Rock Hill, South Carolina, Transforms Into ChristmasVille Every Winter

Rock Hill, South Carolina, takes Christmas so seriously, that for four days during the holiday season, it changes its name to ChristmasVille. Right after Thanksgiving, this historic city becomes a winter wonderland complete with all the festive trimmings required to kick the holiday season off right. ChristmasVille is inspired by the whimsical illustrations of Rock Hill native Vernon Grant, who, among other things, is credited with the creation of Kellogg's Rice Krispies Snap! Crackle! and Pop! characters. See why this enchanted town is the place to kick off the holiday season.

Welcome the Big Guy to Town

Every year since 2006, ChristmasVille has come alive with the help of nearly 300 volunteers to transform the city's "Old Town" into an enchanting storybook village with nearly 70 events for kids big and small. The festival kicks off with—what else?—the arrival of Santa at the opening ceremony.

Celebrate with the Coziest Christmas Activities

This band of Santa's helpers ensures that the weekend is packed with all your favorite cozy Christmas activities. Admiring the cute cookie cottages at the gingerbread house competition, skating on Main Street's ice rink, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, gazing at more Christmas lights than you can count, and even walking through falling snow.

Fast-Track Your Letter to Santa

ChristmasVille's Head Gnome (his name is Grant) even sets up an official red and white mailbox exclusively for letters to Santa. More activities that are especially for kids include craft workshops, scavenger hunts, rides, and inflatables.

Enjoy Holiday Entertainment All Weekend

Carolers, bands, a performance of A Christmas Carol, outdoor movie screenings, and even strolling ukulele players keep everything festive. (Better start planning your Christmas karaoke song.) And don't leave ChristmasVille early—the weekend is topped off by a fireworks show.

Discover Unique Christmas Gifts

Shop for unique hand-crafted items at the ChristmasVille Gift Market, and while you're in town, be sure to explore downtown's other eclectic boutiques like Overhead Station, The Mercantile, and Southern Fried Chics.

Find More to ChristmasVille Than Christmas

Explore Local Sites

While you're in ChristmasVille aka Rock Hill, be sure to visit its special places like The White Home, the historic house (you'll love the charming porches) of the founder of Rock Hill. The Museum of York County is great for the whole family with its Settlemyre Planetarium and hands-on Naturalist Center. Stroll the footbridges and trails at Glencairn Garden where even in winter you’ll find camellias and winter honeysuckle on display.

Grab a Bite

Satisfy your hunger along Main Street at Ay Papi Tacos and Tequila, a Mexican-fusion restaurant featuring a from-scratch menu with specials like chipotle-glazed pork belly street tacos. Step out of the cold and grab a wood-fired pizza and a pint at Millstone Pizza and Taphouse while enjoying live music on Fridays. End the weekend with a meal at Kounter, housed in a former five-and-dime that was the site of Civil Rights Movement sit-ins. On the menu, you’ll find fun farm-to-table dishes like the Cubano Breakfast Bowl for brunch and Spaghetti o’s and Meatballs for dinner.