as well as ice cream, cookies, and lots of other baked treats. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating.

Check out our Guide to Hot Chocolate in Spartanburg for more ways to enjoy a cup of warm goodness during the holidays.

Holiday Ice Cream? Yes, that’s a thing.

Hub City Scoops

Get some peppermint ice cream to celebrate the season. You’ll find this flavor, and many others, at Hub City Scoops on Main Street in Downtown Spartanburg.

Take a Break and Play

The Play on Main at Denny’s Plaza is a unique playground right in Downtown Spartanburg. Kids love the unique climbing structures, and parents love the fence surrounding the playground and the solid surface rubber ground that covers the playspace. So, after you’ve filled up your kids with the sugar in that hot chocolate, let them run it off at the playground.

Main Street Trolley Holiday Lights Tour

If you decide to take the family downtown, I suggest adding the Main Street Trolley Holiday Lights Tour to your itinerary. It begins at the Magnolia Train Depot in downtown Spartanburg. Your family will get to ride along, listen to Christmas carols, and see the local Christmas lights.

Not to Miss Holiday Events in Spartanburg

Dickens of a Christmas and the Spartanburg Christmas Parade are Downtown Spartanburg’s popular Christmas-time events. They are a fabulous way to enjoy and celebrate the season with the city. But, if you’re planning a visit downtown and would rather avoid the crowds, you’ll want to avoid these two events.

Dickens of a Christmas- (December 5th, 2023 from 6 to 9 pm) Victorian-style Christmas celebration throughout Downtown Spartanburg. Enjoy live music, vendors, tree lighting, horse and carriage rides, living window displays, and more.

Spartanburg Christmas Parade (December 12th, 2023 at 6:30 pm)

Chapman Cultural Center During the Holidays

Spartanburg’s Chapman Cultural Center offers holiday-themed events throughout the season including youth theater performances and a holiday artisan market.

A Dickens of a Christmas: Spartanburg’s Christmas Celebration is Back in 2023!