Things To Do in Florence for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and as much as we would like to maintain some sense of normalcy, the reality is we have to modify and adjust. But, what can we do? Glad you asked. Here are a few family friendly activities happening in and around our city.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. The events listed are to give families an easy to find location for a variety of activities. While many businesses and events are taking Covid-19 precautions, you are responsible for the safety and care of your family. We do not endorse any of the options as completely risk-free.

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Photos

Visit Magnolia Mall's Santa in the Best Buy court. Reservations are required to take a photo with Santa. Check out shopmagnoliamall.com for price list, Santa hours, social distancing and other safety guidelines.

Covid Precautions: Visit Santa from the comfort of your home; book a virtual visit with Santa. For reservation, call 1-866-980-8693 and select option 1.

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Light Displays

Lights 4 Paws

Take a walk down a 1/4 mile winding trail of holiday lights on 3251 Mears Drive Florence, SC 29501 and benefit the animals of the Florence Area Humane Society. My family & I have been twice in the years past and we loved it. Admission is by donation (whatever you are able to donate is welcomed). Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcomed too!

Covid Precautions: Masks are required & social distancing must be observed. No hot cocoa, cookies or Santa is this year. Information obtained from www.visitflo.com

Downtown Music and Light Experience

Every evening beginning on the first Friday in December, enjoy a holiday light and music spectacular on S. Dargan Street. My family and I walked through last year and it was a fun way to end the evening of light tours. There's even an area to take photos. Admission is free. The show runs through December 31 beginning at 5:30 p.m. nightly and ending at 10:00 p.m.

There are a few drive-thru locations. I'm compiling a list. Check back for details.

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Don't feel comfortable going out? Many local businesses are offering DIY kits. Painting, crafts, cookies, ornament decorating. The ideas are endless. Here are a few:

1. Addie's Baby Paint & Sip Studio has pre-sketched canvas bundles

2. Hobby Lobby has DIY ornament kits

3. Florence County Museum Family Day Gingerbread House Decorating Kit (Dec.11th & Dec. 12th) Visit www.flocomuseum.org for details

4. Twisted Roots Bakery has DIY cookie kits

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Ice Skating

Florence Center

Florence, SC

Ice Skating is Back! Only $10 for tickets (include skates). My first time of the ice rink I stayed very close to the wall. I couldn't get my ankles to agree that we signed up for this. Finally, your girl made it one whole trip around the rink. This is one cool way to create holiday memories. Visit www.florencecenter.com for the hours of operation.

Covid Precautions: Hand sanitizer stations will be available and mask are required. Limited capacity- first come, first serve.

Magic on Main Street, South Carolina

Downtown Christmas Magic

Florence, SC

Kick start the holiday season with Downtown Florence on the first Friday in December from 6-9pm. Admission is FREE. Celebrate the holiday season with free hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting (supplies are limited), live entertainment, ugly sweater competition, holiday crafts and games, a meet and greet with Santa Claus and so much more.

Christmas on Carolina

Downtown Hartsville, SC

The annual Hartsville Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 3:00 p.m. Stop by the Hartsville Museum for a free photo opportunity and Meet & Greet with jolly Ole St. Nick, before he makes his parade appearance.

Each Thursday from December 5th-19th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Camden Carriage Company will be conducting carriage rides around downtown. These 25-minute carriage rides will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They will pick up riders on East College Avenue, Main Street Hartsville. Businesses will stay open late for shoppers to enjoy extended shopping hours during the busy holiday season. For more information check out hartsvillefortheholidays.com.

Christmas on Main

Lamar, SC

Visit the town of Lamar on December 5th from 2-5pm for pictures with Santa, Story time with Mrs. Claus, Hot Cocoa Bar, S'mores, Christmas Parade at Dusk, and so much more. This is a non-profit event. All proceeds will be used to purchase and maintain Lamar's Christmas decoration. Visit lamarsc.org for more details.

Hometown Holidays

Lake City, SC

Experience the magic of Lake City as the historic city is turned into a Winter Wonderland. There will also be FREE Ice Skating. Join the annual "Hometown Holidays on Ice" December 4th - 6th, 2020 at the Bean Market. To participate in the ice skating, pre-register for your desired time slot at visitlakecitysc.com

Tree Lighting Celebration & Parade

Marion, SC

Join Marion as they light the streets for the holidays. The Christmas parade will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 4:30 pm. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6:00 pm and immediately afterwards, will be fireworks at Withlacoochee Park. Who doesn't love fireworks?! Call the Chamber office for information and details at (843) 423-3561.