Christmas in Belton–A Child’s Wonderland

There’s nothing better than celebrating Christmas in a hometown setting, gathering with friends and family and participating in the traditions that make the holidays special.  To get you in that festive mood, the Belton Area Museum Association, the Belton Center for the Arts, the Belton Alliance, and the City of Belton cordially invite you to enjoy a variety of Christmas activities in Historic Belton, SC, on Saturday, December 7, 2019.

From 10 AM – 2 PM, stop by the Belton Center for the Arts Holiday Market, featuring over 30 vendors, to purchase one-of-a-kind, uniquely handmade gifts to whet the palate and give as special presents to your loved ones.

Afterwards, eat lunch at one of the local cafes or chain establishments around town and visit the specialty shops on the Square.

Then, mark out your street location for the old-fashioned Christmas Parade–complete with floats, marching bands, and entertainment from a variety of entries–starting at 3:30 PM on North Main Street, coursing through the historic downtown, and ending on South Main. Entries are being solicited. Contact Norma Hughes Smith at 864-915-5074 or pick up applications at City Hall.

After the parade, visitors are encouraged to celebrate a child’s Christmas at the Historic Belton Train Depot. Christmas crafts for the children, a visit and pictures with Santa at the “North Pole,” and cookies and cocoa await all attendees.   Mrs. Claus will also make her appearance and read a special story or two.

There will even be a playhouse sized gingerbread house for children to decorate with gumdrops, cookies, sprees, and icing.

And don’t forget to stop by BAMA’s Mini Christmas Shoppe from 3 – 6:30 to visit with vendors selling laser engraving, scarves, pocket books, snap jewelry, decorative glass items and homemade cards. Signed porcelain Christmas ornaments featuring images of the Historic Belton Train Depot and the Historic Standpipe painted by world-renowned artist Wayland Moore will be available for $15 each or if a BAMA member, 2 for $25.

For more information about museum events, please contact Abigail Burden, BAMA Executive Director, at 864-338-7400.

At 5:00 PM, City of Belton representatives will welcome the crowd as all gather round the 25 foot tall live decorated Christmas tree.  Mayor

Tiffany Ownbey accompanied by Belton’s City Council and City Administrator Alan Sims will officially begin the Christmas season with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Following, everyone will be enticed to catch the Christmas spirit as they enjoy a carol performance by the children’s choir from Marshall Primary School.

As nighttime falls, the city will be bathed in Christmas lights emanating from the trees on the square and from decorations on the lamp posts and historic buildings.  A picture-postcard view of this Christmas scene is a must-see for visitors.

Everyone is invited for these community activities that will help make new holiday memories and allow you to share the Christmas spirit with family, friends and loved ones.