As you drive around Alta Vista admiring the historic homes decked for the holidays, it isn’t every day you have a chance to step inside. Homes for the Holiday, a fundraiser for Hispanic Alliance, opened six homes with festive music, cozy cocktails, and indulgent bites. What we saw were trends from our Pinterest boards come to life.
All things burgundy
“It’s richer, moodier, and more timeless,” Charleston designer Megan Molten told Southern Living. “It brings this sense of vintage luxury that feels so right for the holidays.”
Keep it simple
Sometimes, less is more. | Photo by GVLtoday
“A big trend this year are garlands, trees, and greenery that are simple and can transition throughout fall, winter, and the holiday season,” seasonal decor expert Shelby Waag said in Better Homes & Gardens.
Jewel tones
It’s not just burgundy, though — deep blues and greens are also trending. | Photo by GVLtoday
“Last year, minimalism was in,” said rose farmer Tyler Francis in ELLE. “This year, designers are leaning towards an opulent color palette in jewel tones.”
Catch this blockbuster exhibition before it’s gone
Presented by South Carolina State Museum
Created by The Walt Disney Archives, the exhibition includes costumes from the film “Mary Poppins Returns” and many more. | Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum
No pressure,but you’d better hurry, because the exhibition closes Sunday, Jan. 4. And now through Tuesday, Dec. 23, visitors can snag $10 off tickets with code HOLIDAYEM.
Pizza Parcheggio — aka “Greenville’s underground pizza” — has a new location at 2038 Laurens Rd. (near Parkins Mill). The biggest update about the new space? You can order and eat on site, or you can still order online and pick up as usual.
Coming Soon
Shake Shack appears to be eyeing Greenville. The New York–based chain recently posted a job listing for a general manager at a future location near Woodruff Road, signaling a possible second SC restaurant (the first is in the Lowcountry), but there’s no formal announcement yet. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Seasonal
Main Street is glowing with holiday cheer. Have you strolled the festive window displays and voted for the business that sleighs their decor?
List
Greenville keeps landing on national lists, and local influencers are helping fuel the buzz. From food and festivals to outdoor adventures, creators and digital storytellers are amplifying what visitors and future residents can experience across the Upstate. Here are 10 to follow. (Greenville News)
Edu
Greenville Technical College celebrated the topping out of its Brashier Campus Center for Welding and Automation Excellence last week. The 44,000-sqft facility will expand welding and robotics training when it opens in fall 2026. (Greenville Journal)
Legacy
Former South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Steve Taneyhill has died at 52. A Gamecock standout from 1992 to 1995, he led USC to its first bowl win and remains the program’s all-time leader in career completions and passing touchdowns.
Community
Need a place to work during renovations or a build-out — or simply want extra flexibility as you move into 2026? Endeavor Workspaces has you covered. Introducing Endeavor’s new short-term private office plans. Enjoy 24/7 access, move-in-ready space, downtown views and more — all without the long-term commitment. Learn more.*
Shop
Reedy Rides is gearing up for its big move with an exciting end-of-year clearance sale. Shoppers can score major deals on bikes, e-bikes, and Greenville-inspired gifts perfect for the holidays. It’s the perfect time to grab something special. Visit the shop at 50 S Richardson St.*
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits are distributing thousands of stuffed toys to nonprofits across our city after fans threw them on the ice at the annual “Teddy Bear Toss” game on Saturday night.
There were 7,796 fans in the crowd, and — I can say from standing on the ice — it felt like I was standing in a snow globe of stuffed animals.
Add some fun and laughter to holiday gatherings with a few of our favorite card and board games. We love these five:
🎲 Put your drawing skills to the test in Telestrations — perfect for 4-8 players.
🎲 The award-winning game Flip 7 is self proclaimed “the greatest card game of all time.”
🎲 Shut the Box is an easy-to-play dice game for up to six players.
🎲 Perfect for parties, Ransom Notes will have your entire crew belly laughing.
🎲 Connect words with colors in an engaging game of Hues and Cues.
