On December 5th, Gaffney will kick off its annual Christmas activities. Events begin at 6pm with the annual parade followed by the downtown festival with inflatables, rides, vendors, meet & greet with Santa, shopping and much more! These festivities will last until 9pm. We are excited to announce that the award-winning Christmas Laser Light Show is back! The family-friendly laser shows include the latest musical hits, mind-blowing lasers and fantastic graphic effects. The weekend will be filled with fun for the whole family, all free admission! We welcome everyone to celebrate Christmas with us here in Gaffney!
Mayor's Tree Lighting
We’re starting the holiday takeover with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting! Join us at City Hall Park on Friday, December 5th at 5:30pm, just before the Christmas Parade begins. The Mayor (who is definitely not Santa or anything…) and a jolly crew of red suits will gather to flip the switch, filling downtown with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and maybe even a little mischief (Santas are known for that). Bring your family, your holiday spirit, and a good spot for the parade—because once the tree is lit, the night only gets brighter.
Christmas Parade
The Santas aren’t stopping at the tree—next comes the streets themselves! On Friday, December 5th at 6:00pm, downtown Gaffney will be overrun with holiday spirit as the Christmas Parade marches through town. Expect floats, music, lights, and plenty of red-suited mischief as Santa and his many lookalikes make their grand procession. The parade is the highlight of the Santas’ holiday takeover—one you won’t want to miss. Claim your spot along the route and prepare for a merry invasion!
Christmas Market
On Saturday, December 6th, the Santas are setting up camp at the Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery from 10am–1pm. But this isn’t just any mission—it’s a Christmas Market! Shoppers can expect local vendors, festive finds, sweet treats, and maybe even a few undercover elves blending in behind the booths. Join the crowd, find the perfect gift, and see how the Santas are spreading cheer right here in Gaffney.
Laser Lights at Jolly Park
Santas are lighting up the night with dazzling laser light shows at Jolly Park! For three magical nights—December 5th, 6th, and 7th from 6–10pm—the takeover goes full technicolor. Bright beams, festive music, and holiday magic will fill the park as Santas put their high-tech plans on display. Don’t just watch from a distance—come experience the glow yourself!
Event Directions
Directions to:
Jolly Park
102 Railroad Avenue
Gaffney, SC 29340
From Greenville/Spartanburg:
-Travel I-85N to SC-105S/Hyatt Street in Cherokee County. Take exit 90 from 1-85N. Continue straight on Hyatt street (2.6 miles). At the intersection, contiue straight onto Corry Street (0.4 miles). Turn left onto South Limestone Street and continue for 1.2 miles. Take a slight right onto Railroad Avenue. destination will be on the right.
From Charlotte, NC:
-Travel I-85S to W. Floyd Baker Blvd. in Cherokee County. Take exit 92 from 1-85N. Continue straight on W. Floyd Baker Blvd. (1.3 miles). Turn left on W. Frederick Street. Continue straight for 0.6 miles. Turn left onto N. Limestone Street and continue straight for 0.1 mile. Take a slight right onto Railroad Avenue. Destination will be on the right.