Twinkling lights and gingerbread houses, visits with Santa, the scent of a freshly cut fir and maybe — just maybe — a light dusting of snow. The holiday season is certainly special both in and around The Cliffs communities. To help you make the most of this most wonderful time of year, we’ve put together a list of some of the top ‘Holiday Happenings’ in our communities and great nearby cities.
Candlelight Evenings at the Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate – Asheville, NC
November 3, 2017 – January 6, 2018
Biltmore House greets you with the soft glow of luminaries and holiday lights on a towering Norway spruce. Inside, thousands of ornaments on dozens of Christmas trees reflect the flicker of candlelight, firelight and twinkle lights.
Winter Lights
North Carolina Arboretum – Asheville, NC
November 17 – December 31, 2017
Experience Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through a winter wonderland and enjoy uniquely-lit displays and landscapes composed of nearly 500,000 energy-efficient LED lights while listening to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoying a cup of cocoa, cider or beer.
National Gingerbread House Competition & Display
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa – Asheville, NC
November 26, 2017 – January 4, 2018
Enjoy the amazing gingerbread creations at the 25th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Except for the base, the extravagant entries are constructed entirely of edible materials. You won’t believe your eyes!
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards Clubhouse
Tuesday, November 28
The first lighting of the Christmas tree is always a special moment. Chef Francis has a special Holiday Southern Comfort Dinner Spread planned, including beef short rib pot roast, smoked bacon and caramelized onion mac and cheese casserole, carved smoked turkey breast and chocolate cake with peppermint ice cream.
Wintry Wreath Making
South Carolina Botanical Garden – Clemson, SC
Friday, December 1
While sipping on cider and cocoa, learn about evergreens and conifers and the interesting history of using them in winter decorations in this fun and educational class at the SC Botanical Garden. Bring home a lovely, fragrant evergreen wreath to decorate your home, or give it as a gift this holiday season.
Holiday Open House and Ugly Sweater Competition
The Cliffs at Mountain Park Cabin
Tuesday, December 5
Don your best Ugly Christmas Sweater for the chance to win bragging rights, a bottle of wine and the Ugly Christmas Sweater trophy! Test your cookie decorating skills against friends and neighbors in the cookie decorating competition while enjoying live music and hors d’oeuvres.
The Cliffs Valley Holiday Celebration
The Cliffs Valley Clubhouse
Saturday, December 9
Bring the whole family for music, a visit with Santa and hors d’oeuvres, then shop the Valley Golf Shop’s Annual Candy Cane Sale!
Christmas Gala
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove Tavern
December 9
Chef Bill Klein has pulled out all the stops in planning this festive Christmas dinner. The menu planned for this special celebration includes mushroom minestrone, poached shrimp with green apple aioli, filet oscar with fingerling potatoes and gingerbread cake with sweet potato ice cream and chocolate anglaise.
The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville
The Peace Center – Greenville, SC
December 22-23
A European-inspired production that brings all of Clara’s adventures and excitement home to Greenville. Watch while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience.
Jingle Bell Rock Dance Fitness Class
The Cliffs at Keowee Springs Wellness Center
Saturday, December 23
Join Keowee Springs Wellness Manager Marla Deitz for an energetic dance class that will leave you smiling and sweating — the perfect way to burn off the calories of those holiday indulgences!
Flapjacks & Flannel Pancake Breakfast
The Cliffs at Glassy Grille
Sunday, December 24
Don we now our plaid apparel! Enjoy a festive holiday breakfast, including build-your-own flapjacks, sausage and bacon (of course), as well as items for the brunch-inclined, including roasted tomato basil bisque and a classic muffaletta sandwich.
Keowee Falls Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls Clubhouse
Sunday, December 31
Enjoy live music, dancing, balloon drop, dinner and dessert stations, and of course, a midnight champagne toast to bring in 2018.
