Inaugural Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival to Spread Holiday Cheer in City of Darlington on Dec. 7

DARLINGTON, S.C. (Nov. 4, 2024) – Community organizers in the City of Darlington have partnered to host the inaugural Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 – 6 p.m.

The Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association (DDRA), Darlington Rescue Squad, Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce and members of the organizations are spreading Christmas cheer to the residents and visitors of the City of Darlington this December with the inaugural Christmas-themed festival. By partnering and combining resources, attendees will enjoy an all-day holiday experience.

“The City of Darlington is going all out this December to celebrate the holiday season,” said City of Darlington Public & Community Affairs Director, Hunter Thomas. “With the City’s wonderful community organizations teaming up and focusing their efforts on celebrating Christmas, our residents will be treated to a memorable day in downtown Darlington. The City also encourages visitors from around the Pee Dee region and throughout the state to visit Darlington on Dec. 7 to take part in the special day.”

The Downtown Darlington Christmas Festival will kick off at 12 p.m. with the Sleigh Bell Market on the Square, hosted by the DDRA and City of Darlington. Food trucks and vendors will begin setting up at 10 a.m., and the event will last from 12 – 5 p.m. The Public Square will not be closed to traffic.

“We are excited to bring this new tradition to Downtown Darlington,” said Tamara Kirven. “With so many community partners coming together, we are creating a festive experience that celebrates local artisans, businesses, and the spirit of the season. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for a day full of holiday cheer!”

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will host the Jingle All The Way FUN RUN beginning at 2 p.m. The run, which is just over a mile in distance, will begin at Fitness World on Pearl St. and end on the Public Square. Participants of the Jingle All The Way FUN RUN are encouraged to dust off their ugly sweaters and grab their Santa hats. All runners will, of course, receive bells to wear so that they can jingle through Darlington. To enter, adults pay $20, and individuals 17-years-old and younger pay $15. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Amanda Boykin at information@DarlingtonChamber.com or by calling 843-307-9611.

“The Greater Darlington Chamber is proud to be part of this inaugural Festival celebrating Christmas in downtown Darlington,” said Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, Amanda Boykin. “We strive to participate in the communities we serve, and the Fun Run allows us to do that. We hope families from all over Darlington County will participate in this jingling good time.”

At 2:15 p.m., the Darlington Rescue Squad will host the annual Christmas Parade. The parade has been a long-standing tradition in Darlington, and this year, it will once again begin at Fitness World and end at the corner of Cashua St. and Columbian St. The parade will feature a large array of participants and is sure to spread holiday cheer to spectators.

“The Darlington Rescue Squad is thrilled to continue the cherished tradition of hosting the annual Christmas Parade,” said Darlington Rescue Squad Treasurer, Anna DeWitt. “We’ve dreamed of expanding this event for years, thanks to the dedication of our partners and the enthusiasm of our community, we are bringing that dream to life.”

Families will have an opportunity to take photos with Santa in Wells Park from 6 – 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to visit the park, which will be lit with an estimated 20,000 feet of 80,000-plus lights, along with additional holiday decorations.

For more information on the City of Darlington, please visit cityofdarlington.com or call 843-398-4000.