The holidays are a time when family and friends come together to enjoy festive fun and good company. And when it comes to Christmas activities, Lake Hartwell has no shortage of holiday events for you to enjoy.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, we have created the Ultimate Christmas Bucket List for Lake Hartwell. Take a look at these merry activities and make a plan to cross them all off your bucket list!
Cheer Floats At A Christmas parade
First up on the list is hitting up a Christmas parade. With homemade floats, Christmas lights, and candy, these festive parades are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Lavonia Christmas Parade | Lavonia, Ga | December 4th at 3pm
Elberton Christmas Parade | Elberton, Ga | December 4th at 4pm
Anderson Christmas Parade | Anderson, SC | December 4th at 3pm
Clemson Christmas Parade | Clemson, SC | December 6th at 5pm
Hartwell Christmas Parade | Hartwell, Ga | December 11th at 4pm
Bowman Christmas Parade and Mistletoe Market | Bowman, GA | December 10 at 1pm
See Amazing Christmas Light Displays
Going to see Christmas lights is a pretty ubiquitous family tradition. And there are many places you can go around Lake Hartwell to take in a spectacular holiday light show. Don’t miss these amazing holiday light displays!
Hart Chamber "Festival of Lights" at Railroad Street Park | Hartwell, Ga | December 2 – January 7
Holiday Lights Safari | 2325 Hampton Road, Welford, SC | Fridays & Saturdays beginning November 18
Christmas At The Goff’s | 2035 Starr’s Bridge Road, Canon, Ga | Beginning November 25th
Anderson Christmas Lights | 150 Rose Hill Blvd, Anderson, SC | Thanksgiving – Christmas
Visit A Christmas Tree Farm
Whether you’re a fan of live Christmas trees or not, visiting a tree farm should definitely be on your Christmas bucket list. Even if you’re not going to pull a Clark Griswold, you can bring home some wreaths and other festive home decor. Take the opportunity to get some family photos as well!
Callaway Christmas Trees | Hartwell, GA | Opens November 25th
Beck’s Christmas Tree Farm | Bowersville, GA | Opens November 20
Merry Christmas Tree Farm | Central, SC | Opens November 25th
Friendship Valley Christmas Tree Farm | Seneca, SC | Opens November 25th
Go To A Tree Lighting
One of the most spectacular sights at Christmas-time is to witness the lighting of a gigantic Christmas tree. While we can’t compete with the tree at Rocketfeller, you can still enjoy the beauty and festivities of a tree lighting at some of our local towns.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa’s Village | Hartwell, GA | November 21
Tree Lighting On The Square | Pendleton, SC | November 29
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gazebo | Lavonia, GA | November 29 @ 5 pm
Christmas Fest | Toccoa, GA | December 2
Visit Santa or the Grinch
Young and old alike are delighted to speak to the man with the bag! Take the kids to one of these events with Santa and make some memories!
Christmas Festival | Lavonia, GA | November 29
HYDRA's Grinch Brunch | Hartwell, GA | December 3rd at 10 am
Breakfast with Santa at Sweet Combs of Honey | Lavonia, GA | November 26 9 - 4
See a show
You might be surprised to find out that there are plenty of Christmas-y shows happening around Lake Hartwell this time of year. From Christmas plays to the classic Nutcracker ballet, don’t miss these holiday shows near Lake Hartwell.
"The Night Before the Night Before!" | Hart Community Theater | Hartwell, GA | December 23rd
Christmas in Lavonia - Country Style | Lavonia, SC | December 9-11
"White Christmas, the Musical" | Elberton, GA | December 2-4 and 9-11
Go caroling
It’s not as commonly done as it used to be, but it is always a fun time. Gather with friends and family for some good old fashioned carol singing. Hopefully, you’ll even get some figgy pudding out of the deal! If you’re not sure your neighbors will welcome your vocal stylings, here are some Christmas activities that include caroling.
Toccoa Christmas Fest | Toccoa, Ga | December 2
Hart County Community Choir | Railroad Street Park | Hartwell, GA | December 9
Caroling at Victoria Bryant State Park | Royston, GA | December 10 from 1-4 pm
Play in the snow
Okay, we know what you’re thinking, Lake Hartwell doesn’t get a lot of snow! It’s true, but did you know that you can still go sledding and ice skating not too far from the lake? Here are some snow and ice rinks near the lake.
Ice On Main | Seasonal outdoor ice skating in downtown Greenville | Greenville, Sc | November 12 – January 17
Athens On Ice | Indoor ice skating at the Classic Center | Athens, Ga | Opens November 2
Go Shopping
When you’re looking for Christmas gifts, make sure to support local businesses around Lake Hartwell. There are plenty of towns with unique and wonderful shops around the lake. For stores near you, visit the links below.
Have you crossed any of these off your Christmas Bucket List?
If you’ve been to one of these events or something else near the lake, we’d love to hear about it. Share your experience in the comments below!
