Fort Mill Christmas Tree Lighting & 79th Annual Christmas Parade

About this adventure

The Town of Fort Mill, just south of the state line in York County, hosts a pair of beloved holiday traditions celebrating small-town Carolina warmth. On Thursday evening, families gather at the historic Main Street Bandstand for the annual Lighting of the Town Tree, featuring carols sung by local elementary and middle school choruses, handbell choirs, complimentary hot chocolate, and the grand illumination of the municipal tree by Santa and the Town Council. On Saturday morning, Main Street comes alive with the 79th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade, featuring classic convertibles, marching bands, equestrian groups, fire engines, dance troupes, and Santa tossing festive treats to children lining the route. Downtown Fort Mill is closed to vehicular traffic during both events, providing expansive, safe pedestrian areas where families can spread out blankets and push strollers with ease. Free public parking is available in municipal lots behind Main Street and at Walter Y. Elisha Park. Public restrooms with diaper-changing stations are accessible at the Fort Mill Town Hall and Bandstand Pavilion.