Festival History
From its humble beginnings in 2006, ChristmasVille has blossomed into a beloved holiday treasure and a staple of our town. But its story truly begins a few years earlier, with a vision that found strong leadership from the very start. In 2004, the idea of creating a holiday festival inspired by the whimsical artistry of Vernon Grant began to take shape. At the heart of that vision was Candy Clapp, whose leadership within the City of Rock Hill helped bring the concept to life. Working closely with the Grant family and Mary Lynn Norton, and supported by community leaders like Allan Miller, then Chair of the Culture and Heritage Commission, Candy championed the idea from the very beginning—ensuring it moved from a promising concept to a defining tradition.
Combining Rock Hill’s community spirit and festive holiday joy makes our festival genuinely unique. The Main Streets of Old Town come alive as a picturesque holiday village and outdoor walking art festival. As you stroll through the enchanting streets filled with dazzling lights and joyful laughter, you become a part of a legacy that continues to spark imagination and create cherished memories for generations to come. Visitors of all ages can enjoy everything from holiday shopping in the Vendor Village and carriage rides to the gingerbread house contest and magical encounters with Santa Claus.
The Story of ChristmasVille
Step into a world of holiday magic, where twinkling lights, festive cheer, and timeless traditions bring Rock Hill, South Carolina, to life each winter. ChristmasVille isn’t just a festival—it’s a celebration of wonder and the artistic legacy of Vernon Grant, Rock Hill’s adopted son. Grant, a renowned children’s illustrator, is best known for creating Kellogg’s® beloved Snap!® Crackle!® Pop!® characters, whose whimsical charm continues to inspire the festival to this day.
Combining Rock Hill’s community spirit and festive holiday joy makes our festival genuinely unique. The Main Streets of Old Town come alive as a picturesque holiday village and outdoor walking art festival. As you stroll through the enchanting streets filled with dazzling lights and joyful laughter, you become a part of a legacy that continues to spark imagination and create cherished memories for generations to come. Visitors of all ages can enjoy everything from holiday shopping in the Vendor Village and carriage rides to the gingerbread house contest and magical encounters with Santa Claus.
The Evolution of ChristmasVille
The Founding Era
(2005 – 2006)
- The Conceptual Spark (2005): The festival was conceived with a mission to establish downtown Rock Hill as a regional tourism destination by celebrating the art of “adopted son” Vernon Grant.
- The Inaugural Kick-Off (December 1–4, 2005): The very first “Four-Day Kick-Off” was held.
- The First Parade (2005): The inaugural 2005 festival featured a Friday night holiday parade that quickly became a community favorite, with Vernon Grant’s children serving as Grand Marshals.
- A “Beloved Treasure” (2006): Following the successful 2005 launch, 2006 marked the year the festival began its journey as a blossomed, annual holiday treasure for the town.
Growth and Tradition
(2007 – 2017)
- Expanding the Canvas: In its early years, the festival focused on growth goals like adding new Vernon Grant images to the banner collection and increasing digital animation displays in storefronts.
- Community Partnerships: The festival solidified deep roots with partners like the City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism, and the Culture and Heritage Museums to keep the magic alive.
- The “Walking Art Festival”: Throughout this decade, the streets of Old Town were consistently transformed into a picturesque village featuring Grant’s signature gnomes and white-lit rooflines.
The Modern Era
(2018 – Present)
- Transition to Non-Profit (2018): After significant growth, ChristmasVille took on a “life of its own” and officially transitioned into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- Growth of Leadership (2023): To support the festival’s continued growth and coordination, the role of Executive Director was established as the organization’s only paid position.
- The Volunteer Legacy: The modern festival is sustained by the unwavering dedication of hundreds of volunteers and local business sponsorships.
- A Regional Destination (2026): Today, the festival remains a “heartwarming experience” that continues to draw visitors for holiday shopping in the Vendor Village, carriage rides, and gingerbread contests.
Community Awards & Recognitions
Thumbs Up Award
The Thumbs Up Award, established in 2012, recognizes exceptional behind-the-scenes support by an individual with at least ten years of involvement in ChristmasVille. This honor celebrates the long-term dedication and invaluable contributions that help make the festival a continued success.
Thumbs Up Award Recipients:
- 2012: Candy Clapp
- 2013: Mary Lynn Norton
- 2014: John Rinehart
- 2015: Jane Hayes and Allan Miller
- 2016: Debra Heintz
- 2017: Piedmont Medical Center
- 2018: Toy Rhea
- 2019: The Vernon Grant Family
- 2020: NA
- 2021: NA
- 2022: Gary & Peggy Williams Family
- 2023: Andrea Cooper
- 2024: Patti Panetti
- 2025: Culture & Heritage Museums and Visit York County
Gnome of the Year Award
The Gnome of the Year award honors individuals who embody the spirit of ChristmasVille through their enthusiasm, dedication, and festive spirit. Selected by the Festival Chair, this award celebrates those whose involvement and positive influence help make the festival a magical experience for all.
Gnome of the Year Recipients:
- 2006: Mary Lynn Norton
- 2007: Jane Hayes & Terry Windell
- 2008: Kim Brock & Sherry Long
- 2009: Santa Dave Jordan
- 2010: Frank Keel
- 2011: Lisa Blevins & Kelly Bivins
- 2012: Ron Russell & Jill Mikels
- 2013: Cindy & Chip Grant
- 2014: Patti Panetti
- 2015: Janice & Wayne Miller
- 2016: Brittney Ellis
- 2017: NA
- 2018: Bethany Neely & Donna Smarr
- 2019: Angie Perry
- 2020: NA
- 2021: Maddie Ewing
- 2022: Dan Cox
- 2023: Hope Prevette
- 2024: Terry Hagen
- 2025: Chloe Little and Sarah Lewis
Member of Southeast Festivals & Events Association + NC Festivals & Events
Event Photography
By attending ChristmasVille, you understand and agree that your photograph or image may be taken in any public place. You further grant permission and consent to ChristmasVille Rock Hill to use any such photograph, video, or image for any reasonable purpose, including promotion of the festival.