2nd Annual Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival to Spread Holiday Cheer

Community organizers in the City of Darlington will host the 2nd Annual Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. – 8p.m.
The City of Darlington, Darlington County Economic Development, Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum, Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association (DDRA), Darlington Farmers Market, Darlington Raceway, Darlington Rescue Squad and Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce are collaborating for the second consecutive year to host an all-day holiday-themed event, full of activities to spread holiday cheer in the Pearl of the Pee Dee. “This year, the Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival will be even bigger and better,” said City of Darlington Public & Community Affairs Director, Hunter Thomas. “There are going to be activities for all ages throughout the entire day. In addition to the Darlington Farmers Market, Christmas Parade and Festival, a concert and a Christmas movie will close out the evening.”
On Friday, Dec. 5, the day prior to the Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival, the City of Darlington will host Photos with Santa in Wells Park from 6 – 8 p.m. Wells Park will be illuminated with more than 80,000 Christmas lights as Santa and maybe even a few of his friends stop by for a photo-op.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the day will kick off with the Darlington Farmers Market beginning at 10 a.m. The Darlington Farmers Market is housed at 103 Pearl St. just off the Public Square, and throughout the morning and early afternoon, local vendors will sell baked goods, produce and homemade crafts. The Darlington Farmers Market will stay open until 2 p.m. “The Darlington Farmers Market is excited to be a part of the Darlington Christmas Festival,” said Darlington Farmers Market Director, Candace Gleason. “This event brings our community together in such a special way, and we are proud to showcase our local vendors and holiday spirit as part of the celebration.”
The Festival on the Public Square will begin at 12 p.m., and it will feature food trucks, games, cooking competitions, vendors and more.
"Holiday magic is coming to the streets of Darlington,” said Darlington County Economic Development Director, Stephanie Shaw. “We are excited to partner with so many local vendors and organizations to make a magical evening of fun and fellowship for all ages.”
The Darlington Rescue Squad’s annual Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. The parade, which is a long-standing tradition in the City of Darlington, will leave Fitness Worldwide Gyms on Pearl St., make its way through the Public Square and end on the corner at Cashua St. and Columbian St. Participants will toss freebies and candy to attendees who line the street.
“The Darlington Rescue Squad is proud to once again sponsor the annual Darlington Christmas Parade, one of the highlights of the Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival,” said parade organizer, Anna Dewitt. “This long-standing tradition brings joy and holiday spirit to our community, and we are excited to celebrate the season with our friends, families, and neighbors.”
Following the parade, the Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival continues into the evening. There will be live music on the Public Square and a Christmas movie showing outside the Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum, located at 204 Hewitt St.
To become a sponsor or vendor on the Public Square during the Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival, email wilgrowyourbusiness@gmail.com or call 843-615-1625. To learn more about becoming a vendor at the Darlington Farmers Market, call 843-206-1970. To participate in the Darlington Christmas Parade, call 843-616-2629.
For more information on the City of Darlington, please visit cityofdarlington.com or call 843-398-4000.