Anderson County Christmas calendar full of parades, lights, skating. What to know

Anderson County is decked out with wreaths, colorful lighting and displays to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

If residents need more incentive to get in the holiday mood, they can go ice skating or attend a parade or a tree-lighting ceremony. Most towns have scheduled their events and have information posted.

A strong downpour is forecast for this weekend. Christmas events have been canceled due to the weather.

Roads are expected to be slippery and hazardous. Residents are advised to stay indoors and stay safe.

Here are some of the events. Residents may continue to check back for updates and cancellations.

Santa Claus will appear at Anderson Christmas Parade

Anderson County Christmas parade will still be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. The parade begins on South Main Street and will feature marching bands, floats, and Santa Claus.

Anderson Lights of Hope will bring Christmas to life

Organizers have miles of Christmas lights at Anderson's Lights of Hope at 150 Rose Valley Blvd. The event honors the program's 30 years of holding the light display.

The Anderson Christmas Lights are open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and runs through Christmas Day on Dec. 25. The ticket price is $10 per car.

Due to heavy rains predicted for the upstate region, the Anderson Christmas Lights showcase is TBD for Saturday, Dec. 2.

The program's purpose is to serve as an advocate for the disadvantaged and provide training and education for individuals to further their careers, according to the Anderson Lights of Hope website.

Visit the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and animals at Ballyhoo Petting Zoo

The Ballyhoo Petting Zoo will host its Ballywho-ville Christmas extravaganza. Hours are 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at 849 Norris Road, Anderson.

Visitors can have warm cocoa, meet the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and cuddle baby animals. They can also take photos with the Grinch from noon to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.

The Christmas tree lighting will start at 6 p.m.

Carolers and music highlight Christmas holiday in Iva

Iva will host a Christmas tree lighting, carolers and concerts during its holiday programs.

A Holiday Drop-in is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8 at Town Hall, 204 E. Jackson St.

Iva City Cemetery Candlelight Remembrance Service is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The cemetery glows with candles in memory of family and friends who have died.

Get more holiday spirit by stopping by the Town Hall to listen to Christmas carols and sip on cider at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec.14.

The highlight is the annual Christmas parade beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 on E. Front Street and traveling to E. Jackson Street in Iva.

It's Christmas time in Pendleton

Pendleton will host traditional Christmas carols, ice skating, and tree-lighting ceremonies.

The 4th annual Christmas Market runs from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and goes through Saturday, Dec 16 on the Village Green, 310 Greenville St.

The market will feature shopping, Christmas lights, mulled wine and apple cider, seasonal beer, holiday treats and new food vendors.

A tree Lighting is still scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 in downtown Pendleton, and the Christmas Parade is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10.

Get into a jolly mood at holiday events in Belton

The Belton Christmas Parade is still scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 and features marching bands, floats, and holiday decorations.

The parade is followed by the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Historic Belton Depot located at 100 N. Main St.

Chamber Christmas Cookie Crawl scheduled in Anderson

Anderson Chamber of Commerce will host its third annual Christmas Cookie Crawl on Friday, Dec. 1 in downtown.

The Cookie Crawl event will take place before the Christmas tree lighting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The event is free and a way to support local businesses. Local businesses participating in the cookie crawl event will give treats to children ages 12 and under.

Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their holiday best. All participants will receive a goodie bag.

Western Carolina Sailing Club Parade of Lights

Western Carolina Sailing Club will host its annual Parade of Lights at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec.1 and Saturday, Dec. 2 at Green Pond Landing, 470 Green Pond Road. The parade will continue as scheduled.

WCSC volunteers will collect donations for Toys for Tots. Toys must be new and wrapped. Canned goods will also be collected for the food pantry and bank.

Timms Mill Christmas

In Pendleton, David and Lisa Wortham invite visitors to Timms Mill, located at 150 Timms Mill Road, on Saturday, Dec. 2. from noon to 5 p.m. The event will go on despite the weather.

Visitors can sample hot cider and grits.

There will also be cotton ginning and blacksmith demonstrations.

The Bluegrass Band and Tugalo Holler will perform from 1 to 4 p.m.

Piedmont Natural Gas will hold a holiday walk, tree lighting

Piedmont Natural Gas Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting located at 100 S. Main St. has been rescheduled, a new date is to be determined.

Residents in Anderson can see Santa Claus on the square outside the Anderson County Courthouse when a new date is set.

Attendees can also receive temporary tattoos, candy canes and more.

Residents can continue to check back for updates.

Feel like a kid again skating at Carolina Wren Park

County Bank will host ice skating through Dec. 31 at Carolina Wren Park, 111 E. Whitner St., Anderson.

The fee is $5 for ages 7 and up and free for ages 6 and under.

Countybank Holiday Ice is canceled for Friday, Dec 1. and Saturday, Dec. 2.

The rink will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.

Check out some cool items at Frosty Fest

Frosty Fest December Market is from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Anderson Mall at 3131 N. Main St.

Holiday vendors will sell their items at a holiday fair at the Anderson Mall and Santa arrives at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2.

Have we missed any upcoming Christmas events in Anderson County? If so, please email me at trose1@gannett.com and let me know. Be sure to check back for updates during the Christmas holiday.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Tree lightings, parades, skating bring in Christmas time in Anderson