The most wonderful time of the year is here—and there’s no better place to unwrap the holiday cheer than South Carolina’s Pee Dee Country!
Our region’s charming small towns are rolling out the red carpet in preparation of St. Nick’s arrival. We’ll be lighting up the map with glittering light displays, festive parades, awe-inspiring fireworks, joyful carriage rides, and more.
The holiday merriment begins on the first Friday in December. Take a look at the stocking full of fun things to do and see on your holiday retreat in the Pee Dee.
Experience the Christmas Magic in Florence
Downtown Florence will come alive with the city’s fun-filled Christmas Magic event on Friday, December 6, starting at 5:30pm. Grab a cozy cup of hot chocolate and some roasted marshmallows and head over to S. Dargan Street for the annual holiday light and music spectacular! The theme changes each year, so every experience is unique!
If you can’t make it on Friday, don’t worry—the show runs through December 31, from 5:30-10:00pm every night.
Photo credit: Downtown Florence Facebook Page
After the show, stroll the decorated downtown area to check out local shops all gussied up for the holidays and shop their curated selections of gifts. You’ll see a variety of Christmas critters placed throughout the historic district for fun photo ops while you shop downtown for the holidays.
Of course, there’s fun reserved just for the kiddos in your crew. They’re sure to have a ball making holiday crafts, playing Christmas games, and hanging out with Santa himself!
Shop at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market
Get a good night’s sleep and make your way the next morning to Lucas Street to attend the Pee Dee State Farmers Market’s fourth annual Christmas Market from 10am to 5pm.
Photo credit: Pee Dee State Farmers Market Facebook Page
Take your time shopping the handmade goods from local arts and craft vendors, get photos with Santa (10am-noon), and shop the large selection of Christmas trees. When lunch time rolls around, hit up the food trucks on site for savory meals and sweet treats.
Head to the Hometown Holidays Festival in Lake City
Nearby, all of Lake City will be rockin’ around the Christmas tree and kicking off their three-day Christmas event, the Hometown Holidays Festival, taking place December 6th through 8th.
Photo credit: Visit Lake City SC Facebook Page
They’ll be starting the festivities early with a Christmas brunch, followed by a range of activities and events (more than 40!)—from wine strolls, photo booths, and art exhibitions, to holiday markets, live music shows, countless children’s activities, and so much more.
Signature events of the weekend include:
- The After Dark Christmas Parade — December 6 at 6pm on Main Street
- The Tree Lighting Ceremony — December 6 at 6:45pm at the East Main Green
- The Holiday Market — December 7 from 10am-3pm at The Bean Market
- FREE Professional Holiday Photos — December 8 from 1-4pm at NDC Photography
- Plein Air Artists — December 7 from 10am-5pm + December 8 from 1-5pm, downtown
See the full schedule of events here.
Discover Dazzling Christmas Festivals Darlington County
Downtown Darlington will be kicking off their inaugural Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 7. The event starts at 1pm with holiday shopping at the Sleighbell Market on the Square and The Market on Pearl. Local artists and more vendors will be set up on Liberty Lane and on the Public Square.
Shortly after, the annual Christmas Parade will begin at 2:15, so leave time while shopping to get a warm holiday drink and treat and find a place along the streets to watch the procession.
Stick around for the Silver Bells on the Square event at 4pm to shop more vendors, take photos with Santa in his sleigh, and listen to carolers.
Photo credit: City of Darlington SC Government Facebook Page
Before you head back to your cozy Pee Dee vacation rental, make your way to Wells Park to see the landscape all aglow with more than 2,000 sparkly lights and a colorful array of holiday decorations.
Heart of the Holidays Christmas Parade in Hartsville
A short, 20-minute drive away, Hartsville will be bustling as residents and visitors gather along the decorated downtown streets to watch the Heart of the Holidays Christmas Parade at 5:30pm. Local food trucks will be on site offering delicious holiday fare and seasonal libations, so come hungry!
Photo credit: VisitHartsvillesc Facebook Page
Keep the Holiday Fun Going
Jubilant festivals and joyful parades aren’t the only festive happenings taking place in the Pee Dee.
If you’re looking for some classic winter fun, you’re in luck! Hit the ice and skate to your heart’s content at the Florence Center. The rink will be up and running from December 6th through the 15th. Check with the center for times.
Revel in another timeless tradition—holiday carriage rides—in downtown Marion from 5-7pm on December 5th, 12th, and 19th. Rides begin at the Main Street Commons.
Of course, holiday shopping is an event in itself. The Pee Dee is brimming with locally owned shops—from chic boutiques, treasure-filled antique shops, and artisan workshops to outdoor outfitters, country stores, and more—as well as a variety of national retailers. You’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Ready to celebrate the magic of the holiday season in the Pee Dee? Visit our website today to start planning your Christmas visit.
