MAIN Christmas USA Christmas in South Carolina

A lovely mix of modern and old-fashioned traditions, the holidays in South Carolina include everything from Charleston's "big city - bright lights" extravaganza to a look back at 19th century Southern Christmas customs.

Take a look at major events kicking off the holiday season throughout the state ...

DID YOU KNOW? South Carolina Christmas fun facts

A snap! crackle! pop! Christmas in Rock Hill.

• Illustrator Vernon Grant was the creator of the famous Snap! Crackle! Pop! characters for Rice Krispies cereal, and later became a mover and shaker for all things fun and festive in Rock Hill, SC. Today, he is still honored at is adopted home with festive holiday decorations, santas, and gnomes at the annual Christmasville celebration.

• Cheery Christmas poinsettia plants are an American holiday tradition that can trace its roots back to Mexico. The plant was first brought to the US by Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, a 19th century US Ambassador to Mexico and botanist who first cultivated the plants in his native South Carolina. The popularity of the bright red, star-shaped leaves spread across South Carolina and later coast to coast. Today, it just isn't Christmas without a poinsettia.

• A White Christmas? In South Carolina? Folks still talk about the legendary snow storm of '89 that hit in the days before Christmas that blanketed the entire Southeast in snow. Myrtle Beach got 14" of the white flaky stuff while Charleston received 8".

More information about Christmas in SC around the Web:

Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights - Millions of lights are ablaze in a three-mile driving tour of almost 600 holiday displays, plus attractions along the way including Santa's Village, train rides, carousel rides and lots more.

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special - Check out the annual holiday spectacular in Myrtle Beach with information on this year's schedule, ticket purchase, preview photos and video.

Christmas at Middleton Place - Charleston's Middleton Place is all decked out for the holidays including exhibitions of 19th century Christmas traditions, carriage rides and tours of the museum.

Hollywild Animal Park Holiday Lights Safari - Check out this year's schedule for the annual drive-thru of dazzling Christmas lights, herds of wild animals and entry to the Enchanted Deer Forest in Wellford.

Saluda Shoals Park Holiday Lights on the River - Columbia comes alive in a blaze of sparkling light displays plus family-friendly fun including hayrides, craft activities, and visits with Santa.

Christmas Tree Farms in Southeastern South Carolina - Find precut and pick-your-own Christmas tree farms throughout the region with contact details, driving directions.