Local Events + Happenings

Dickens of a Christmas

Tuesday, November 27 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Downtown Spartanburg

Dickens Street Closures

Dickens of a Christmas, a community tradition that signals the start of the Christmas season, will be on Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Spartanburg. The event is traditionally held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. 

All activities, most of which are free, are centered along Main Street. Starting with horse-drawn carriage rides around Richardson Park, there is a progression of family activities — from living windows and chestnuts roasted over an open fire, to strolling carolers singing old standbys, food vendors and Santa Claus in Morgan Square. A new attraction this year will be Charles Dickens and Scrooge strolling through town. 

The highlight of the evening is always the lighting of Spartanburg’s official Christmas tree at 7:30 p.m. The tree lighting event is hosted by longtime local talk-radio personality Bill Drake, with entertainment provided by The Spartanburg Community Band.

Other attractions this year include: 

• A Lionel steam locomotive model train  donated by the Hub City Railroad Museum.

• For the first time, ice skating on Morgan Square. 

• Letters to Santa, sponsored by Upstate Parent Magazine, will be inside Carolina Cash. Children can come in and write to Santa (with the help of a few elves). There is a real mailbox to drop letters in, and Santa will write back via the U.S. Postal Service.

•  Families can have Victorian group photos can be taken in the storefront space of the former Sandwich Factory. Victorian clothing will be provided.

This year’s sponsors include the City of Spartanburg, the Herald-Journal, MY 102.5 FM, Denny’s and Lowe’s of Spartanburg. 

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29.  

For more information, please contact Jane Warner at (864) 596-2976.

 Dickens 2012 Map

Download the flyer!