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 and Sunday, December 2 – 3, 2017.

On Saturday, 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.Holiday Market Vendors

Afterwards, eat lunch at one of the local cafes or chain establishments around town and visit the specialty shoppes 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 still being solicited. Download an application here.2017 BELTON CHRISTMAS PARADE

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.  A special opportunity to create a personalized plate autographed by your child’s fingerprints in whimsical patterns will be available for $10 per plate.  Mrs. Claus will also make her appearance and read a special story or two.

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.

Brunswick stew in limited quantities will be sold for $10 a pint, and Rebecca Bright will be offering chocolate cakes, chocolate-cherry cakes, vanilla or lemon pound cakes, brownies, and ham and cheese quiche to take home to add to your holiday meals.  For more information about museum events, please contact Abigail Burden, BAMA Executive Director, at 864-338-7400.

At 5:00 PM, Belton Alliance representatives will welcome the crowd  as all gather round the 20 foot tall live decorated Christmas tree.  Mayor Wendell Page 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.

And on Sunday, Dec. 3, prominent historic homes will be open for the community to tour.  Festooned with garland and beautiful Christmas decorations, these homes will be toured at your leisure from 3 PM – 6:30 PM, with a special stop at 5:30 PM for a concert of live music.  Guests are offered an opportunity to explore the private interiors of four amazing home at the Country Christmas Tour of Homes benefiting Belton Center for the Arts. Tours are self-guided, so you may visit the first three sites* in any order, but save the Potthoff house until last to enjoy live entertainment by Carlin Lusk. The homes vary in age, size and style.  Tickets are available in advance at Belton Center for the Arts and Gallery 313 on North Main Street in Anderson.

To get in the Holiday Spirit before you venture out on the tour… plan to Stop by our Holiday Market at Belton Center for the Arts from

2:00 – 4:00PM to shop for original and hand-crafted merchandise by local artists for the perfect Christmas gift.

*Tour Sites

Jeannette & Mike Shouse, 405 Brown Ave

Amber & Russ Tysl, 310 Brown Ave.

Linda & Vance Rogers, 130 West Rd

Margaret Potthuff, 110 West Rd

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 children, and must be purchased in advance.  Call 864-338-8556 for details.

Accommodations for the weekend are available at the Standpipe Inn.  Visit their website at http://www.standpipeinnbelton.com/ to check availability and rates.

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.