Rock Hill SC, December 6, 2025
Rock Hill, South Carolina, is celebrating the holiday season with its independent ChristmasVille festival. This nonprofit organization showcases community resilience by offering a vibrant holiday experience with nearly 70 diverse activities. From historical tours to live performances, ChristmasVille captivates thousands and strengthens local bonds while honoring the legacy of artist Vernon Grant.
How ChristmasVille is Energizing Rock Hill SC’s Community
Discover the Holiday Spirit in the Heart of Old Town
Rock Hill, South Carolina, proudly embraces the holiday season with its renowned ChristmasVille festival, which has transformed into an independent nonprofit organization over recent years. This transition reflects not only the festival’s growth but also the community’s resilience and dedication to providing a vibrant holiday experience. The festival showcases the power of local initiative, highlighting how reduced bureaucracy can facilitate greater community engagement and participation.
Set in the picturesque backdrop of Old Town, ChristmasVille has become a hallmark of holiday festivities, captivating thousands annually with its diverse array of activities. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when local citizens and businesses come together to foster a sense of belonging during the festive season, sparking joy and participation among residents and visitors alike.
Festival Overview
ChristmasVille was held from December 4 to December 7, 2025, and has been transformed into a winter wonderland offering nearly 70 events and activities for all ages. From horse-drawn carriage rides to lively theater performances, and a real ice skating rink, the festival has something for everyone. Notably, the theme for this year was “A Legacy Made With Magic,” celebrating the beloved artwork of Rock Hill native Vernon Grant, known for creating the iconic Kellogg’s Rice Krispies characters.
Transition to Nonprofit Status
The evolution of ChristmasVille into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2024 was driven by its significant increase in attendance, which reached as many as 80,000 participants in recent years. This transition has granted the festival greater autonomy, allowing for the expansion of its programming and the introduction of new responsibilities in managing operations and securing funding independently, thereby eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Community Impact and Support
ChristmasVille has proven to be a significant driver of economic activity, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. In recognition of its importance, the state allocated $72,000 in funding for 2024, supporting the festival’s commitment to maintaining free access to many of its signature events. This financial backing underscores the collective investment in preserving the festival as a cherished annual tradition for both residents and visitors and exemplifies the community’s determination to keep the spirit of the festival alive.
Looking Ahead
As ChristmasVille marches into the future, its focus remains on celebrating the holiday magic while honoring the legacy of Vernon Grant. The festival not only fosters community togetherness but also showcases local talent and creativity. With a dedicated team of volunteers and community leaders, its continuing success is assured, enhancing Rock Hill’s reputation as a destination for festive celebrations.
FAQ
What is ChristmasVille?
ChristmasVille is Rock Hill’s annual holiday festival, featuring nearly 70 events and activities suitable for all ages, including horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours, strolling carolers, art exhibitions, theater performances, dance shows, music concerts, a gingerbread house contest, crafts, multiple Santa activities, and a real ice skating rink.
When is ChristmasVille held?
ChristmasVille 2025 was held from December 4 to December 7.
Who is Vernon Grant?
Vernon Grant was a Rock Hill native and the creator of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Snap! Crackle! and Pop! characters. His whimsical artwork serves as the inspiration for ChristmasVille’s theme, “A Legacy Made With Magic.”
How has ChristmasVille evolved over the years?
In 2024, ChristmasVille transitioned from being a city-run event to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization due to its significant growth and increased attendance. This change has provided the festival with greater autonomy and the ability to expand its offerings.
How does ChristmasVille impact the local community?
The festival draws visitors from across multiple states and countries, positively impacting the local community. In 2024, state funding of $72,000 was allocated to support the festival, enabling it to offer several signature events free of charge to the public. This funding has been instrumental in maintaining the festival’s accessibility and ensuring that it remains a cherished tradition for both residents and visitors.
Key Features of ChristmasVille 2025
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 4 to December 7, 2025 |
| Location | Old Town Rock Hill, South Carolina |
| Number of Events | Nearly 70 |
| Signature Events | Horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours, strolling carolers, art exhibitions, theater performances, dance shows, music concerts, gingerbread house contest, crafts, multiple Santa activities, real ice skating rink |
| Theme | “A Legacy Made With Magic” |
| Inspiration | Vernon Grant’s whimsical artwork |
| Transition to Nonprofit | In 2024, ChristmasVille became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| State Funding | $72,000 allocated in 2024 to support the festival |
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Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
