The holidays are a time to have fun and make memories with the people you love, and there is no better place to do that than Oconee County! Spend the afternoon finding gifts in local shops, stop for dinner and stick around to see the Christmas lights. It’s an easy day trip with family or friends, but there’s plenty of reason to stay for the weekend!
Start in downtown Seneca with an afternoon of shopping before staying for the holiday light show that evening. If you want to linger a little longer, make a weekend of it and head to downtown Walhalla the next day. Browse the local shops and warm up with hot cocoa before ending your evening with Christmas lights at Oconee State Park.
Day One: Shop Seneca and Stay for the Lights
Start your holiday getaway with a little shopping in downtown Seneca. First stop? Green Springs, where you might check a few names off your Christmas list and find something for yourself, too. Browse locally handmade gifts and home decor, or pick out a Jellycat that is sure to get a happy reaction on Christmas morning.
Give yourself time to wander. You never know when you’ll spot something and think, “That is so them!”
Keep the shopping going at Dear Rosie Boutique, with clothing for women and men. Find a gift for someone you love or try on something for that holiday party coming up. A little “one for you, one for me” shopping is perfectly acceptable.
An Evening Under the Lights
As daylight fades, stay downtown for Seneca’s holiday light show. The display begins November 30 and continues through early January, giving you plenty of opportunities to plan a shopping trip around an evening of lights.
Enjoy the glow of downtown and spend a little more time together before heading home. It is an easy way to turn Christmas shopping into a holiday tradition of its own.
More information about the Seneca Holiday Light Show and other Holiday related events can be found on our events page!
Day Two: Shop Walhalla and Visit Oconee State Park
The next morning, head to downtown Walhalla to keep the holiday fun going. Stop into Sunni Ann Mercantile Co. for clothing and more, and see what catches your eye. There may still be someone on your gift list, or a little something you wish you’d picked up yesterday.
Take your time wandering downtown and popping into local shops along the way. Each stop is a chance to find something special while supporting the people who make Walhalla feel like Walhalla.
Give Back While You Shop
In September, downtown Walhalla experienced a devastating fire that affected multiple local businesses. These businesses have been part of our community for years, and we want to help our neighbors as they recover and rebuild.
As you plan your holiday giving, consider donating to the Walhalla Fire Support Fund. You can give online or in person at any Blue Ridge Bank location. Your support is a meaningful way to share a little extra care with our community this season.
Take a Break Downtown
When you are ready for lunch, settle in at Stumphaus Taproom. Give yourself a chance to rest your feet and enjoy a meal together before continuing your outing.
Then stop by Mountain Mocha for a cup of hot cocoa. A warm drink is a welcome treat on a chilly afternoon and a sweet way to finish your time downtown before heading toward the park.
End the Evening at Oconee State Park
Finish your day with the Holiday Light Show at Oconee State Park, running December 1 through January 10.
The drive through display along the park’s lake loop campground offers a festive ending to your Walhalla outing. Turn on some Christmas music and enjoy the lights together after an afternoon spent finding gifts and supporting local businesses.
Visit the park’s website for details to help plan your visit!
Enjoy the Holidays in Oconee
Make time for a little holiday fun in Oconee! Bring a friend or make it a family getaway, and spend two days enjoying Seneca and Walhalla at your own pace. Find a few gifts in local shops, then warm up with hot cocoa before heading out to see the Christmas lights. Whether you’re returning to a favorite tradition or starting a new one, there’s plenty of Christmas cheer to share with your favorite people!
