Our sister is really pretty. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Hey, Greenville. Or should we say “ciao.”
What do Greenville + Bergamo, Italy have in common? The two might seem completely unrelated, but they are actually Sister Cities.
Next year (aka 2025) marks the 40th anniversary of the Sister Cities program in Greenville, and we want to give you some history before we celebrate.
What’s a Sister City?
According to Sister Cities International, “A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement to become sister cities.”
Why is Bergamo our sister city?
Bergamo became Greenville’s first Sister City in 1985 + the city’s similar size and textile history made it a good fit for Greenville.
Stay tuned for more details on the 40th anniversary celebrations that will be happening in our city + our Sister City.
Kokedama Workshop | 6-7:15 p.m. | Sun and Soil Plant Parlor | $40 | Explore the world of Kokedama — a style of planting that originated in Japan.
Greenville Jazz Collective | 6:30-9 p.m. | Coffee Underground | $20 | Spend an evening listening to the sultry sounds of the Greenville Jazz Collective.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Literary Book Bingo | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | M. Judson Booksellers | Free entry | Come test your knowledge on all things literary for a chance to win a prize.
Carter Family Wine Dinner | 6:30-9 p.m. | Topsoil Kitchen and Market, Travelers Rest | $125 | Feast on a curated a five-course menu featuring fresh seasonal ingredients paired with Greenville’s own Carter Family Wines.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Santa’s Workshop | 5-8 p.m. | Shops at Greenridge | Free entry | Snap a photo with Santa, indulge in holiday treats, and enjoy performances from dancers + carolers.
“Misery” | Thursday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | The Warehouse Theatre | $35+ | Take a break from holiday shopping and catch this Stephen King novel-turned-play.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Winter WONDERLand at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate | 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Greenville | $13+ | From writing letters to Santa to making your very own reindeer food, this is the holiday event your family won’t want to miss.*
Conveniently located near The Commons, Swamp Rabbit Trail, and downtown, this 2.5-acre land parcel on Welborn and Oscar streets has exciting possibilities for multifamily developments (especially with its high walkability score). Two acres are usable, and a half-acre is made up of wetlands.
Have some ideas? Let us know what you’d like to see on this land.
And you thought he was never comin’ down. Keith Urban is bringing his High and Alive World Tour to Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Oct. 16. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
Plan Ahead
Right behind Christmas + Hanukkah is New Year’s Eve and Larkins Catering is hosting a NYE party at The L. Your $60 ticket gets you tunes from a DJ, small bites, craft drinks, and free parking. Snag your tickets.
Seasonal
Wondering where the big guy (aka Santa) is going to be this holiday season? Our friends at the Greenville News published Santa’s busy schedule. You can also track him on Christmas Eve with this official tracker.
Try This
Looking for an adrenaline rush this holiday season? TOWN put together a list of places to go snow tubing. Grab your boots, your mittens, and a cup of cocoa and head out.
History
Talk about historical — check out the finalists for our GVLtoday historical markers contest. Vote for your favorite historic location by Wednesday, Dec. 11 + be sure to read our newsletter on Friday, Dec. 13 to see which location you, our readers, determined should get the recognition it deserves.
Watch
In case you missed it, you can relive the Poinsettia Christmas Parade + take a peek at some festive photos. There’s always next year. (Greenville Journal)
Sports
North Greenville University’s head coach Jeff Farrington stepped down from his role and said “I have been blessed and honored to serve North Greenville University, administration, faculty, staff, football coaches, student-athletes, student body, and alumni the last 12 years as head football coach.” Offensive coordinator Donny Baker was named acting head coach. (Greenville Journal)
Pro Tip
Take the hassle out of holiday cooking by pre-ordering a feast without the fees. Yes, we’re talking about the tasty and convenient catering boxes from Lowes Foods. Think: Fried chicken, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and more. Customize your order.*
Plan Ahead
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Finance
6AM City COO Ryan Heafy here — we’re referring friends to American Express’s The Business Platinum Card®. Join the AMEX family + receive up to 150,000 member points.*
Category
Plan Ahead
Go go go grocery shopping
Grab a glass of wine while you’re at it. | Photo by Upstate Business Journal
We’ve all been there — running out of butter as you cook your holiday feast. Luckily, our friends at the Greenville News carefully curated this list of grocery stores that are open on Christmas + New Year’s so you don’t have to stress.
A meaningful gift that will surprise and delight: a hidden photo bracelet. Customize with the photo of your choice — the gift recipient can hold it up close to their eyes to see it, or project it on the wall with their phone’s flashlight.
How about a bonus event today, Greenville? My friends The Mill Town Players over in Pelzer are putting on a Christmas show that’s guaranteed to be a good time. I’m not much of a country music girl myself, but I know this cast is insanely talented and will knock your festive socks off.
“A Honky Tonk Christmas” | Thursday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Historic Pelzer Auditorium | $14+ | This original concert production will make your holiday season neon bright as local artists perform 29 country-inspired Christmas songs.
